Wellington Police sign relationship agreement with local Maori

Wellington Police have signed a relationship agreement with the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust, which represents around 2000 descendents of four Iwi groups - Taranaki, Te Atiawa, Ngati Ruanui and Ngati Tama.

The relationship agreement signed recently was to cement the relationship between both parties on paper, basing the relationship on a set of mutually agreed principles.

Wellington Police Area Commander Inspector Simon Perry says both Police and the Trust share a desire to strengthen and support Maori communities.

"This agreement we've signed will see Police liaising with the Trust on a regular basis, accepting Maori responsiveness as a priority for Wellington Police."

Inspector Perry says, "The overall goal is to ensure that early intervention is used as the best approach to deterring crime and other negative aspects commonly associated with Maori communities. We'll work together in a partnership to ensure we are proactively engaging with Mana Whenua."

He says Police will also engage with the Trust for advice when setting strategic priorities for Maori within the Wellington Police Area.

"We've been working with local iwi for a long time and mutually decided to formalise a relationship agreement. This means we'll be working together even more closely, supporting Maori whänau with early intervention and practical solutions when dealing with Police."

ENDS

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