As dusk fell and the sun was setting, Te Kia Ora Marae came alive with the joyful chaos of tamariki, pumping music and community connection.
Waitematā Senior Constable Deb Brewer one night imagined lighting up her marae carpark with flashing road flare lights and cones, and unleashing tamariki on bikes.
She set about putting the wheels in motion and on Saturday evening, 20 September, her rural Kaipara marae hosted Pahikara ki te Pā – a whānau-friendly, fun-filled event, aimed at creating a safer, stronger and more connected community.
With the enthusiastic support of Te Ara Haepapa Auckland Transport, who put on a sausage sizzle, brought giveaways and equipment, the event quickly grew.
Police colleagues, Māori Wardens, Big Foot Adventures (who supplied bikes and helmets) and local community groups all joined in. The North Shore Māori Wardens managed traffic, and the car park was transformed into a safe, illuminated playground for tamariki of all ages.
“There were seven tamariki who couldn’t ride a bike before this evening. Three hours later, they were tearing up the turf with everyone else,” Deb says.
“I did try to take control and direct some tamariki through an intersection, but they told me in no uncertain terms that the light was red, and they weren’t going.
"Feeling superior with some authority, I announced police could override the lights and wave them through. That cut no ice with this lot, they weren’t budging, but when the lights turned green, holey moly, get out of the way or get run over!”
Senior Constable Bryan Ward, who has worked alongside Deb for years, praised her mahi.
“Deb went above and beyond in getting stakeholders and community engagement happening," he says. "Her ability to seamlessly wear multiple hats - as whaea, police officer and marae trustee was nothing short of inspiring.”
Bryan says the event was a powerful example of iwi, community, stakeholders and whānau coming together to deliver meaningful crime prevention messaging and strengthen connections.
“It’s a great reminder that positivity, inclusion and early engagement are vital, and too often overlooked elements in breaking the cycle of crime,” says Bryan.
Deb is determined to keep building capability and connections. She’s already working on a civil emergency strategy with the marae to ensure the whole community is looked after in times of need.
“This is a good start encouraging the local community to see the marae as a place where neat things happen and a vibrant community hub,” says Deb.