Police perform at rest homes (+ video)

Rowan McKinlay-Sadgrove (front) takes part in the police show for Whare Aroha residents. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotorua police are polishing up their guitars and singing voices this week to bring Christmas cheer to the elderly in the community.

Residents at Whare Aroha joined police in their courtyard yesterday afternoon to enjoy a half-hour show put on by Rotorua police staff.

The performance included kapa haka and popular Christmas carols such as Silent Night and Jingle Bells.

Whare Aroha resident Hinerangi Hawkins enjoys the show put on by Rotorua police Photo/Ben Fraser

The group has visited the Redwood rest home, Glenbrae rest home, the Gardens rest home and Whare Aroha, and will visit Ferguson rest home today, and Cantabria rest home tomorrow.

Inspector Warwick Morehu is in charge of the initiative and said the feedback they received had been great.

"Christmas can be a hard time of year for many elderly people ... so we wanted to do something to make them smile and have a good time."

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Inspector Morehu said visiting the rest homes was one way to improve the social responsibility of police.

"We want to be more visible in the community and show people that we are there for them. The initiative has been good for the police staff as well and you can really notice a change in morale around the office."

Inspector Morehu said about 30 people, including non-sworn police staff, have expressed interest in taking part and he hoped to see the event continue.

Clazina Nathan hugs Whare Aroha resident Marcia Tuhakaraina after the show Photo/Ben Fraser

"We are here to have a bit of fun but also let people in our community know they are safe and the police are approachable."

Whare Aroha support services manager Deanna Smit said the residents enjoyed the show.

"It is so lovely for our residents and we like to encourage the community to engage with the people at Whare Aroha so anything that provides entertainment for them is great."

Ms Smit said the initiative was "absolutely something that should be continued next year."

" ... you can really see the residents enjoying the songs and performances."