Last night's Rugby World Cup victory for the All Blacks also brings a great win for the Police operation says Commissioner Peter Marshall.
"We have been three years in the planning for this event and the hard work of Police staff throughout the country has delivered its own success.
"Crowd behaviour at venues and fanzones can largely be desribed as exemplary, particularly given the overall numbers involved.
"This comes from both the positive attitude of fans and the approach of Police staff as they interacted with the crowds.
"I have received numeorus messages of thanks and support from the public for the way our staff dealt with the fans as they provided a safe environment for visitors and locals alike.
"The world was watching us and it has seen personable, engaging Kiwi style policing at its best which was always ready to deal with those isolated incidents of trouble when they happened.
"I would like to thank all Police staff for their efforts and the professional way they dealt with those few causing disruption to the overwhelming majority of people who came to enjoy the rugby.
"I particularly want to congratulate RWC2011 Operation Commander Superintendent Grant O'Fee and his team, plus Commanders in the Police districts, whose meticulous planning alongside our partner agencies has helped deliver a trouble free and successful event for locals and visitors alike.
"Their focus on proactive alcohol management, interaction with fans, supporting security staff at venues and identifying potential trouble spots has paid dividends.
"Their innovative approach to deploying a Police liaison officer with each team - believed to be a first at a major sporting event - also helped ensure the teams had as successful and trouble free experience as possible in New Zealand regardless of their results on the field.
"I believe we have set a benchmark for policing major sporting events and I am very proud of all our staff involved"
"I offer my congratulations them and the All Blacks for their outstanding performance".
END
Contact: Grant Ogilvie, media team, Police National Headquarters: 027 236 9974