Police are having to reassure an Auckland community whose police station is closing that their safety won't be compromised.
They have decided to close the Otara and Papatoetoe stations and move officers to newly-renovated larger stations in nearby Otahuhu and Flatbush.
Wardens in Otara have sent a petition to Police Minister Anne Tolley calling for the station to remain open and say locals are outraged at the closure.
But Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Bush said on Wednesday that new technology would allow more officers to be out in the community rather than behind desks.
Mr Bush said he understands the community's concerns and has consulted with them.
Staff from the two stations would relocate to their new premises from the end of June. Mr Bush said there are no immediate plans to close any other Auckland stations.
