Tamatha Paul questions police foot patrols in Christchurch

Green MP Tamatha Paul recently voiced concerns about police foot patrols in Christchurch, suggesting they could make some residents feel uneasy. Her comments were made at a Greens and Peace Action event at Canterbury University. Paul criticized the police's approach, stating they should not be involved in situations with vulnerable individuals. She believes police jobs require specific training that officers may not possess. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins strongly disagreed with Paul. Luxon labeled her comments as "outrageous," while Hipkins called them "ill-informed" and "stupid." Both leaders praised the police's effectiveness in the community.