A passionate outdoors person who is learning to fly helicopters in her spare time, Senior Sergeant Fiona Roberts said although her recent roles in the force had required her to operate out of Dunedin, she has been based in Wānaka for about four years and was very familiar with the local policing team.
"I’ve been part of this group here for a long time and I’m just absolutely grateful to be here.
"We’ve got a great station full of really hard working people and for me ... there’ll be a brief settling in period, but my thing is to hit the ground running."
Snr Sgt Roberts said she invited members of the community to introduce themselves if they saw her around town, and she said anyone was welcome in come in to the station — preferably as a visitor.
One piece of feedback she regularly received was how "exceptional" the Wānaka community was at handling lost property.
"There are a lot of trusting people out there and we get this high volume of honest people handing in lost property."
Although the station is not open all hours, Snr Sgt Roberts said she encouraged people to use the after-hours drop box for lost property, and to leave a note if possible.
"It would be really helpful if there was a note to say where you found it, who you are.
"If people are open to people ringing them to say thank you, it’s always nice to acknowledge it.
"And I say long may that continue."
