About 60 guests attended the ceremony at the new station in Ballantyne Rd, a month after it became operational, including representatives from local government, tangata whenua, the community, LandSAR and police staff.
National MP Michael Woodhouse represented Minister of Police Anne Tolley at the event, while Assistant Commissioner of Police Grant Nicholls officiated on behalf of New Zealand Police.
The ceremony began with a karakia (prayers) before guests were welcomed by Wanaka sub-area commander Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell, who told the crowd police and LandSAR Wanaka members were in the midst of organising a search and rescue operation behind the scenes at the new station.
During his speech, Mr Woodhouse acknowledged the close co-operation and co-location of Wanaka police and LandSAR at the station, and said it was ''rather poignant'' an operation was under way during the building's official opening.
Asst Comm Nicholls said the New Zealand Police wanted to provide better services for people visiting police premises - whether they were witnesses, complainants, victims of crime or offenders - and stations like Wanaka's provided that opportunity.
''Modern police stations like this are a world away from the austere and sometimes grim places we remember from history,'' Asst Comm Nicholls said.
''While the prospect of visiting a police station may be a challenge for some, I know the staff who work within this building will make it a warm and welcoming environment for all who enter.''
He also praised Wanaka police for a 16% reduction in crime during the past year and a 6.5% reduction the previous year.
The ceremony finished with a blessing of the building by police chaplain Jim Patrick before guests were offered a tour of the new station. A public open day will be held at the station on October 19 from 10am to 2pm.
