Over 30 years ago, disturbing levels of crime, at a time when Police constables were no longer resident in Martinborough, prompted a group of concerned citizens to form the Martinborough Community Patrol. The Patrol came to be formally affiliated with the national body, Community Patrols of New Zealand (which formed in 2002), and is governed by a committee.
Radio New Zealand recently broadcast an interview with CPNZ President Chris Lawton: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019037511/community-call-out-for-patrol-volunteers.
Community Patrols contribute to prevention of crime and enhancement of community safety through trained volunteers equipped with our patrol vehicle and necessary equipment. Besides its committee, each Community Patrol is managed by a Coordinator and has a Police Liaison Office attached.
At the Martinborough Community Patrol’s 2026 AGM in May, Claire Fleming stood down as Coordinator, thankfully remaining as a patroller. Kim Brailey has stepped into the important Co-Ordinator role.
Claire joined the Martinborough Community Patrol in November 2019, and took over as Coordinator the following year. She has led the Patrol with the highest degree of professionalism and efficiency, and overseen the steady rebuilding of patroller numbers. Importantly, Claire has built and maintained an excellent relationship with district Police.
