Neighbourhood Support Waitakere approved for longer term funding

Neighbourhood Support Waitakere has been awarded a two-year funding agreement by Waitakere City Council in recognition of its valuable contribution to community safety. 

The $35,000 agreement will run until 30 June 2011, subject to the negotiation of a service agreement and associated work programme with the council.

Neighbourhood Support Waitakere funding was previously allocated on an annual basis, which hampered its ability to make long-term plans and reduced opportunities to secure additional funding from other sources.

Established in July 2007 with council funding assistance, Neighbourhood Support Waitakere is a not-for-profit organisation that encourages neighbours to connect with each other to improve community safety and grow community responsibility and pride. It has approximately 4,000 members citywide and works closely with a number of council departments, as well as community organisations such as the EcoMatters Environment Trust and Waitakere Tag Out Trust.

It recently completed a 12-month graffiti education programme in Massey and Ranui primary schools, funded by the Ministry of Justice.

LTCCP and Annual Plan Committee chair, Councillor Janet Clews, says Neighbourhood Support Waitakere was a prime candidate for long term funding approval.

“Neighbourhood Support plays a pivotal role in connecting with community groups across Waitakere and promoting and supporting local safety initiatives,” she says.

“Longer term funding will now help them to spend more time on future planning and delivering services that benefit the community.”

Chair of Neighbourhood Support Waitakere, Georgia Ball, says the group is grateful for the funding approval and the council’s faith in its ability to deliver for local residents.

“Funding will see sustainability built into the organisation so that it can continue to bring the community of Waitakere together,” she says.

If you are considering becoming a member of Neighbourhood Support Waitakere or you are an existing member who has yet to make contact with the city coordinator, please call 09 834 5815 or e-mail neighbourhoodsupportwaitakere@gmail.com.