Figures obtained by National Party police spokesman Mark Mitchell through written parliamentary questions show armed offenders squad callouts have increased across all districts since 2017.
The most dramatic increase has been in the Southern police district, which encompasses Southland and Otago, where there was a 216% increase in callouts from 2017 to 2021.
Nationally, the increase over the five-year period was 64%, while the smallest increase over the five-year period was in Tasman (13%) and the second-largest was in Counties Manukau (174%).
In Southern, there were 202 callouts last year, compared with 64 in 2017.
As of July this year, there had been 113 callouts, putting the South on track for another record year.
Records looked likely to be set nationally - 1004 callouts have already been recorded this year.
Mr Mitchell told The New Zealand Herald he believed the numbers were a result of a rise in high-level organised crime involving offenders more willing to use firearms.
"I think it’s a clear response to serious, top-end offending," he said.
But he did not think New Zealand should break with tradition and introduce a routinely armed force.
As a general policy, the National Party was against general arming, Mr Mitchell said.
In a statement, Police Minister Chris Hipkins denied New Zealand had reached the point of American-style militarised policing.
"In New Zealand we have a community-based approach to policing, working with iwi and communities to police by consent," Mr Hipkins said.
The police focus on gang activities had resulted in an increased need for AOS deployments.
"It does not indicate higher levels of gun crime," Mr Hipkins said.
"Rather it’s a sign this Government has less tolerance for illegal guns, and criminal gang behaviour than the previous National government.
"In terms of police’s tactical approach, its focus is on ensuring that tactical operators and frontline specialists have the right training, equipment and support to ensure they can appropriately respond to all situations they face."
- Additional reporting The New Zealand Herald
