Te Puke’s Community Shines: Sirens and Services Day Lights Up the Town!

Today, Te Puke literally lit up with excitement as the “Sirens and Services Koha Ice Cream Day” unfolded at the Te Puke War Memorial Hall. The sounds of sirens filled the air, and Mr Whippy was scooping delicious ice cream as the community turned out in force for a truly memorable day dedicated to community safety and connection.

A Day of Action, Learning, and Generosity

It was an action-packed day of safety, learning, and vital connection with all our first responders on deck. Local Fire and Emergency NZ, Police, St John Ambulance, Maketu Coastguard, CPNZ Te Puke, and LandSAR (including their incredible search and rescue dog!) were all there. They engaged directly with the community, offering invaluable safety tips, answering curious questions, and allowing attendees to explore their vehicles and equipment.

The community’s generosity was truly heartwarming. A massive thank you to everyone who brought along a food item to support The Hub Te Puke – your contributions will go a long way in assisting local families.

Sweet Treats and Strong Networks

The event was made even sweeter by our generous sponsors! A huge shout-out to Trevelyan’s Pack and Cool Ltd for sponsoring those delicious Mr Whippy ice creams, a real treat that everyone enjoyed. And thanks to Kiwi Fresh Meats for sponsoring the sausages, which were a perfect warm bite on a winter’s day!

This fantastic day was also a significant milestone for Colleen Pye, Te Puke’s Neighbourhood Support area coordinator. We extend a special thanks to Colleen for hosting her first event with such success and for tirelessly building strong local networks for safety and support within our community.

Local Leadership and Community Vision

This event was another triumph for Rebecca Larsen and the dedicated Western Bay of Plenty Neighbourhood Support team. Their tireless efforts in organizing and promoting such initiatives are the backbone of our vibrant community. We were also grateful for the support of Western Bay of Plenty District Council Mayor James Denyer, Deputy Mayor John Scrimgeour, and Councillor Grant Dally, along with Todd McClay MP, all showing their commitment to local well-being.

We were thrilled to have the Vector Group Charitable Trust on hand, expertly capturing every smile, every handshake, and every learning moment with their comprehensive photography and video coverage. Their support ensured that the positive impact of days like today will be beautifully preserved and shared.

Building a Stronger, Safer Te Puke, Together

The “Sirens and Services Koha Ice Cream Day” reinforces a crucial message: community safety is a shared responsibility, and together we’re building stronger, safer and more connected communities. By bringing together residents and the services that protect us, we strengthen the bonds that make Te Puke such a special place to live. It’s about knowing your neighbours, understanding local risks, and having direct access to the people and organisations that are here to help.