Auckland CBD policing announcement 'expected next week'

Police are expecting "further announcements" next week for policing in Auckland as safety in the CBD has come under scrutiny.

A spokesperson told 1News today that police "remain focused on having a visible presence" in the city.

"Further announcements are expected next week for additional support for the heart of the country's largest city, following Budget 24."

The comment came after Police Minister Mark Mitchell said this morning that police are looking for a possible location for a new dedicated police hub in the centre of Auckland's CBD.

Auckland's central police station is on College Hill, only a short distance from the downtown area, and a "Police Patrol Base" was set up on Federal St more than a year ago – but there have been calls recently for a station or hub closer to the waterfront.

At a meeting with frustrated residents and business owners on Tuesday, the minister admitted there was a "big problem".

Mitchell told Breakfast today: "We've seen the deterioration in our CBD over the last six years. I'm very sensitive to and aware of it.

"I want to be proud of our city [but] at the moment we can't be, the citizens don't feel safe, there's got to be positive action."

And he would support a downtown police hub, Mitchell added.

"I would like to see that," Mitchell confirmed. "I've signalled that, that is an operational matter for police.

"Police are working hard on identifying whether or not they can partner with someone, whether they can find some space – especially in the downtown area – and maybe establish a patrol base so there's a visible presence here."

Foot patrols in the CBD have increased and crime is trending down in the area, Mitchell said.

"That's promising but we know we've got a long way to go."

Assistant Police Commissioner for Tāmaki Makaurau Sam Hoyle backed up Mitchell's comments.

He said: "There has been a 63% increase in foot patrols by our staff in central Auckland.

"This is when comparing the period from April 2023 to March 2024, with the 12 months prior from April 2022 to March 2023.

"In recent years, police have observed increases in reported crime in central Auckland but this is now beginning to trend downward."

Mitchell praised Auckland's police but said they "can't do it by themselves", calling for a "joined-up" approach.

He and the mayor will have a meeting next week along with other stakeholders, including community and organisation leaders, Mitchell said: "It's important that we get a joined-up approach, everyone is really clear what their responsibilities are, then we move it out."

Community Patrols NZ life member and ex-police officer Chris Lawton said community patrols have recently begun in the CBD.

Lawton also supported the idea of a police hub or station in the heart of the CBD.

He said "it's probably quite critical" and emphasised the need for a public-facing, visible approach.

"It's frustration," he told Breakfast this morning.

"It's frustration that these things continue to plague, if they use that word, people that live and work and visit the city."

The community patrol members work closely with police, Lawton added.

"I know the city, and I enjoy living there, but there's certain places you don't want to go at certain times.

"The minister has a good handle on what's going on in the city, being an ex-police officer," Lawton said.

Hoyle said police have been focused on increasing visibility and patrols.

"Beat Teams as well as the Area Prevention Teams continue to deploy every day, and the staff working there are continuing to report the benefits since moving to the location," he said, adding Beat Teams go "to areas where there is demand".

"We acknowledge there have been incidents in recent years that have caused some concern amongst residents, workers and business owners," he continued.

"Our staff are continuing to take every opportunity to connect with the public to understand their concerns and address these.

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"On top of this, police have been working very hard in investigations as well as wider prevention work.

"It's important to note there are a number of long-standing and complex issues behind some of the issues being experienced in the city, and police will continue to do our part in addressing these."