The 111 Files: Small deeds make big impact

A recent good deed in Tutanekai St showed community spirit is still alive in Rotorua.

There is an old saying, "don't sweat the small stuff". I disagree. I believe that the little things are the big things.

So often in life it is the little things - that extra little bit of thought and care - that makes all the difference.

Last week I was walking along Tutanekai St when a man called out to say that he thought I had just dropped something.

As I turned and looked back, I saw a man pick up a small piece of paper from the pavement.

It was the receipt I had just accidently dropped.

I found those two small acts of thoughtfulness enormously encouraging because of what they represented; small things that were evidence of something much bigger.

All three of us ended up having a brief conversation and a bit of a laugh as I thanked them both; the first man for looking out for me and the second for having enough pride in the town to make the effort to pick up a scrap of paper.

I can honestly say that over the past few months not a day has gone by when I have not had someone mention to me the renewed sense of optimism and hope they are feeling around our town.

My interaction with those two men last week was a small example of that growing sense of positivity shown in real and tangible ways.

People who have a sense of community look out for one another, taking pride in their town and look after it.

At the moment I am working through a series on building sense of community.

The following is a quick re-cap of where we have got to so far.

The first of the four pillars is "membership".

You have true community membership when people ...

* Are connected and create an environment of trust (Maori would call this pono)

* Value qualities such as courage and strength, but also compassion and empathy (mana)

* Have a sense of belonging; a shared faith that the needs of all members of the community will be met as a result of their commitment to one another (whanaungatanga)

* Are committed, connected and agree to operate within agreed norms and boundaries (tikanga)

* Provide support and genuine concern for others (manaakitanga)

* Are "invested." They make sacrifices and understand that through serving others they will receive a sense of belonging and satisfaction in return (whakato).

Next week we will look at the second pillar, influence (mana). Meanwhile, please give some thought to the little things that you might start doing that will make a big difference in building a better community. Ka kite ano.

- Inspector Bruce Horne is the Rotorua police area commander.