The two Police tractors drawing crowds at rural events have been given a new lease of life.
An agreement first signed in 2015 with farm machinery distributor Norwood has been renewed.
Before the latest lockdown, Assistant Commissioner for Iwi and Community, Chris de Wattignar, was on hand at Norwood’s Palmerston North branch to sign a new loan arrangement.
With one vehicle on each island, the Police-liveried vehicles are deployed to events such as Fieldays, A&P shows, and sometimes feature in parades, alongside our dedicated network of rural officers.
“The tractors are a hit with our rural communities. When they’re on display, people always pop over to have a look, sit in the cab, and ask our staff to turn the lights and sirens on,” says Community Policing Coordinator Senior Sergeant Alasdair Macmillan.
“The vehicles help us to engage with the public and create the opportunity to discuss rural crime prevention, and maybe spark someone’s interest in a career in Police.
“We are very grateful to Norwood for this enduring partnership and for providing the tractors to Police free of charge and for transporting them to venues across the country.
“Police are part of communities, and the new tractors help us to maintain our relationship with rural people.”
Norwood's National Product Coordinator, Brad Reece, says they are proud to be recommitting to their partnership with New Police Police.
"The public engagement with the Police tractors has a been very positive," he says. "People love it, all the while delivering a very important message focusing on rural crime prevention and community wellbeing.
"It’s also a bit of fun to drive!"