The Tāneatua police station. Photo: Supplied / police
A new police base in the small Bay of Plenty town of Tāneatua has opened after a fire destroyed the town's station in 2018.
Officially opened by Commissioner Andrew Coster following a blessing by local kaumatua, police say the base was a collaborative project with Ngāi Tūhoe and other key community partners.
"This whare is a touchstone for positive change - it's a place that encourages engagement with the entire community and the spirit of mahi tahi (working together), Coster said.
"It's wairua can be felt inside and out."
The station has a kiosk rather than front desk, is solar powered and all external signage is in te reo Māori.
The space can be used for community hui and events, Coster said.
The old station had one officer and the new base has two.
Te Uru Taumatua - Tūhoe iwi office chair Tamati Kruger said Tūhoe has been a strong support partner throughout all stages of the project.
