Wellington District Police are inviting members of the public to attend meetings to discuss the future of policing in New Zealand.
The meetings are part of the review of the 1958 Police Act, announced by the government in March last year.
During June and July this year, police around New Zealand are undertaking public consultation on proposed changes to the nearly 50-year-old Police Act.
Meetings follow release of the government's public discussion document - Policing Directions in New Zealand for the 21st Century - which will help shape legislation to guide New Zealand policing for the future.
Wellington District Commander Superintendent Pieri Munro says policing touches peoples' lives in many different ways, and he encourages Wellington District residents to have their say in how policing is organised and delivered.
"While some parts of the 1958 Police Act remain useful today, new legislation needs to recognise that modern-day policing has changed a great deal.
"Compared to 50 years ago, today's society is more open. Family and community relationships have evolved and technological advances and globalisation have brought high-speed communications, more outward-looking citizens, and new forms of crime which threaten people's security.
"This underlines the importance of as many people as possible, from all walks of life, providing their views on what sort of policing they want and expect," says Superintendent Munro.
Hardcopies of the discussion document have been distributed to public libraries and police stations and are available for reference at these locations.
The website outlines how the public can provide input, including an online form.
Summary versions of the discussion document are also available from the Police Act website in a range of languages.
Responses to the discussion document must be provided by 31 July this year.
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POLICE ACT REVIEW PUBLIC MEETINGS:
WELLINGTON
Tuesday 26 June
7.00-8.30pm
Duxton Hotel
170 Wakefield Street
Duxton Chambers 1 (access from hotel lobby, or from James Smith Car Park take lift to level 8).
MASTERTON
Thursday 28 June
7.00-8.30pm
Masterton District Council building
Frank Cody Room
UPPER HUTT
Monday 2 July
7.00-8.30pm
Upper Hutt City Council building
Civil Defence Room
PORIRUA
Tuesday 3 July
7.00-8.30pm
Porirua City Council building
6th Floor Conference Room (Hagley Street entrance)
LOWER HUTT
Wednesday 4 July
7.00-8.30pm
Salvation Army Crossroads Hall
Cnr Kings Crescent & Cornwall Street
Lower Hutt
PARAPARAUMU
Thursday 5 July
7.00-8.30pm
Kapiti Community Centre
15 Ngahina Street
Paraparaumu
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For more information please contact Toni Barlow, Tel: 04 496 3464.