Police have been helping Northland iwi to deliver food packages during Covid-19 restrictions, they say.
A police vehicle packed with food boxes in Maungaturoro - Senior Constable Llew Smart has been handing out food boxes in his area along with messages of support and help with information where required. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Far North area commander Inspector Riki Whiu said police started working with far north Iwi in Te Hiku on the concept of Nga Pou Kōrero, a combined Iwi and Police-led education and help campaign, which had been expanded to a district reassurance support initiative.
"This post-Covid-19 reassurance campaign is mainly focussed on vulnerable whanau living in isolated areas within Te Aupouri, Ngati Kuri, Ngati Kahu, Ngai Takoto, Te Rarawa, Ngapuhi, Ngati Hine, Ngati Whatua, Te Roroa, Ngati Wai and many others within our surrounding areas in Te Tai Tokerau. We've not only delivered food boxes in the areas collaborating with northern Iwi, but we are at 'checkpoints', making sure people are okay, that they have the information they need to cope during this lockdown," Whiu said.
"It's not the usual concept of a police checkpoint, where we ask people what they are doing and where they are going - it's more than that. There is kōrero around getting tested and vaccinations and presence at local stores or numbers allowed at gathering areas."
Police were also sharing information about family harm and other abuse prevention messages, Whiu said.
"The teams are offering reassurance to whanau, assessing if any support is needed and building positive relationships"
Teams from the initiative had also been making contact with people in the more remote areas of the far north.
Senior Sergeant Sarah Hewitt-Wihongi, who managed teams working on the front line, said "The benefit and mana that whakapapa brings for our kaimahi to make the connections in our smaller isolated communities is invaluable.
"This is a great opportunity to get in and connect with our people, check their welfare and build and strengthen partnerships".