New Police Minister Mark Mitchell has written a publicly-available letter to Police Commissioner Andrew Coster, setting out the Government's expectations from the country's top cop.
The letter came after a meeting between the two yesterday, Mitchell said in a statement, adding Coster agreed to his expectations.
"I have been open about the fact I do not agree with the direction policing has taken under the previous Government and I expect the Police Commissioner to focus on core policing with a back-to-basics approach," Mitchell's statement read.
"I want people to feel safe on their streets, in their homes, and in their workplaces."
He hit out at gangs in particular.
"Gangs have become more violent and more present in our communities, intimidating the public and taking over public roads and spaces. This needs to stop.
"I expect police will use the powers provided to them in legislation to ensure gangs will not take over towns, public roads, or spaces. Law abiding members of the public are entitled to have their rights to safety and freedoms protected."
The Government would support the police with legislation, he added.
The letter was released on the Public Service Commissioner's website.
Alongside gangs, the Police Minister noted youth crime was a key focus.
"Our New Zealand Police organisation and frontline staff are working in a far more complex, demanding and dangerous environment that requires focused, strong and supportive leadership," Mitchell said.
"My expectation is for that leadership to be evident."
Speaking to RNZ this morning, Mitchell said he had full confidence in Coster.
The reassurance comes after Mitchell had dodged the question in the past.
Mitchell also told Morning Report why he released the letter.
"I wanted to have full confidence in the Police Commissioner, that he would implement our policies and legislation and so that's why I sort of engaged with this process through the Public Services Commission, which is exactly what it's there for."
SHARE ME