1. Question No. 1—PoliceTANYA UNKOVICH (NZ First) to the Associate Minister of PoliceORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Police1. TANYA UNKOVICH (NZ First) to the Associate Minister of Police: What action is being taken to boost Police recruitment?Hon CASEY COSTELLO (Associate Minister of Police): Last week Police announced changes to their eligibility criteria with individuals on their restricted driver's licence and those holding a residence visa now allowed to start the recruitment process. These are examples of common-sense changes that will open the door for thousands more New Zealanders who want to serve their communities.Tanya Unkovich: Is the Minister aware of a noticeable response to these changes?Hon CASEY COSTELLO: Although it's too early to claim victory I can advise that over the last week Police received 630 applications.Tanya Unkovich: Has the Minister received any other updates on recruitment and retention?Hon CASEY COSTELLO: I have been advised that Police are continuing their efforts to work closely alongside recruitment applicants to ensure that those who meet the required standards have the best possible chance of making it to the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC). In terms of applicant numbers I'm advised that in the first six months of 2024 Police have received an average of 526 applications per month. This is 53 percent higher than the monthly average over 2023. Additional recruitment staff are currently in place and being hired to ensure that applicants can be processed cared for and supported as quickly as possible. Retention of staff also remains promising with the average attrition rate—Rt Hon Chris Hipkins: They're all going to Australia.Hon CASEY COSTELLO: Well not according to the statistics over the last 12 months at less than 5 percent. This rate is amongst the lowest of all employers in New Zealand. This Government believes the recent initiative announced by the commissioner to support front-line policing including setting up community beat teams and the focus on core policing that enables police officers to better focus on tasks that require their skills and experience makes policing more attractive to current and prospective officers.Tanya Unkovich: Is the Minister aware of further plans to boost recruitment?Hon CASEY COSTELLO: Police continues to attract potential candidates through its online digital platforms including the New Cops website and district recruitment activities and marketing activity. I'm advised that 10 of the 12 police districts currently have district recruitment leads in place who are working alongside the operational recruitment teams to deliver fitness academic and candidate support to both applicants and potential applicants. They also run localised events including information evenings and community recruitment activities. I'm also aware that the community patrols have increased efforts to engage with ethnic communities on the opportunities available through a career in policing. Finally to support further recruitment I'm advised that a new highly visible recruitment campaign will be live within the next couple of weeks.Hon Ginny Andersen: How many additional police officers are there now in the police service since her Government took office?Hon CASEY COSTELLO: Police numbers have dropped since November 2023 but this was expected with no recruit wings commencing at RNZPC between October 2023 and January 2024 due to the Christmas closedown period and the transition. Wing 376 will graduate next week on 1 August and a further wing will graduate every five weeks from then on. With 630 applications last week alone Police are confident we can recruit sufficient numbers.Hon Ginny Andersen: Why isn't the Government doing more to retain the police officers we currently have given there are 124 fewer police officers since her Government took office?Hon CASEY COSTELLO: I'm glad the member asked that question. We are doing a lot. Firstly we are investing in police being able to do what they do best which is catch bad guys and they are loving it.