A new police base for the Auckland CBD has been announced, with plans to open a public counter there by mid-2025.
In a statement today, Police said it had signed a lease agreement for 210 Federal Street and would gradually take full occupancy from January 2025. Police already occupy two of the building’s four floors.
The base will be located near Aotea Square and Te Waihorotiu railway station, and means officers will easily be able to deploy across the central city.
Once the new base is ready in mid-2025, a public counter will open to allow people access to police 24/7.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said it had been a priority to increase public safety and provide reassurance through increased visibility.
“A 24/7 Police Base in the central business district will go a long way to address crime in Central Auckland. This presence will make responding to crime in the CBD faster and more effective,” he said.
“Currently, the 24/7 public counter for the Auckland City District is located at College Hill, approximately two kilometres away from the city centre. Relocating the 24/7 public counter will also provide a better service to the community.”
Police said it had been making progress in addressing CBD concerns through Operation Safer Streets and the growth of beat teams.
“Having a Police base and public counter in the heart of Auckland will continue to build on that.”
There were 51 beat positions in the CBD.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell welcomed today’s announcement and said increased policing across New Zealand’s main CBDs was a “key part” of the Government’s law and order plans.
“Having a central police base, alongside the city’s beat team, is exactly what people expect and what our major city needs. It will enable police to respond more quickly to crime and ensure the public feel safer when going about their daily business,” Mitchell said.