Tasman District has recognised the service of a volunteer worker who has been supporting Nelson Police and Tasman District Headquarters for over a decade.
Every Wednesday, Saffron Venz shows up for work at Nelson Station and Tasman District Headquarters. Working alongside station support, Saffron organises the mail, tends to plants, assembles packs for the front counter - and brings big smiles to all who meet her as she goes about her work.
Saffron has Down Syndrome and benefits from not only the interaction with Police but also the position and sense of community it provides her. Saffron’s mum, Gabrielle Venz, says that even though she is a very internal person, she always comes home from her work with police happy and chatty.
“She goes through the day with us and what she’s been doing at Police. When we see police cars in the community or people she interacts with at Police, she tells us 'that’s where I work - I work at the police'.”
An additional benefit for the Down Syndrome community is that, with Saffron working with police, there is an awareness that police officers are safe and they can talk to them.
“The awareness of the community [we are in] of Police is very important," says Gabrielle. "It’s a bit of an ‘in’ for Police. They feel they can communicate with Police because Saffron works there – they must be good people and people you can approach and talk to.”
Saffron’s tenure with Police is largely due to several supporters who continue to work alongside her. She was first introduced to Police by her aunty and Nelson Bays Prevention team member, Tiffany Venz.
What started as an idea to enrich Saffron’s life with a visit to the station was the beginning of a decade of weekly visits and some valuable relationships that have built up over the years.
“She feels a sense of pride working here, there have been many times in the community where members of the blue family have come over to say hi to Saffron. And then when she comes into the station, the interaction and interest in connecting with her – across all our people – it’s just amazing.”
Over time, Saffron’s responsibilities have extended to working across the courtyard to Tasman DHQ. Known to most staff, Saffron is often stopped for a chat – often to receive compliments on the colourful dresses she wears to work.
Saffron with her Police support team and family, from left: mum Gabrielle, aunt Tiffany Venz (Nelson Police), Tonia (Saffron's personal assistant) and Rose Linde (Tasman DHQ).
Rose Linde has worked for Tasman Police for 28 years and welcomes Saffron every week into Tasman DHQ. Rose says the administration duties Saffron is responsible for provide a valuable support service for DHQ.
“Saffron addresses our envelopes for us, waters our plants and empties our recycling bins. It’s important as this frees our staff up to do other work. She also turns up in the most beautiful dresses. I always look forward to seeing what she is wearing on a Wednesday.”
Saffron was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from Tasman District Commander Superintendent Tracey Thompson, to acknowledge her 10 years of dedicated service to New Zealand Police.
Presented in front of DHQ staff, Saffron also received a gift voucher to assist in the purchase of a new dress so she can continue to brighten everyone’s day when she comes to work for Police.