Kaikohe's top cop is praising a member of the public who stayed with a police sergeant when he was threatened by a man high on methamphetamine.
The incident occurred recently on the forecourt of the Z petrol station on Broadway.
Senior Sergeant Brian Swann, of Kaikohe police, said it was just one example of how the community had been stepping up and supporting the police.
It was particularly pleasing that someone had stayed with Sergeant Dylan Robinson and watched his back until backup arrived.
"Sergeant Robinson was dealing with a man high on methamphetamine and really appreciated the fact that people in the area were willing to look out for him. We really appreciate knowing that the community supports our officers who are often attending incidents alone," Mr Swann said in his regular report to the Kaikohe Community Watch group.