Central Police District covers an area that stretches from the North Taranaki Bight, across to Ruapehu, south to Otaki in the west, and across to the Tararua ranges in the east. The Central District encompasses a large and diverse geographical area.
Our aim is to provide an efficient policing service that's based on results. We believe our proactive approach to crime reduction and crime prevention helps reduce offending and victimisation, creating a happier, safer community.
For district staffing figures please refer to the Annual Report which can be found on the Publications and Statistics page.
Central District news
See the latest news from Central District.
Social media
Manawatū, Taranaki, Whanganui-Ruapehu Police Facebook page
Contacts
Stations
Find a police station in Central district
For all media enquiries please contact: Police Media Team
Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs)
These teams aim to reduce crime, prevent victimisation, improve perceptions of safety and increase trust and confidence in Police. Their efforts are concentrated in their identified priority neighbourhoods.
Find out more about Neighbourhood Policing Teams, or contact your local Police station to find out if there is a local NPT in your area.
Commanders and headquarters
District Commander: Superintendent Dion Bennett
District Headquarters: 410 Church Street, Palmerston North
Area commanders and headquarters
Manawatū Area
Area Commander: Inspector Ross Grantham
Headquarters: Palmerston North Central Police Station
P 105
Whanganui-Ruapehu Area
Area Commander: Inspector Neil Forlong
Headquarters: Whanganui Central Police Station
P 105
Taranaki Area
Area Commander: Inspector Belinda Dewar
Headquarters: New Plymouth Central Police Station
P 105
More information
Wanted persons
The Police website shows you images and details of wanted persons in the Central District. The site has two sections, one for people who are wanted to arrest on criminal charges and another for people who Police want to identify in relation to a crime. If you have information regarding any of the wanted people in the Central District, or their activities, we urge you to:
- contact your local police station
- email Central wanteds
- call anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Other useful websites
Crimestoppers
An independent charity that helps New Zealanders to fight crime by providing an anonymous and simple way to pass on information to the authorities.
Victim support
A community organisation that helps people hurt by crime and other trauma.
Neighbourhood Support
Aims to make our homes, streets, neighbourhoods and communities safer and more caring places in which to live.
Women's Refuge
New Zealand’s most significant domestic violence organisation.
Family and Community Services
The part of the Ministry of Social Development that supports families and communities to be strong, well informed and to connect with each other.
Community Law
Provides free legal help throughout New Zealand.
Citizens Advice Bureau
Helps people to know and understand their rights and obligations and how to use this information to get the best outcomes.