The new Howick Police station has officially opened its doors to the public after a 10-month wait.
Police were forced to move from their previous base in Fencible Drive after Auckland Council decided to sell the land their station occupied.
Counties Manukau East Police previously planned to have the Howick-based community officers work from the Ormiston Road headquarters permanently, but eventually reversed course.
In April police area commander, Inspector Scott Gemmell, announced police had signed a lease for the Cook Street building that would serve as the new Howick station.
An official opening was held at the building on December 19.
It was attended by senior and community police officers as well as Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown, Howick Local Board chairperson Damian Light and board members Adele White, John Spiller, Bruce Kendall, and Peter Young, among others.
Formalities included a blessing from local iwi Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, several speeches, and a shared morning tea.
Gemmell talked about the importance of having the community police officers based in Howick again, especially heading into the busy Christmas holiday period.
“To have our team here and a front counter here that people can come and visit is going to be really special and something we absolutely need at this particular time.”
The station is at 76 Cook Street. It’s open 8am-4pm Monday and Thursday, and can be contacted by phoning 105.
