After more than a decade, at precisely 12pm on Tuesday 4 October 2022, the doors of Wainuiomata Community Police Centre (CPC) re-opened to the public.
The station has been refurbished and reinvigorated with a new lease of life as Police re-establishes a permanent presence in the local community.
The station's front counter is now open two days a week - every Tuesday and Wednesday between 12pm and 4pm.
Inspector Dion Bennett, Area Commander Te Awa Kairangi Hutt Valley acknowledged the diligent efforts of many who have worked on restoring mana to the station to make this day possible.
"I want to first acknowledge the strong voice of the people of Wainuiomata who said they wanted police back in their community.
"The two-year long journey to get to this point was longer than intended but it has been a worthwhile endeavour. We're pleased to support Wainuiomata with a presence that this community expects and deserves," says Inspector Bennett.
At this morning's re-opening ceremony, Iwi representatives, community leaders, partners and police staff together restored the wairua (spirit) of the place as they blessed every space in the station.
The show of support from those who attended the opening was both humbling and an indication of the significance of having the station once again available to the public.
"People care deeply about this place. We're giving them a great team of staff who are equally passionate about creating a safe, strong, and thriving community in Wainuiomata.
"The station is a place of solutions, a collaborative space where we can work together with our communities. It's a place that belongs to everyone.
"We'll continue to consult with our community about what's best for them and be flexible to ensure their needs are being met."
On behalf of the Minister of Police, MP Ginny Anderson thanked Inspector Bennett and Te Awa Kairangi Hutt Valley staff for the important service they provide to keep the community safe.
"The opening of Wainuiomata station is symbolic of a commitment to serving the community and serving families.
"It's really exciting that people can come here, talk to a police officer and get some help. I hope we will see an increase in reporting and the resolution of family harm. Having the doors open will continue to build trust and confidence," she said.
Wainuiomata is one of the fastest growing areas of the Hutt Valley. The population has increased in recent times and this growth is forecast to continue.
The re-opening of the station is a community-centric approach to policing in action.
There's a wide range of youth, community, and frontline response experience between the seven staff who are now based at Wainuiomata station.
Staff are strongly connected to the community and will be more visible and accessible than before.
