Waipukurau police station now country's first Multi Agency Centre

Police Area Commander Hawke's Bay Inspector Jeanette Park, takes a photo as CHB Police staff stand with Police Commissioner Andrew Coster in front of the new CHB Multi Agency Centre.

In a New Zealand first, Central Hawke's Bay's Police station has re-opened as a Multi Agency Centre, housing Police, Corrections and the Ministry of Social Development.

At the official opening of the facility yesterday, Minister of Police Stuart Nash said "what has been achieved here is significant. It had its doubters and detractors but this is the way forward.

"With these agencies altogether, having conversations around the same water cooler, we will have a better understanding of issues and better solutions.

"This new concept hasn't come from Government ministers telling people what to do, this has come from the bottom up. This is a model for our country."

The unveiling of the new facility in Waipukurau drew a crowd of dignitaries including CHB's mayor, staff and councillors, Ikaroa-Rawhiti MP Meka Whaitiri, labour candidate for Wairarapa Kieran McAnulty and Police Commissioner Andrew Coster.

It was Coster's first visit to Hawke's Bay in his new role as Police Commissioner and he said the new Multi Agency Centre would bring "multiple benefits to the people of CHB and the staff who work in the centre."

"Having Police, MSD and Corrections in one premises will provide a collaborative, combined service and a greater understanding of each other's roles."

Regional Commissioner of Corrections, Paula Collins, said the new facility was just the start.

"Our purpose is the wellbeing of the people and this whare is an example of that, as is this shared event. A few years ago it wouldn't have happened, this busting down of barriers between organisations.

Regional Commissioner of MSD, Annie Aranui, also addressed the guests, saying getting the organisations together and sharing information and conversations would make a real difference in the community. "Our real work starts now and I am excited about the difference we can make."

After the ribbon was cut by Nash and Coster, a tour of the facility revealed a modern shared, open-plan office area shared by all three agencies, with a separate section for MSD staff to interview clients.

Sergeant Neil Baker, newly appointed officer in charge of Waipukurau Police said while the configuration of the front foyer of the premises remains largely unchanged "the building now has a new, even more, important role as one of the hubs of our community."