Constable Malachi Watson has been in the role less than three months and started just two days after moving down with his family from Pahiatua in Manawatu, he said.
"We were living out of boxes."
He had been "really warmly greeted by the community".
The more people he met, the more sure he was of his decision to come to Mataura with his wife and children, he said.
Const Watson had worked in a number of different places during his six years in the police, "but Southland would probably be home for a long time".
The good people, safe community and amazing country was what brought them there.
"It was a really big logistical move. Four kids, two dogs and a cat."
The lifestyle was also a good fit for Const Watson, whose favourite hobbies were hunting and fishing.
"We couldn’t be happier down here."
Engaging with Mataura’s young people had been a highlight so far, he said.
Building a good relationship between the community and the police was important to him.
"I’m more than happy if people want to have a cup a tea, sit down and just have chat.
"The door is always open."
His goal was to uphold a safe and welcoming environment, he said.
"Everybody should be able to feel safe where they live and to freely go about their business without feeling threatened."
That mindset was what had driven him to join the police in the first place.
It was a logical move after serving in the military for four and a-half years, he said.
"I just want to help people and stand up for good things and what is right."
