Fuel boost for community patrol

Gull Fuel NZ and Gull Matakana have come to the aid of the Rodney North Community Patrol, donating $1000 worth of fuel vouchers.

Gull Matakana owner Gay Smith says her business has been broken into on several occasions, so she welcomes the patrol’s presence in the community.

“Anything we can do to deter potential break-ins and burglaries is to be encouraged,” she says. “The patrol is a real asset in our community.”

The patrol, which covers Warkworth, the Mahurangi Peninsula, Puhoi, Wellsford, Matakana, Omaha and Point Wells, is keen to recruit new members to assist with its Friday and Saturday patrols.

The group currently has 18 patrollers, but co-leader Sue Foakes says ideally, they need around 24.

Patrollers are only required to have a clean police record and a current driver’s licence, as training is provided.

Patrols are four hours long, but patrollers also assist police outside these hours when required and help at community events such as the Kowhai Festival.

While most of the patrollers are aged from 40 to 80 years, Foakes says there is no age limit.

“We would welcome younger members who can commit to a four-hour patrol once a month.

“We act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the police and the high visibility of the car is all about keeping our communities safe.”

Foakes says the patrol is very grateful for Gull’s support, as fuel is one of its main costs.

To find out more, contact Sue on 021 1104 230