Extra police in Tairawhiti to cope with visitor influx

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Tairawhiti police have brought an extra 40 staff into the district for the festive season to help manage the anticipated influx of holidaymakers.

The extra officers from around the country will be here until the middle of January.

“We are expecting a lot of extra people here over the peak holiday season, and a number of them will be people who were coming here for the R&V music festival,” said area police commander Inspector Sam Aberahama.

“We expect it will be very busy in the Gisborne, East Coast and Mahia areas and we'll have plenty of extra staff on duty.”

Insp Aberahama said some of the extra officers would be working with local road policing staff.

“We are not intending to operate Covid checkpoints, because that's illegal, but we will have an increased presence on our roads.

“That's to provide reassurance to the public, particularly people in rural communities across the region.”

Insp Aberahama said the Red Traffic Light compliance continued to be “really good” in the area.

“Our alcohol harm team have been busy visiting licensed premises to ensure they're abiding by the traffic light requirements.

“Most have been compliant around the numbers of people inside their premises and in applying the Covid-19 rules, but we have had to issue a couple of formal warnings.”

Insp Aberahama said police wished everyone in Tairawhiti a safe and enjoyable Christmas and a happy New Year.

“If you're travelling ensure you take plenty of rest stops.

“When it comes to family harm, which does tend to increase at this time of year, please take time out when issues arise.”