One of the country's top-ranking Maori police officers is commending a Ngati Porou initiative which makes it easier for police and iwi to share information.
Iwi liaison officer Constable Whiti Timutimu is working from the East Coast tribe's headquarters instead of the police station, to help the iwi drive down crime.
Superintendent Wally Haumaha says Ms Timutimu is doing an outstanding job, working alongside the iwi to better understand crime issues and the police perspectives.
He says sharing information between iwi and the police is invaluable but isn't easy.
Police have not had the mechanics or have not understood how to get into the Maori organisation, or who to deliver information to within tribal groups.
Mr Haumaha says the co-operative approach will allow iwi and police to understand crime issues.
