New policing centres officially opened

Two new police centres were launched to the public last month. The new $15.4m Gisborne police station built to replace the Peel Street Station, came in on time, and on budget. It was opened with a great deal of pomp and ceremony by Police Minister Annette King.

Cleveland Maki, winner of an art competition to draw a Community Constable cuts the ribbon at the opening of the Titahi Bay police base with the assistance of Mayor Jenny Brash and MP Winnie Laban. Photo Credit - Kris Dando Kapi-Mana News

The new Titahi police base was opened with slightly less ceremony, but no less good will by Mayor Jenny Brash, MP Winnie Laban and young local artist Dion Keogh.

Gisborne staff moved into their new building on Monday 23 June, with the gates to the old station locked on Friday before the new station was officially opened.

The old Peel St station was built in the mid 1960s. At the time the station was built for approx 30 staff. Over time, staff spread into the leased building next door and into various 'out houses' on the site resulting in cramped and inadequate conditions. Even after a number of minor refurbishments and alterations the old station could not meet the demands of staff and community.

The new station now houses approximately 80 staff and also provides accommodation for community groups.

Around 1000 people attended the opening, including DHQ and PNHQ staff and managers, local iwi, local politicians and the public. The kapa-haka group Tu Te Manawa Maurea were supported by children from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Nga Uri O Maui.

Titahi Bay saw the return of a permanent police presence with the opening of a new base in the Whitehouse Road shopping centre at the beginning of last month. The need for a community base was identified in the 'Future of Titahi Bay 2005', village planning process with Porirua City Council.

"We are excited to finally get this project up and running," says Inspector John Spence, Kapiti Mana Police Area Commander. It is an excellent example of collaboration - NZ Police, Porirua Community Guardians, Porirua City Council, the Titahi Bay Residents Association and the Porirua Healthy Safer City Trust all worked together to establish this facility.

The base will have a real community focus says John. "It will be staffed with volunteers from the Residents Association who will monitor the new CCTV system and answer any queries from people who visit. The volunteers will work closely with Constable Mike Mackenzie, the Titahi Bay Community Constable.