Commissioner Mike Bush:

New Zealand Police would like to thank the RSA and community leaders for their support and understanding in regard to the consolidation of ANZAC Day services for this year.

The decision to provide advice that some services should be consolidated was not taken lightly, and was made for the safety of everyone involved.

We have clearly stated that there is no information of a specific threat to ANZAC Day.

However the national threat level in New Zealand remains at high at this time.

In light of this we will not hesitate from taking the steps we need – including the advice we have provided regarding ANZAC Day services – to keep our communities safe.

While we understand the advice to consolidate ANZAC Day events is disappointing for some people, our priority is public safety and we will not compromise on this.

In the current environment it is important that people feel safe to carry on their daily business, including attendance at ANZAC services.

Our job is to ensure that people not only feel safe, but are safe.

We fully recognise the importance of ANZAC Day events.

Police staff will be in attendance at services to pay their respects this year, just as they are every year.

Our message to anyone attending ANZAC services remains one of vigilance - if you see anything suspicious then call police on 111.

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