Whanganui Dog Section has gone from operating in a converted garage to having an innovative new base, officially opened on Friday (23 August).
After a blessing by Kaumātua Gary Davis and Kaumātua Gavin Brooks, the ribbon was cut by Police Minister Mark Mitchell, Commissioner Andrew Coster and OC Whanganui Dog Section Sergeant Sue Burridge as staff and invited guests watched on.
Whanganui-Ruapehu Area Commander Inspector Neil Forlong welcomed everyone. Speeches then followed from Minister Mitchell, Commissioner Coster and National Police Dogs Coordinator Inspector Todd Southall.
Collectively they spoke about how the new base is investing in the future of the Dog Section and ensures the team and their dogs have a modern and well-equipped space to deploy from to serve our Whanganui and Ruapehu communities.
Sue, the first female NCO to run a dog section in New Zealand Police, says her team is stoked with their home.
“It’s a huge improvement from what we had previously which was a small garage and dog runs in the only space available at the Whanganui Station,” says Sue.
“We now have a fitting space for our dogs to be in where they are secure and the stress of being in kennels is reduced.
“They also have a nice warm space to be inside out of the winter weather and cool shady places in the summer.
“A dedicated dog wash bay at the base means the handlers don’t have to go off site, and there is an isolation kennel if needed for sick dogs, away from the main kennel. There’s also a separate space for Police puppies.
“We couldn’t be happier with what we now have, and the team and I are grateful for all the support we’ve received to make our new home a success.”
The base is also only a five-minute drive from the site of the new Whanganui Hub - Te Puna Hapori, which will replace the current Whanganui Police Station. It was identified in the concept phase of the Hub project that the site - bordered by Liverpool, Bell, Dublin and Wicksteed streets, with Rangahaua marae in the northern corner - wouldn’t be appropriate for the long-term provision for dogs.
The ICT District Services Engineer for the Whanganui-Ruapehu Area will also call the dog base home.
Sue worked closely with the Police Property Group and contractors to transform the dog base site and a building already there, to a space where their dogs are secure and the stress of being in kennels is reduced – they also have comfortable and warm office spaces and a kitchen which are connected to the kennels.
The kennels are also designed for handlers to safely feed and look after their dogs, and the team now have storage for training gear, dog food and a place to dry wet dog kit.
Sue and her team have more than 60 years' service and a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience in frontline policing, AOS and SAR. The team includes long-serving highly experienced handlers and trainee handlers.