Shop sticker scheme to keep kids safe

Stickers that indicate safe zones for children who find themselves in danger are being distributed to businesses in the Hibiscus Coast area.

The Roberts Coffee Bar group have designed a sticker that helps children identify which businesses are safe places to retreat to if they feel unsafe for any reason while in the area.

Hannah Doughty, operations manager of the Roberts Group, which operates two cafes in Orewa and Millwater, said the stickers will pinpoint what stores children can go to if they need help.

“It’s purely to show that they have somewhere to run to if they get into trouble,” Ms Doughty said.

The green A5 stickers will be placed in the storefront windows of local retailers, with several other businesses expressing interest in taking part.

Ms Doughty said it was important the stickers were displayed in businesses and not residential addresses.

“Anyone can put a sticker on a door, but a business is in the public eye and will generally have more than one person in there able to help,” Ms Doughty said.

The group will compile a database that lists all companies that are a part of the scheme, and plan to distribute it to local schools.

The database will ensure those who participate in the scheme can be accurately tracked.

“We’ll know where they are and we’ll have a contact detail for them so we’re not distributing them to just anybody.”

“Parents can go over the list with their children so they know where the safe zones are,” Ms Doughty said.

Tayla Carpenter, owner of Tayla’D Styling in Silverdale, said her hair salon would be listed as a safe zone.

“I want to make sure our community is safe and our kids are safe,” she said.

The Roberts Group have approached the police to ensure the initiative can go ahead.

“We’ve been in contact with the police and they’ve said go for it, they’re the ones who have suggested we start the database,” Ms Doughty said.

Te Waha Nui approached police for comment, and in an email statement a spokesperson said they support communities helping to keep their areas safe.

“Police work with members of the public every day to help keep the community safe, and we appreciate everything they do to assist us.

“However, police would have concerns about any group or individual that has not been appropriately vetted, approved or trained to interact with vulnerable victims, however well-intentioned their motives may be.”

Deliveries of the stickers will begin on Monday.