The Tasman Makos rugby team has joined forces with the Tasman Police to front a public awareness campaign urging the community to act responsibly when they go out and to respect and take care of each other.
For Tasman Makos captain Andrew Goodman, the idea resonates well with his sense of team work and pride necessary to succeed as high level rugby players. “When we go out as a team after the game we want to have a good time, but we also believe in looking smart and taking care of ourselves and each other”.
According to Goodman, it is imperative that the team stays “tidy”, both in dress and behaviour, so as to meet its community obligations. “Making sure my team mates stay aware of their surroundings and how their actions are impacting on others is a big part of my role as captain, both on and off the field.”
Both organisations share similar values and the accord recognises the mutual aim of reducing anitsocial behaviour by role modelling the "Dress Smart, Act Smart" philosophy.
For the Tasman Police District Commander, Superintendent Garry Knowles, the campaign is both appropriate and timely.
“With the Rugby World Cup about to come to our region in just a few weeks, we are delighted that our team, the Tasman Makos, have seen fit to support a call for greater social awareness and responsible behaviour when people are out to have a good time.”
For Superintendent Knowles, the campaign also fits in well with NZ Police’s own community outreach programme, Safer Communities Together, bringing citizens and the community together in partnerships for better public safety.
“In many ways the Police have an ethos and principles in synch with rugby teams like the Tasman Makos. We both rely heavily on teamwork and have a community focus that relies on a wide measure of public support and confidence,” Superintendent Knowles said.
For Peter Barr, CEO of the Tasman Rugby Union, having the Tasman Makos front a campaign talking to the young and impressionable makes perfect sense. “It is important for the good image of the Tasman Makos, who are heavily reliant on the public and business community for support, that all involved present themselves publicly in a smart dress code and behave in a respectful manner.
“We are proud to bring this initiative in support of our fine police force. 99% of the public would agree that they do an amazing job on all our behalf, and if we can help in our own small way to make going out in Nelson more enjoyable and trouble free, then we will be happy.
“We hope that more people will take the time to think about what they are wearing and how they interact with others when going out. And most of all, like a good rugby team, we want people to look after their mates and get them back into the fold when they might be about to do something silly that they will later regret,” Barr said.
The accord will be signed at the match between the Tasman Makos and Auckland at Trafalgar Park, Nelson on 16 August.
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