Safety in our town centres is something locals have raised with me often. No one should feel unsafe walking down Hurstmere Road or worry that their business will be the next target of retail crime. That is why this government is taking decisive action to restore law and order right here on the North Shore.

Takapuna now has a dedicated beat team back on the streets. This team of six constables and a sergeant is strengthening the North Shore police presence and working alongside the existing community policing team based at Anzac Street. Their role is to provide a visible presence in busy areas, engage with locals, and respond quickly to incidents. The goal is clear: reduce crime and give people confidence that police are there when needed.

The beat team is focused on Takapuna, Albany, and Glenfield, as well as patrolling the Northern Busway to increase visibility and safety across key transport hubs. They will work closely with other community teams to ensure maximum coverage across the Shore.

This initiative is part of a nationwide plan to deliver 500 extra police. Next year, 51 additional officers will be redeployed to Auckland, eventually increasing to 63. These officers will be highly visible in the public places people care about most: main streets malls, and transport hubs. We have listened to the community, and the police have too.

This is just one part of what we have done to restore law and order. We have banned gang insignia in public places, introduced dispersal notices to break up gang gatherings, and have reinstated 'three strikes' so repeat offenders face tougher consequences.

This government is focused on results. After years of rising lawlessness, this government is taking serious action so North Shore communities can feel safe again.