Far North police are dismissing rumours that stations in Paihia and Kawakawa are about to close - but say roster changes will mean short-term changes to staffing levels at some stations.
Responding to questions from the Advocate, Northland Police District Commander Superintendent Russell Le Prou said there were no plans to close any police stations at this time. Nor were there plans to permanently remove staff from any stations.
However, in the short term - while a new police roster was being developed - some staff would be moved around to "backfill" the roster and ensure adequate coverage across the Bay of Islands.
It is thought that could mean taking some staff out of stations such as Paihia and Kawakawa to help cover gaps elsewhere.
Mr Le Prou said the details of any staffing changes were an operational matter for the local police hierarchy to deal with through consultation with staff and ultimately the community.