Western Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Clifford Paxton is one of many police officers who will be giving up their own time during Christmas to ensure our communities enjoy theirs.

He wants to remind people in the community, during what can often be a stressful time, to remember what the festive season is all about.

'I'd like our communities to take some time to reflect over this period we're coming into, because often what we see is our communities and whanau coming under increasing pressure.

'It would be good if could all come back to what it's really all about, to me that's: he tangata, he tangata, he tangata – it is the people, it is the people, it is the people.

'Look after each other, our whanau and communities and I'm sure everyone will have a safe and prosperous Christmas and New Year's.”

He says Christmas is often very dynamic in the Western Bay.

'We have a lot of families coming into the area to enjoy the beautiful area we have. What we'd like to see is everyone staying safe during that time.”