Community expresses thanks

In a show of support and encouragement, members of the New Life Church in Manurewa recently braved dreadful weather conditions to visit their local Police to thank officers for their work.

Nearly 40 members of the congregation, and local Councillor Daniel Newman, expressed their support for the Area Commander, Inspector Alan Shearer, and his staff in response to recent events which attracted negative publicity about life in the area.

Head of the congregation, Pastor Lui Ponifasio, told Police the community was proud to be protected by Manurewa officers and police officers should be recognised for putting their lives at risk every time they went out on patrol. He presented Inspector Shearer with a framed certificate of appreciation on behalf of his congregation.

In response, Alan thanked everybody for their support at a time when there was much publicity surrounding Manurewa. He added that he believed the support shown was an indication of the true feelings of the majority of people who his officers policed, and he was proud to be associated with the Manurewa community.

Everybody shared a prayer for the community to conclude the celebration.

“In light of recent events here in Manurewa, it was a very touching and humbling experience,” says Senior Sergeant Steve Kehoe, Response Manager, Manukau Central. Steve says the Manurewa Police Youth Action Team is working hard with the community to maintain the reduction in crime achieved over the past year.

Some of the successful projects involving the Youth Action Team and community constables – working closely with local WINZ staff – include driver training and employment initiatives.