New Zealand Police overview

New Zealand Police delivers services that ensure people can be safe and feel safe in their homes, on our roads and in their communities. Police operate 24 hours a day in a complex environment actively targeting and preventing crime and harm. With around 15,000 staff, we work from urban and rural stations and larger policing hubs.

We operate on land, sea and in the air, and respond to more than 1.3 million events per year – answering more than 925,000 111 calls and over 743,000 non-emergency calls.

We’re working towards specific goals and targets that highlight our intent to work collaboratively with iwi and communities, other government sectors and business partners to deliver ‘Our Business’ and achieve long-term change.

View the infographic to find out why we’re here, what we do and how we’re going about it.

Our business infographic

Vision of New Zealand Police

Our vision is for New Zealand to be the safest country. To achieve this we operate in accordance with our values (PDF 16MB) and work in partnership with individuals, communities, businesses and other public sector agencies to ensure that everyone can be safe and feel safe.

The functions of Police include:

Two Police officers having a friendly chat with a member of the public

  • keeping the peace
  • maintaining public safety
  • law enforcement
  • crime prevention
  • community support and reassurance
  • national security
  • participation in policing activities outside New Zealand
  • emergency management.

In carrying out these functions, Police relies on a range of partner organisations, as well as the efforts of individuals, families and communities. Policing is delivered within a networked and cooperative environment, with significant contributions from local authorities, the private security industry, Māori and Pacific wardens and members of the public to name a few.

Principles of New Zealand Police

  • Principled, effective and efficient policing services as a cornerstone of a free and democratic society under the rule of law
  • Effective policing relies on a wide measure of public support and confidence
  • Policing services are provided under a national framework but also have a local, community focus
  • Policing services are provided in a manner that respects human rights
  • Policing services are provided independently and impartially
  • In providing policing services, every Police employee is required to act professionally, ethically and with integrity.

Mission of New Zealand Police

Our mission is to prevent crime and harm through exceptional policing.

New Zealand Police Minister

The Minister of Police is the Hon Mark Mitchell.
New Zealand Police Minister - Hon Mark Mitchell

The Associate Minister of Police is the Hon Casey Costello.
New Zealand Police Minister - Hon Casey Costello

Feedback

Your feedback will help us improve our services to you. To praise or complain about Police, contact us online, in person, by phone or by post.

You can also complain about Police directly to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) online, by phone or by post.

For more information see 'Give feedback about Police'.