The team at Whakatāne Neighbourhood Support has been recognised at national level for their work in the community.

Jane Fox and Nancy Anderson received the award for innovation in community support at the Neighbourhood Support New Zealand conference in Wellington recently.

The award recognised the Whakatāne team for delivering creative and meaningful initiatives that embody the spirit of the organisation, while bringing lasting value to community.

It was an unexpected accolade for the local team, who attended the two-day conference last month to learn, be inspired and connect with others doing similar work around the country.

While both women said the award was a pleasant surprise, their work in Whakatāne was not driven by aspirations to win awards, nor to compare themselves to other Neighbourhood Support branches.

“We’re just focusing on what we’re doing, rather than watching everybody else,” Mrs Anderson said.

“I think a winning formula for us was that we just got on and did the mahi, kept the comms up.”

Mrs Anderson said communication and relationships were key to being successful in their work.

They frequently update their social media channels, have a weekly email newsletter and get involved with events happening in their area including the recent Emergency Services Open Day, which they were on the planning team for.

In the past couple of years, the local branch has also revitalised the annual Coffee with a Cop events, introducing a youth element this year, and worked with local firefighters to co-ordinate free fire safety home visits.

They have an ongoing relationship with St John to deliver the 3 Steps for Life programme locally, and last year offered free anti-theft screws to keep number plates secure, alongside Bunnings, Community Patrol and police.

The Safer Plates event will be held again next week from 9am-12pm, Wednesday, outside Bunnings.

“Anything that comes along that enhances the wellbeing of our community, we run with it,” Ms Fox said.

“Connecting neighbours is also so important, because they are there for you 24/7. We are always wanting to set up new neighbourhood support groups.

“If Nancy and I could set up every street and road across town and rurally, our job would be done.”

The conference in Wellington– complete with guest speakers, panel discussions, workshops and networking – has given the team plenty of inspiration for ways they can expand their support in Whakatāne.

They said they would be hitting the ground running in the new year, but it was a little too early to make their plans public.

“Watch this space,” Ms Fox said.

Anyone wanting to speak to Whakatāne Neighbourhood Support is encouraged to pop by their office on Victoria Avenue or give them a call.