Services Showcase Safety Brings Community Together in Te Puke

Te Puke residents gathered last Saturday for the Sirens and Service Kohai Ice Cream day, organised by Neighbourhood Support to help the community learn about safety resources and emergency services available locally. The event brought together multiple emergency providers and stallholders including Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade, St John Ambulance, Maketū Coastguard, Community Patrols NZ, SPCA, Land Search and Rescue, and Family Works.

Organiser Rebecca Larsen said the event aimed to highlight the services available and build stronger, well-supported communities. "It's also about bringing those organisations together so they can connect with each other and connect with the community. These are the people who are the heart of the community." The event was the last of five held across the Western Bay of Plenty, with between 200 and 300 people attending the Te Puke session.

Te Puke Scouts held a fundraising sausage sizzle that sold out and raised $400. Fire Brigade co-ordinator Colleen Pye said she was thrilled with the feedback from visitors and exhibitors. Larsen hopes funding can be found to offer a similar expo in the future.

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.