"Geographically police have a large area to cover in our district so more officers on the beat and faster response times will make our communities safer, whether they are rural or urban...we have a right to feel safe in our homes and in our communities and today's announcement is about ensuring this right is protected. This is as much about crime prevention as it is reducing harm."
Mr Bush said sworn staff would be recruited over the next four years from July, with about 220 new additional recruits added per year.
"We have carefully considered where the additional 880 staff should go and where they will make the most difference," he said.
"Our allocation model has taken into account changing crime patterns, increased demand and population growth."
Northland will be allocated 66 officers, Waitemata 73, Auckland City 72, Counties Manukau 91, Waikato 101, Bay of Plenty 69, Eastern 68, Central 67, Wellington 62, Tasman 24, Canterbury 70, and Southern 37.
The remaining 80 officers will join organised crime teams.
"These will be put into specialised taskforces made up of investigative staff, asset recovery specialists and forensic staff," Mr Bush said.
"The first taskforce will be set up in the Western Bay of Plenty in the 2017/18 year."
Mr Bush said the investment package provided a significant opportunity for police "to address the pressures facing some of our districts and expand on the work being done to make New Zealand the safest country".