The popular central North Island ski resort of Ohakune will be the focus of considerable attention for local police today as they celebrate the formal opening of a new, purpose built, police station in the small town.
Police Commissioner Rob Robinson says the new $1.6 million modern police complex is part of the five year $73 million Police rebuilding programme that started in 2001.
"New Zealand Police views this building as a great asset for the future for both the Ohakune community and Police staff," Mr Robinson said.
Police Minister George Hawkins, officially opens the station at 11.00am this morning.
The local Member for Taupo, Hon Mark Burton, Police Commissioner Rob Robinson, representatives of the region's Tangata whenua, Ruapehu District Mayor, and local Ohakune community members and dignitaries, will be among the many attending.
Officer in Charge of Ohakune Police Sergeant Mike Craig, says the former 60 year old station that twice suffered serious damage by fire in 1987 and 1989, has for years been inadequate to meet both the staff and community demands of modern policing.
"Staff regularly carried out their duties in extreme and cramped conditions. On many occasions the CIB members were engaged in their ongoing investigations from a cold skyline garage, adjacent to the main Police Station," he said.
"Now the staff have a new police station with a more visible presence, in a prime location in Ohakune, and this will make Ohakune a much better place to work."
"This 385 square metre facility will vastly improve the station functionality and efficiency, plus give further enhancement to the general safety of all who live in this community," Sergeant Craig said.