Source: Federated Farmers
Federated Farmers says Canterbury Police has made the right call in scrapping its proposed district restructure today.
“This is a smart and pragmatic decision – and a huge relief for our rural communities,” Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says.
“Farming families across Canterbury will be sleeping a little more soundly tonight knowing their local police will stay on the ground, where they belong.”
The decision follows weeks of strong pushback from Federated Farmers and rural residents after Canterbury Police proposed reducing staff in small towns and centralising operations in 24/7 hubs at Rolleston and Rangiora.
Federated Farmers helped lead the community response, organising public meetings in Culverden and Leeston, lodging formal submissions, and encouraging hundreds of residents to have their say.
“Our message was simple: don’t cut our cops,” Green says.
“You can’t replace a trusted local police officer who lives in the community with drive-in drive-out cops who live an hour away.
“When you live rurally, it matters so much to know you have a local cop who understands the area, knows the people and is part of the community.”
She says the original proposal struck at the heart of rural safety and wellbeing.
“Policing isn’t just about responding to crime – it’s about being visible, connected and part of the fabric of the community.
“That’s what keeps people safe and builds real trust.”
Green acknowledges Canterbury Police District Commander Tony Hill for listening to the feedback and ultimately making the right call.
“It takes courage to propose bold changes, but it takes real leadership to listen when communities say, ‘this isn’t right for us’.
“We appreciate that the district commander has heard the message loud and clear and acted on it.”
While the formal restructure has been dropped, Green says it’s important for Canterbury Police to continue working with rural residents to find practical ways to improve services without undermining local presence.
“We all want to see effective policing and good outcomes, but that can’t come at the cost of rural coverage.
“We’d much rather see investment in the amazing police officers already working here – not pulling them further away.”
Green says she greatly appreciates the work of Canterbury Police, and she hopes valuable lessons have been learned from the experience.
“I expect this won’t be the last time they propose a rural restructure, but I do hope this process has shown them that their approach wasn’t quite right.
“Next time, I think they will come out to the communities first to actually listen, understand, and work with us on what we need from our local police.”
Federated Farmers rural policing spokesperson Karl Dean says the decision is a reminder of the strength of local voices when communities stand together.
“This outcome shows the power of rural Canterbury and farming communities nationwide.
“When something threatens the safety and wellbeing of our families, we stand up and speak out. Today, that’s made a real difference.”
Dean, who farms in Canterbury, says the outcome should also send a clear message to New Zealand Police.
“The way Federated Farmers and Canterbury’s rural families pushed back on this proposal is a warning shot across the bow for police HQ.
“We are keeping a very close eye on rural policing issues and won’t be accepting cuts to rural policing in Canterbury or anywhere else in the country.
“Just because we have fewer people than the big cities doesn’t mean we should ever have to feel less safe or accept a lower standard of care.”
