This week’s column will be my last for a while as I am taking up a development opportunity in Hamilton for six months. At the time of writing it is unclear who will be taking over my role.
Ryan Fleming watches as Christmas hampers are delivered.
I will be returning to Te Awamutu at the end of my secondment.
This is the first time I have worked away from Te Awamutu since I moved here in 2014 so policing in the city will be a big change. During my tenure as the community constable I have formed some fantastic relationships which I value and will miss while away.
Being the community constable is a privileged position as most of my work is surrounded in positivity rather than every job being someone’s worst day as it can be on frontline.
I will especially miss out on assisting Operation Christmas Hampers this year. Although I withdrew from the planning committee this year I know how hard they have been working behind the scenes. My favourite part of the year is always the chaos that is the packing and delivering of the hampers.
Thank you to everyone who tells me they read my column. I appreciate you and I look forward to returning in six months with some new skills.
Ryan Fleming helped organise the community initiative. Photo: Benjamin Wilson
There to help: Ryan Fleming pictured with members and supporters of the Anti-P ministry who set up a desk in Alexandra Street every Wednesday. They are, from left, Tim Varey Paula Woolford, Ange Holt and Donna Stanley .
More than 300 Christmas hampers were given out in 2020.
