The senior sergeant-level ''area prevention manager'' position - based in Wanaka since 2012-13 - would have been relocated to Queenstown under the proposed ''realignment'' of existing police roles.
However, relieving area commander Inspector Olaf Jensen said police had now decided to retain the role in Wanaka, based on feedback from staff and the community during the consultation process, which began in November and attracted about 20 submissions.
Wanaka's only senior sergeant and the town's sub-area commander Allan Grindell was ''thrilled'' at the outcome of the review and pleased he would not be facing a daily commute over the Crown Range.
''And also living here [Wanaka] and working here, you take a bit more ownership of the town,'' he said yesterday.
Wanaka will still lose its community constable position, which is vacant, to provide for a community position servicing the Wakatipu basin. The role was previously held in Wanaka by Senior Constable Mike Johnston, who is on leave.
Other key outcomes of the review include the establishment of an area prevention manager role at Queenstown, the youth and community sergeant in Central Otago becoming a prevention sergeant and a currently vacant inquiry constable position in Alexandra - attached to the CIB - being disestablished.
The road policing sergeant position at Wanaka will become a prevention sergeant with responsibility for road policing included. Two more public safety team constables will be added at Queenstown.
The area headquarters will be based at Queenstown, rather than Alexandra where it has been for five years.
''In general terms, there is no change in overall staffing levels for Otago rural,'' Insp Jensen said.
''However, the rejig does reflect an increase of two staff in Queenstown, and a reduction of one staff member in Alexandra, as well as the centralisation of an area management role to area headquarters in Queenstown.
''The changes aim to enhance the already high level of service received from local police. Local police will be better placed and supported to deliver on our policing priorities of ensuring that people in our communities not only feel safe but are safe.''
Wanaka Community Board member Bryan Lloyd, who was critical of the proposed cuts to Wanaka police staff, said the result of the review could be seen as ''either a partial victory, or possibly a compromise''.
''It is to be hoped that the level of service to our community is not diminished.''
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Vanessa van Uden said the council did not submit on the review but Wanaka councillors and community board members had discussed their concerns.
''There is a very good relationship between the council and the police, and while it's good to see the senior sergeant's position retained in Wanaka, it is for the police to decide how best to deploy their resources.''
Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper was ''comfortable'' with the current police staffing levels in the district and had no concerns.
''I'm sure we're in a small enough patch that if we need to, we can bring in extra police staff from outside and the existing staff already move around the area anyway.''
The changes take effect from February 1.
Key decisions
• Wanaka senior sergeant role retained.
• Area crime prevention manager to be based at Queenstown.
• Central Otago youth and community sergeant role changed to prevention sergeant.
• Vacant Alexandra inquiry constable and Wanaka community constable roles to be disestablished.
• Community constable position created for Wakatipu basin.
• Wanaka road policing sergeant role changed to prevention sergeant with responsibility for road policing.
• The addition of two new public safety team constables for Queenstown.
• Centralising of Otago Rural Area police headquarters functions in Queenstown.
