JNS MEDIA RELEASE

Masterton Safe and Healthy Community Council announces the launch of Wairarapa Junior Neighbourhood Support.

The aim of Junior Neighbourhood Support is to promote a sense of pride, safety and community spirit in children, their schools and their wider community.

The new initiative commencing with Lakeview and Masterton Primary Schools, rewards and recognises primary and intermediate school students who have completed an activity at their school, home or in their community that contributes to the aim of the project.

Examples of the activity areas include: bike safety, preventing bullying, school or street clean ups, reducing school gate congestion, reporting graffiti, awareness/assistance with fire/police services, encouraging their families to participate in Neighbourhood Support, helping a neighbour, evacuation plans etc. Family values of being polite towards others by using manners and taking initiative can be recognised, we want to encourage positive behaviour.

Children performing any of these ‘safety activities’ can be nominated by school teachers, principals, community members such as local business’s and the general public; for a recognition award and prize pack in their school assembly.

Outstanding nominations will be entered into an achiever of the year JNS prize- giving to be held at the end of each year, where the young person will receive further awards and prizes.

Nomination boxes and forms can be located at your local Community Centre, District Council, Genesis Recreation Centre, Lakeview Primary School, Masterton Primary School or on our website; mshcc.org.nz.

JNS Coordinator, Sarah Taylor-Waitere said “There are further locations coming so look out and help these kids make it count!”

JNS is endorsed by Neighborhood Support New Zealand.

Ms Taylor-Waitere hopes to continue building networks with further Wairarapa schools and interested Principals can contact her on 3788900.