Finance Minister Bill English has criticised the Police Association for seeking a 4 percent pay rise for its members during the recession.
He said in Parliament today police had probably the most secure jobs in New Zealand and the Government was strongly supporting the force.
"We are pouring millions into more police to help them do the job, Tasers so that they can be safe, DNA testing to give them more capacity to resolve crimes - but I'm not sure the police are in step with the public in looking for a 4 percent pay increase," he said during an economic debate.
"The police get a 2 percent pay increase regardless.
"That, by any standard in the rest of the community, is quite generous compared with people who are losing their jobs and taking pay cuts."
Mr English said the Police Association was claiming 2 percent above the pay rise its members were going to get.
"It would do well for the association to check whether it is reflecting the views of its membership and the communities that those members are serving," he said.
