Vehicle brand Mahindra has thrown its support behind a grassroots crime prevention initiative in South Auckland, supplying two new vehicles to help launch a community patrol programme in Takanini.
The vehicles will be used by a newly formed branch of Community Patrols New Zealand (CPNZ), spearheaded by the Sikh community and supported by local volunteers, police, and Auckland Council.
The initiative was officially launched this week at Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib, where speakers from across government and law enforcement praised the effort as a game-changer for the fast-growing suburb.
Mahindra’s support was delivered through coordination with the Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand, which has played a leading role in establishing the patrols.
Local MP Rima Nakhle called the gesture “mind-blowing”, saying public safety was one of the key concerns raised during her election campaign. “This is part of the solution. It’s a whole-of-community approach working alongside police,” she said.
Manurewa–Papakura Ward councillor Daniel Newman acknowledged that while Auckland Council isn’t funding the patrol vehicles directly, the initiative shows the power of community collaboration. “Every issue that occurs in other communities occurs here too. This is about locals taking the lead in protecting their own neighbourhoods.”
Superintendent Shanan Gray, District Commander for Counties Manukau, officially launched the patrols and described them as a significant step forward. “This is a huge accomplishment that reflects months of hard work behind the scenes. Our staff can’t do it alone – these volunteers are our eyes and ears.”
Community Patrols NZ Chair Chris Lawton also noted that the programme helps build a pipeline into policing. “We’ve had patrollers graduate to become officers. Others are preparing now. This is how we build capacity from within.”
Minister of Police and Ethnic Communities Mark Mitchell, who spoke at the event, highlighted the importance of shared responsibility. “Police are always expected to fix the problem, but they can’t do it alone. What we’ve seen here in Takanini is a community stepping up – ethnic leaders, volunteers, council, and police working together. That’s how we make our towns and cities safer.”
He also praised the Sikh community and the Supreme Sikh Society: “They’re not just supporting their own community – they’re helping everyone in South Auckland feel safer. This is the kind of leadership that inspires change nationwide.”
Marshal Walia, spokesperson for the Auckland Indian Retailers Association, says the patrols offer a welcome boost in confidence for local businesses. “We’ve seen a rise in retail crime, and knowing there will be patrols on the streets makes us feel a bit safer,” he said. “These cars will play a backbone role in reaching areas faster, especially when police can’t respond immediately.”
The two Mahindra vehicles are already on the road, marking the beginning of what many hope will be a safer future for the Takanini community.
