Refreshed and modernised, Maraenui Station has re-opened after a major refurbishment to provide a safe and welcoming place for Police staff and the community.
The station’s refurbishment was viewed by the Minister of Police, the Hon Stuart Nash, today (Friday 14 December) with Assistant Commissioner Bill Searle, Hawke’s Bay Area Commander Inspector Dave Greig and Maraenui Police staff there to join in the re-opening celebration. The opening was well supported by Maraenui community groups and local government representatives, including the Napier Mayor, Bill Dalton.
With new carpet and a fresh coat of paint making it a nicer environment, heat pumps to make it a healthier and more comfortable workplace, and a new front counter, security glass, swipe card access and security cameras, the station is now also a safer, more secure place for staff and visitors.
The layout of the station has been altered, bringing staff towards the front of the building to make them more visible and accessible to the community, while the space at the back of the building has been designed specifically to facilitate meetings with the community and partner agencies.
‘The Nui’ is known as Napier’s poorest suburb, with plenty of challenges for the community’s police officers. The extra investment in the station, and a community art project featured on the front of the station, are helping the police officers forge closer links with the community.
Eastern District Commander Superintendent Tania Kura says the refurbishment and re-opening of the station is an excellent outcome for Police and the community.
“We’re absolutely committed to this community, to enhancing the service we provide there. The improved conditions at the station will make it easier for people to engage with us and have trust and confidence in us.”
Sergeant Andrew Graham from Maraenui’s Neighbourhood Policing Team worked tirelessly to get the best results from the refurbishment, says Inspector Chris Wallace, Area Prevention Manager.
“It’s never easy in any building project to balance all the needs and wants, however I think Andrew managed to strike the right balance, getting a fit-for-purpose community station where staff and the community will benefit from the fantastic facilities.”
The group were welcomed to the opening by Inspector Dave Greig before the group entered the building to view the changes, led by Maraenui stalwart and kaumätua Tiwana Aranui who gave a karakia and blessed the new facilities. The group were then addressed by Minister of Police the Hon Stuart Nash, Sergeant Andrew Graham and representatives from Colenso High School who spoke of the close partnership between the School and Maraenui Police.
Property Group representatives were also there to see the result of their hard work.
Police is committed to extending its presence within communities across New Zealand, by modernising its property portfolio, improving access to Police services and providing better workplaces for staff and better spaces for visitors.
The ways through which the public can connect with Police are being expanded, such as the recent introduction of online reporting, and will include mobile police bases (planned for deployment from mid-2019), Virtual Police service points, and a single non-emergency number.