New Masterton Police Station Officially Opens

Masterton's new $7.2 million police station will be officially opened tomorrow by the Minister of Police, the Hon. Annette King.

The ceremony starts at 2pm outside the police station in Church Street, Masterton and will include the unveiling of a bronze plaque, and 2 metre high poupou carvings and tukutuku panels which are mounted on the station's foyer walls.

Speakers at the ceremony also include Deputy Commissioner Rob Pope, PNHQ, and Superintendent Pieri Munro, Wellington Police District Commander.

For the first time in many years the new 2500sqm complex brings all 80 Masterton Police staff under the one roof, providing more spacious, modern and effective work space than the old Park Avenue station which opened in 1968.

Designed by Opus, the construction project has been managed by Arrow International. The new building backs onto the old cellblock which has been refurbished. Although staff moved into the new station last month the final stage - clearing the site of the old station, building the forensic services workspace and police vehicle carparking - won't be completed until February next year.

Inspector John Johnston, Wairarapa Area Police Commander, says staff are delighted with their new facility.

"We're all in the one building where previously we were scattered in four buildings including converted garages," he says. "This new station gives us a better and more effective working environment with space dedicated for the running of major operations and investigations, a training suite and a room where we can meet with community groups, partner agencies and members of the public away from the main operational hub."

Construction of the new station started in November last year.

Ends

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