Positive Directions Trust (PDT) will be running the New Brighton Guardians/Ambassador project again from 1st October 2023 to early-March 2024.
The Guardians unit was established post-quakes in the New Brighton mall area for 3 years involving 2 guardians/ambassadors ‘patrolling’ in a community support capacity to help create a safe zone for the community to go about their business in relative security.
After discussions with key stakeholders and with lobbying from the Coastal Councillor Celeste Donovan and financial support from the Christchurch City Council, the Positive Directions Trust felt it might be an opportune time to re-establish the Guardians concept during the summer months.
It is proposed a team of 2 security trained guardians/ambassadors will be situated in the mall area, every Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm offering a friendly face and local information to the community.
PDT will also have their mobile unit (mobile home) stationed at various places too for the Guardians to have a central location.
Although the role of the Guardians is to offer assurance and “a presence”, it is also intended incidences of crime, intimidation and/or aggressive behaviour will decrease as experienced in the past.
For at least the first week or 2 of their deployment, the new guardians will engage in a community engagement process with local businesses, social organisations, schools and churches.
Positive Directions Phil Tikao General Manager says the team is not here in a traditional security capacity as such, but may from time to time be called upon to help de-escalate and calm potential conflict situations.
In the meantime, he welcomes any questions, comments or thoughts and to out for the team in the very near future.
Web: www.pdt.org.nz
165 Seaview Road, New Brighton
PO Box 13866, Christchurch
Cell: 027 436 7059
Email: info@pdt.org.nz
Web: www.pdt.org.nz