Former police inspector turned mayor of North Shore City wants the criteria for entering the police force relaxed for ethnic minorities.

All areas north of Taupo are experiencing police shortages and George Wood says unless police change their stance towards certain groups in the community, they will continue to find it difficult to recruit staff.

Mr Wood has attended recruiting seminars aimed at the Asian community but says they are deterred by the physical criteria. He believes recruitment should be from the area where there is the most need, as he would rather see officers employed who will stay in Auckland and not head home at the first opportunity.