Wairarapa Area Commander officially welcomed by iwi

New Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Brent Register has been warmly welcomed by Rangitane and Ngati Kahungunu iwi at a formal pöwhiri this morning.

Inspector Register was officially welcomed to the Wairarapa at Te Rangimarie Marae in Masterton, after taking up his new role in mid-August.

"I feel really honoured to have received such a warm welcome this morning. I am looking forward to having a very close working relationship with the leaders of our Maori community."

Wairarapa Area iwi representative for the Wellington Police District Maori Advisory Board Mike Kawana says iwi are also looking forward to working alongside Brent and further strengthening the relationship developed by previous Area Commanders.

Inspector Register says since arriving in the Wairarapa, he's been very impressed with local staff, who go the extra mile.

"My focus is on continuing the momentum that has been created by staff over the past year, particularly when it comes to the significant dent made to organised crime throughout the Wairarapa."

Inspector Register says latest fiscal year crime stats released last week demonstrate the significant disruptions staff have made to the criminal fraternity in the Wairarapa.

"Wairarapa Police will continue to take a zero tolerance approach to drug offending and acts of violence and intimidation by gang members across the Wairarapa."

Inspector Register says all residents in the Wairarapa have the right to be safe and feel safe, and strong partnerships with iwi and other influential leaders within our community will ensure we achieve this.