New Police station in Nomuka [1]
Friday, December 18, 2015 - 17:53. Updated on Friday, December 18, 2015 - 17:54.
Photos courtesy Tonga Police
The construction, which included police accommodation, was funded with around $700,000 pa’anga made available under a Tonga Police Development Program in which New Zealand and Australia are major donors.
Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell said the station is a place for the community to come together to talk about problems and come up with answers.
“The new station is important but it is the work that happens inside and outside of the building that is important.”
He said policing is about serving the community and working hand in hand to keep our citizens and young people safe.
“We come from the people we serve, we must at all times be professional and caring as we uphold the law. We are duty bound to uphold without fear or favour, with discretion and common sense. “
The need for the new station on the island was an issue raised by the community. In 2013 during a community visit by former Minister of Police and former Commissioner Grant O’Fee the matter was brought up again leading to the construction.
Also attending the opneing of the new building was Crown Princess Sinaitakala, the Australian High Commissioner HE Mr Brett Aldam and NZ High Commissioner HE Sarah Walsh.