Titahi Bay to get new community police base

Money has been allocated to establish a permanent community police base in Titahi Bay.

The announcement comes after months of discussions with the community about the need for a dedicated police base in the area, says Acting Kapiti-Mana Area Commander Superintendent Paula Rose.

"Kapiti-Mana Area Police has secured funding to rent a building - most likely in the Whitehouse Road shopping area - and convert it to a community police base.

"A full-time community constable will work out of the new base with support continuing from colleagues in Porirua City centre and aided by Police volunteers. It is envisaged that the new base will be used as an operating centre for community patrols undertaken by the Porirua City Guardians.

"This is a great result for the Titahi Bay community which in recent times has voiced their desire for a police base in the area. Mana MP Luamanuvao Winnie Laban has acknowledged the hard work and many representations of Graham Ebbett and the Titahi Bay Residents' Association, who are all volunteers.

"Winnie Laban and Porirua City Mayor Jenny Brash have both put considerable time and effort into supporting the establishment of a community police base in Titahi Bay. The Porirua City Council will provide ongoing support for the initiative as part of its community safety programme."

The process of finding and converting suitable premises will begin shortly with the aim of having the new space fully operating before the end of the year.

Titahi Bay community constable Mike McKenzie will relocate to the community police base when it is up and running