There has been a changing of the guard within the Waitaki Guardians, the community patrol set up last year to counter increasing crime and bad behaviour in central Oamaru.
A security firm was contracted to employ the guardians but they are now employed by the Waitaki District Council, with funding from the Ministry of Justice crime prevention unit and a council contribution.
The project is overseen by Oamaru police boss Senior Sergeant Kevin Hooper, Waitaki community safety officer Alison Banks and Otago Chamber of Commerce North Otago branch chairman Fraser McKenzie, with Derek Beveridge managing it.
There are three new guardians - Tongan minister Tufunga Lolo and youth workers Eugen and Esther Dupu.
Over summer, the guardians will take more of an ambassadorial role and will be seen more during the day, Mrs Banks said.
