Extra police officers are being called to Northland to contend with a squeeze on resources from rising violent crime.
In the past three months, 90 officers from across the country have been brought in to work five-week shifts.
Northland District Commander Superintendent Matt Shroj says the region saw four homicides in quick succession, which was the tipping point.
He told Mike Hosking that the district's been in a much better place with this extra support - but these are busy people, and they have their own areas to get back to.
LISTEN ABOVE

Mike's Minute: Two important points on the Luxon story
02:13

Catherine Field: France Correspondent on the Middle East conflict, impact on the stock market, increased defence assets
04:59

Zac Griffith: Kiwi country musician on his new music, journey in country music
11:02