BUILDING communities ahead of prisons is the crux of matter for the Napier Pilot City Trust. Their meetings address problems such as violence and racial issues.
Russell Fairbrother, who has been a supporter of the Trust for many years, is fully aware that changes can sometimes take longer than expected.

“However, I believe the research and seminars that the Napier Pilot City have been involved with over the years, have gone a long way toward achieving the Trust’s mission statement,� he says.
Pat Magill, the Acting Pilot City facilitator, recalls the honour bestowed and reminds us of the Trust’s mission statement.

“We exist to develop Napier as a bicultural community involved in an ongoing process of improving the quality of life for all its citizens, by encouraging and supporting innovative approaches to venting or minimising social problems.�

The origins of the Napier Pilot City date back 25 years when former Secretary for Justice, the late Dr John Robson, thought Napier “the one place to offer hope.�
In 1977, when Napier was considered the “Social experimental centre of New Zealand�, studying problem areas in human relationships became the theme for a discussion among experts, including panellist Dr John Robson, at Hawke’s Bay Community College.

By 1986, Pilot City status was given to Napier on the recommendation from the Social Development Council of New Zealand to Anne Hercus, who was the Minister of Social Welfare and Police at that time.
“Such recognition was given as an honour, not as Napier’s best kept secret to be hidden in the drawer, as of now!� says Pat.

“When that honour was given to Napier, an independent salary was required to work on the Bi-cultural Partnership, but the local council and heads of government were unable to take advantage of the opportunity, but now there’s a mood change, other than long sentencing. Perhaps Napier can again pick it up from 1977, a strong bi-cultural base and recognition and support in Napier, which would mean a far more peaceful multi-cultural community.�
Pat says building communities, not prisons, will be Napier’s own theme.

“This will be illustrated when children commence pre-school, and perhaps then our present revengeful mind-set to punish, will be replaced with some aspects of restorative justice.�

Napier’s former Head of Corrections, Pam Thorburn, has launched the Robson Prospectus, which aims to create a world resource of books, films and papers in the Napier Public Library