It is nearly time to put out the welcome mats for some of the six new police officers promised to Wanaka by the Government in July.
Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Blackie, of Alexandra, who is in charge of the Wanaka police station, confirmed a recommendation had been made for the appointment of Wanaka's senior sergeant who would run the station, allowing him to step back into his other role as the officer-in-charge of the Otago Rural Criminal Investigation Branch.
Other senior positions with the Southern Police District, including the new area commander for Otago Rural police area, will not be appointed until the new district commander, Inspector Bob Burns, takes up his post early next year.
The former Otago Rural area commander, Inspector Phil Jones, has taken up a position with New Zealand Police in Australia.
Inspector Dave Miller will remain in the position until a replacement for Insp Jones is confirmed.
Any other senior vacancies in the district will be filled following the arrival of Insp Burns.
The Wanaka senior sergeant's position is in addition to the existing sergeant's position, filled by Sergeant Aaron Nicholson.
The name of the successful applicant would be released in about two weeks. A second sergeant is also being appointed and could start work early next year.
Applications have closed for the youth aid officer promised in July.
An extra front-line officer started work in August and it was hoped advertisements could be placed before Christmas for the new positions of community constable and rural liaison officer.
Those appointments would complete the allocation to Wanaka under the government initiative.
