Police Commissioner Peter Marshall fondly reflected on his time as a Constable in Tauranga when he joined the opening of the city's new police station earlier today, along with Police Minster Anne Tolley and local dignitaries.
Commissioner Marshall was stationed in Tauranga at the dawn of his career in 1972 and revealed: "I had just turned 19 - hadn't started shaving - and was given a room to rent on the third floor, next to the bar. It cost me the princely sum of $12 a fortnight, a big chunk out of my $108 a fortnight pay packet."
The new $20.8 million station stands on the very same spot, but the design and sophistication has evolved considerably.
There was extensive consultation to develop the building which is approximately 5,500 square metres with basement parking and two levels of predominantly open-plan functional work areas.
"The opening of any police station is important not only for Police but for the communities they serve. While the prospect of visiting a police station may be onerous for some, I know the staff who work within this new building will make it a warm and welcoming place for all who walk through the door . . . the building will work well for staff for decades and decades to come but it is the staff who work in it who are the heart and soul," said Mr Marshall.
He joined Police Minister Anne Tolley in thanking the project team for their perseverance and patience and for delivering the new building on time and on budget. Area Commander Inspector Clifford Paxton said: "I also wish to thank the immediate neighbours and community members for their perseverance and patience throughout the 18-month construction; it's greatly appreciated."
Mrs Tolley added that the new building will help Police to deliver their goals of safer communities, less crime, less re-offending "and most importantly for the community of Tauranga, less victims of crime."
Western Bay of Plenty Police kaumätua Kihi Ngatai QSM was also a guest speaker at the opening ceremony and as the formal plaque was unveiled staff from the station performed a haka.
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