An increase in police numbers is being warmly welcomed in Rotorua.

Yesterday, Police Commissioner Mike Bush announced New Zealand will get an extra 1800 police officers over the next three years.

The regions are seeing the biggest boost with the Bay of Plenty getting 125 new officers.

Rotorua deputy mayor, Dave Donaldson, told Kate Hawkesby the added officers will help the region feel safe.

"One of the key things I would like to see is an increased visibility in our inner city [..] just to give that perception of safety in the central business district."

However, he says finding people to fill the jobs will be difficult.

"Recruiting them will be a challenge, in my understanding, but where we see the need locally is more visibility. We have a rising population.

LISTEN ABOVE AS DAVE DONALDSON SPEAKS WITH KATE HAWKESBY