Whangarei/Kaipara's new police chief has been pitched into the deep end just days after arriving.
But her opinion of the district has not changed - she loves it here.
Inspector Tracy Phillips has been sent from Wellington to act as Whangarei/Kaipara area police commander, following the sudden retirement of Inspector Paul Dimery earlier this month.
Arriving on Monday, Ms Phillips attended her first Whangarei District Council meeting on Wednesday, where she got more than she bargained for.
As she waited to be introduced to the council by Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe, an angry confrontation broke out between protester Vivienne Shepherd and Mayor Morris Cutforth.
The two police officers were pitched into the action when council chief executive Mark Simpson asked for their help escorting Ms Shepherd from the room.
Inspector Phillips took charge, speaking empathetically with Ms Shepherd and effectively defusing the situation so the meeting could continue.
Formally introducing herself later, Ms Phillips told councillors she would be relieving in Whangarei until a replacement area commander had been appointed.
"After two and a half days here I can tell you I'll probably be applying. I've been loving my time here," she said.
Asked by Councillor Sue Glen if she knew that "Love it here" was Whangarei's promotional slogan, Ms Phillips responded: "It's a beautiful part of the country and I've met some really, really neat, passionate and enthusiastic people, so I'd really like to live up here."
Ms Phillips was asked to pass on a farewell and thank you to former Mr Dimery. Mr Dimery's departure was a loss to Whangarei but councillors were grateful for all he had achieved for the district, Mr Cutforth said.
"We admire and thank Paul for his strong stands on community issues, in particular domestic violence, gang and youth problems, alcohol and drugs and parental responsibility.
"It has been evident to us all that Paul feels passionately about the welfare of Whangarei people and is not afraid to speak it how he sees it in the interests of a better-functioning society."