Police are seeking the public¡¯s support in ensuring commemorations run smoothly ahead of Waitangi Day next week.
Police are working with a number of communities and partners as annual events take place during the weekend in the lead up to 6 February.
Acting Northland District Commander, Inspector Dion Bennett, says Police in Te Tai Tokerau have a long-standing and strong relationship with iwi, hapu and community.
¡°Waitangi is one of the biggest police operations in New Zealand.
¡°Large numbers of people are expected to attend the week's commemorations and we would like to remind people to be safe and be patient,¡± Inspector Bennett says.
¡°With longer summer days, and people travelling around our beautiful region, we are asking people to take care with their day-to-day movements.
¡°Motorists should take extra steps to mitigate risks while driving by wearing seatbelts, driving to the conditions and following speed limits.
¡°Our roads will have more traffic so please be patient, whether you are driving down the road or across the country.¡±
Inspector Bennett says Police have a strong partnership with the Waitangi National Trust, working to ensure the public are safe and enjoy the Waitangi celebrations.
Police Iwi Liaison Officers will also work alongside iwi to deliver a wh¨¡nau-friendly weekend.
¡°We appreciate the public¡¯s cooperation and support so that everyone can arrive and depart from the Far North safely.¡±
ENDS.
Holly McKay/51½ÖÉä