North Harbour’s 72-year-old community patrol leader nominated for award
A 72-year-old woman who leads a community patrol on the North Shore is being commended for her work in the community.
Jane Hunter has been a part of the North Habour Community Patrol for 14 years, serving as the eyes and ears of the police.
Hunter is a finalist in the Westfield Local Hero community grants competition, which recognised and promotes community role models.
“I felt very honoured to be put forward by the North Harbour community as a local hero,” Hunter said.
“That in itself is a huge tick for the time that I’ve spent with the patrol.”
North Harbour Community Patrol monitors 30 suburbs, and is currently in “desperate” need of volunteers.
“We only have one vehicle. If I’m announced as the winner, we’ll have sufficient money to be able to get a second vehicle,” Hunter said.
The winner of the competition is decided by a vote, and will receive a grant of $10,000.
Hunter said a big part of the community patrol was maintaining a visible presence, so that locals know that there are people looking out for them.
“We monitor for stolen vehicles and people who are of interest to the police,” she said.
“We also help with search and rescues, and do public events for the police.”
Westfield Local Heroes is in its third iteration with 126 grants on offer across New Zealand and Australia.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
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Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes program
Know someone in your community who is driving positive change?
Westfield is inviting you to nominate your local hero online.
The successful hero for each New Zealand Westfield destination will be awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, and each finalist will receive a $5,000 grant for their organisation or group.
Find out more about the program and nominate your Local Hero now
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