Te Puke Comes Together for Sirens and Services Day

Today, Te Puke was buzzing with activity as the “Sirens and Services Koha Ice Cream Day” lit up the town at the Te Puke War Memorial Hall. The air filled with the sounds of sirens and the happy chimes of the Mr Whippy van, bringing the community together for a day dedicated to safety and connection.

A Day of Action and Generosity

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

The community’s generosity was heartwarming. A huge thank you to everyone who brought 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 day was made even sweeter by our generous sponsors. A big shout-out to Trevelyan’s Pack and Cool Ltd for sponsoring the delicious Mr Whippy ice creams that everyone enjoyed. Thanks also to Kiwi Fresh Meats for sponsoring the sausages, which were the perfect warm bite on a winter’s day.

This fantastic event 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.

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

Building a Stronger, Safer Te Puke

The “Sirens and Services Koha Ice Cream Day” reinforced a crucial message: community safety is a shared responsibility. By bringing residents and the services that protect us together, 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 organizations that are here to help. This event was another triumph for Rebecca Larsen and the dedicated Western Bay of Plenty Neighbourhood Support team, whose efforts are the backbone of our vibrant community.