Whanganui MP Chester Borrows has warned police about reducing officer numbers in small towns and rural areas.
Mr Borrows - himself, a former sole charge officer in Patea - said suggestions of reducing police was "something we should really be worried about in the rural community, because it's b******* to think that we can get the same service from more remote stations".
He was speaking after learning that a proposal to reduce rural police numbers in the central North Island had been shelved.
Recent plans to redistribute officers was open for consultation within the force. The response from officers meant plans had been moderated, District Commander Sue Schwalger said.
"Following the consultation, the decision has been made to retain 10 positions in rural communities and small towns which were originally proposed for re-allocation to other areas," she said.