If you’re 18 or older and looking for a way to get involved, make new friends, and help your community, Mount Maunganui Community Patrol wants you.

“We’re looking to grow our team,” recent recruit Brigitte Mouat said.

“We’ve got eight volunteers now, but ideally, we would like about 28 to cover all the shifts that we would like to do. It’s such a great thing to do, and I’m absolutely loving it.”

Brigitte, who used to be a social worker, said the patrol isn’t just about driving around in a car “snooping”.

“We’re out there helping people, looking out for our community, and working closely with the police. And it’s flexible – you can do a few hours a week, a weekend night shift, or even just once a month. Anyone over 18 can join.”

The patrol covers the Mount Maunganui area from Tauranga Bridge Marina to Pilot Bay, including Arataki, Matapihi, and the industrial areas. Volunteers operate in pairs, using a fully equipped, sign-written patrol vehicle to report anything unusual to the police – whether it’s a missing person, a vehicle incident, or suspicious activity.

Social too

“Being part of the patrol is social, too,” Mouat said. “We walk through Bayfair and along Mount Main Street, meet shop owners, chat with locals.”

Mount Maunganui Community Constable Mark Sanders said the patrol kicked back into gear in April thanks to support from Ron Judd and Debbie Youngman from the Pāpāmoa-based community patrol.

“The patrol empowers locals to help NZ Police in preventing crime and reducing harm through an active presence in the community,” Sanders said.

“Patrollers are the eyes and ears of police. It’s flexible, rewarding, and gives you real experience. Some young people even use it as a stepping stone to a career in policing through our Patrol-to-Police (P2P) programme.”

Training provided

Training is provided, and all volunteers are vetted and guided by experienced patrollers. Duties are flexible: patrols typically last about 3.5 hours, day or night, and volunteers are free to swap shifts or adjust schedules as needed.

Career pathway

“You can commit as much or as little as you like,” Sanders said.

“Even two hours a couple of times a month makes a difference. And for anyone who wants to go further, there’s a career pathway into the police too.”

If you’re ready to help keep the Mount safe, make a difference, and join a supportive, community-minded team, Mount Maunganui Community Patrol would love to hear from you.

Email: mountmaunganui@cpnz.org.nz to find out more and get started.