Police meeting with the migrant community to assure them of their safety, Forum North Whangarei, Superintendent Tony Hill, Whangarei Police. 19 March 2019 Northern Advocate photograph by Michael C
Police meeting with the migrant community to assure them of their safety, Forum North Whangarei, Superintendent Tony Hill, Whangarei Police. 19 March 2019 Northern Advocate photograph by Michael C
Northland's terror threat is low and the region's migrant community should go about their daily lives without fear, police say.
After the mosque shootings in Christchurch, Northland police and Whangārei mayor Sheryl Mai met with members of the migrant community at Forum North yesterday to discuss additional security measures that could be put in place to ensure public safety.
About 60 people attended the meeting and were encouraged to ask questions and to give feedback on how best to manage potential security threats.
Northland police district commander Superintendent Tony Hill, Inspector Al Symonds, Senior Sergeant Rob Huys and Sergeant Mohammed Atiq were also in attendance.
Symonds said there was no specific intelligence that suggested a direct terror threat to Northland at this stage but assured everyone police would deal with any threats should they arise.
He told the gathering they would see a lot of police talking to people on the streets over the next several weeks while providing the much-needed security.
Police assured Northlanders of their safety at a public meeting at Forum North in Whangārei. Photo / Michael Cunningham
Symonds reminded those attending that the meeting was not a platform to debate issues around firearms.
Hill said there would be police presence at major events and his staff were in the process of arming themselves, not to cause alarm or because there was a security risk, but as a precautionary measure.
Sher Khan from Pakistan asked why there was a delay in releasing the bodies of those who died in the shootings and whether the Australian man accused of the shootings would be deported.
Hill explained the process authorities have to follow by law before the bodies are released and said police expected to see an unprecedented level of sentencing for murder accused Brenton Tarrant, if he is found guilty, given the fact the shooting was unprecedented in recent New Zealand history.
Anton Fa'atau of Ngāti Hine FM said he was concerned about safety at the upcoming kapa haka event at Whangārei Girls High School since a similar cultural programme in Auckland was recently cancelled.
Hill assured him police would be present at all major events.
Whangārei District Council's Dave Palmer urged anyone feeling unsafe in the central city to talk to City Safe officers or to call 0800 258258 any time.
"This was a one-off event to generate fear. Don't buy into the fear. We live in an awesome country," Palmer said.
Suhil Musa, imam of the Islamic Centre in Whangārei, thanked all who offered moral and financial assistance through a series of phone, email and text messages as well as laying of flowers.
He said the Northland Muslim community could not thank the public enough and their generosity and understanding at this difficult time would help in the healing process.
Flowers laid outside the Islamic Centre in Whangārei were distributed to staff and patients at Whangārei Hospital and at the police station.
