Wanaka and Alexandra's loss is Queenstown's gain in the proposed restructuring of the Otago rural policing area.
Under the proposal, there would be no change in overall staffing levels for Otago rural, but there would be two extra staff members based in Queenstown and a loss of one staff member each in Wanaka and Alexandra, relieving Otago rural area commander Inspector Olaf Jensen said yesterday.
The proposal went out for consultation late last week and, if the proposed changes went ahead, they would be implemented by February 1, he said.
The planned reduction in staff at Alexandra and Wanaka were both constable roles.
Insp Jensen said the Otago rural area was experiencing substantial growth in visitor numbers and residents.
''Queenstown is a significant growth area and this means that police need to regularly review and reassess our staffing and activities there to meet demand.''
Since the restructuring of police staff in 2012-13, the Otago Rural area prevention manager role, held by Wanaka's only senior sergeant, Allan Grindell, has been based in Wanaka.
Under the restructuring, the Otago rural command role would be ''re-established'' in Queenstown, Insp Jensen said.
''This position has always been an Otago Rural role rather than a role with responsibility for the Wanaka sub-area.''
Key area managers would also be based in Queenstown and there would be some realignment of existing police roles in that town ''to ensure that there is a strong focus on the policing issues of alcohol harm, family violence, youth and community crime prevention and road policing,'' he said.
''I would like to reassure the Otago rural community that the proposed changes aim to enhance the already high level of service received from local police.''
