PM Christopher Luxon with Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and Minister Mark Mitchell speak to the media
A central Auckland business group is welcoming the police’s announcement that a new public-facing police base will be established on Federal St in Auckland’s CBD.
Richard Chambers, the new Police Commissioner who officially took up the role on Monday, said the 24/7 police base will “go a long way to address crime in central Auckland” and make “responding to crime in the CBD faster and more effective”.
”Currently, the 24/7 public counter for the Auckland City District is located at College Hill, approximately two kilometres away from the city centre. Relocating the 24/7 public counter will also provide a better service to the community.”
A lease agreement has been signed to gradually take full occupancy of the site at 210 Federal St from January next year. A public counter will be open to people from mid-2025.
Chambers said the site will house the 51 beat officers as well as prosecutorial staff.
He highlighted it is located near key centres of activity, like Aotea Square and across the road from Te Waihorotiu Railway Station.
“I have no doubt that we will see an improvement in trust and confidence, that our visibility directly connects to the [public’s] safety,” Chambers said at a press conference on Monday.
He couldn’t say how much money it was costing to stand up the new station, calling that commercially sensitive.
“The support we have had from Government has been exceptional to make this possible, but I am not able to mention figures,” Chambers said.
Asked what had changed since police closed the downtown station on Fort St in 2013, Chambers said: “We have a very supportive Government here that is very keen to build our presence across cities across the country.”
Labour’s police spokeswoman Ginny Andersen said the announcement comes “on the same day 173 non-sworn police roles have been cut”, and warned frontline police will spend more time covering desk work.
“Having police more visible does make people feel safer, which is great for the central city. However, I remain concerned that police are shifting resource from the front line to sit at a public desk and field complaints,” Andersen told the Herald.
Viv Beck, the CEO of Auckland’s city centre business association group, Heart of the City, said they were “very pleased” to hear of the permanent police station.
“With overall crime trending down over the last year, this is key piece of the safety solution we have been seeking. It will enable a faster and more effective response to crime in the city centre, act as a deterrent and provide a place people can go to report crime in person,” she said in a statement.
“With pedestrian counts of around a million here each week and growth forecast ahead, it’s important to keep a strong focus on safety improvements as we strive to be a vibrant, safe 24/7 international city.
“And with the City Rail Link due to open in 2026, with its own specialised safety needs underground, this central location will be well placed to service the city centre and meet these changing needs.”
Police Minister Mark Mitchell also welcomed the announcement.
”Public safety is at the heart of this Government’s law-and-order programme, and increasing police visibility across our main CBDs is a key part of that.
“Having a central police base, alongside the city’s beat team, is exactly what people expect and what our major city needs. It will enable police to respond more quickly to crime and ensure the public feel safer when going about their daily business.”
Both Chambers and Mitchell said during their press conference that they had worked on the beat in the city centre early in their careers.
Mitchell said it helped hone officers' skills and build relationships with businesses.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell (left) and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers. Photo / Mark Mitchell
There has been a focus placed on responding to crime in central Auckland amid concerns from local residents and businesses.
That included establishing the new community beat police teams in June. That saw 21 additional police staff based in the Auckland CBD, taking the overall team there to 51.
The Government’s gang patch ban also came into force last week. Chambers on Monday said 16 prosecutions had been launched since the ban came into effect, but he was “really encouraged” by gang members making good decisions.
One of those arrested under the new law was the president of the Head Hunters West chapter for displaying insignia in public. He was identified as being one of five motorcyclists wearing Head Hunters West patches in the Wellsford area at around 1.20am on November 21. The ban came into operation at midnight that day.
Mitchell said last week that he was pleased with a reduction in overall victimisations over the past year. However, between January and September this year, there has been an increase in theft and related offences, up 12% compared to the same period last year.
“Retail crime continues to be an area of significant challenge and the Government is working tirelessly to get on top of it. Theft in the retail space continues to grow but I am pleased to see the trend slowing at the more violent end.”
Monday also marks Chambers’ first day as Police Commissioner. He was announced as taking the top job last week. He said that among his priorities will be “doing the basics well” and supporting frontline police.
