He said he’s had some success luring officers north but wanted “20 plus” extra staff. He acknowledged there were serious issues with crime in the mid and Far North but said such challenges present a more stimulating and diverse day job. You’re not a one-trick pony.”Senior Sergeant Clem Armstrong wants police recruits on South Island waitlists to come north. Senior Sergeant Clem Armstrong (inset) wants to lure waitlisted recruits in the South Island to jobs in the Far North where he says young officers can fast-track their careers. “Usually, those negative comments come from people that aren’t from this town, and they don’t know anything about our town.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 17, 2026 08:31 UTC