An initiative in which Police partnered with iwi to support communities affected by a large-scale methamphetamine operation has won the Supreme Award in the 2018 New Zealand Police Evidence-based Problem-Oriented Policing (EbPOP) Awards.
The EbPOP awards highlight prevention initiatives in which Police staff have identified an issue, formed partnerships with other agencies or individuals, then put into place measures based on evidence of what works.
Kua hīkina te kohu – raising the fog – was a programme of engagement with iwi in Kawerau prior to Operation Notus, a large-scale operation involving Mongrel Mob drug dealing in the Bay of Plenty town. It was one of six prevention initiatives – from 15 original entries from around the country – which made it to the final in Wellington.
Officers from the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) and Bay of Plenty District partnered with Tūhoe and Tūwharetoa iwi before the termination of Operation Notus in Kawerau to ensure affected communities would be supported.
This included assisting families displaced during the operation and providing referrals to treatment providers for people with addiction problems.
The programme also won the award for Excellence in Achieving Collective Impact.
Commissioner Mike Bush said the Supreme Award winner demonstrated partnership, respect and trust.
“We want Police to be trusted and respected, for people to have confidence in us, but we must trust others to get that trust.”
He said the award entries underlined the pride he felt in being a member of New Zealand Police.
“All of the entries were examples of the absolute passion and emotion that Police and their community partners bring to their jobs.”
National Manager Organised Crime Detective Superintendent Greg Williams said: “Criminal activity in the town was attacking the very fabric of the community.
“The National Organised Crime Group worked hard with the Bay of Plenty Police district and local iwi to ensure we could support the community, both before and after the operation.
"At the presentation, iwi representatives strongly endorsed the work Police had done in partnership with the community.”
Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Andy McGregor said: “I’m incredibly proud to see the hard work and dedication of Bay of Plenty Police staff and our partners recognised today.”
The finalists ranged from engagement within the closed Gloriavale community, to improving the safety of seafood gatherers, to helping change disciplinary approaches within Tongan families - summaries of all finalists below.
The winners in the four award categories were:
• Excellence in Reducing Harm from Crime – Canterbury District
• Excellence in Achieving Collective Impact – Bay of Plenty District/NOCG
• Excellence in Reducing Repeat Victimisation – Waitematā District
• Excellence in Generation and Application of Evidence – Counties Manukau District
The Supreme Award – Whai Te Iti Kahurangi – reflects the proverb “Pursue that which is precious and do not be deterred by anything less than a lofty mountain”.
The finalists were:
National Organised Crime Group/ Bay of Plenty District - Kua hīkina te kohu
Partnership with Tuhoe iwi to provide support to affected communities and build and maintain trust and confidence in Police after termination of Operation Notus, targeting large-scale methamphetamine and cannabis distribution by the Mongrel Mob around Kawerau.
Impacts include reduced reported violence and offending and a significantly reduced gang presence in Kawerau, resulting in the community feeling safe and renewed trust and confidence in Police.
Canterbury - You Matter to Us Wellbeing Team
Police and the Ministry of Education co-led a team of 18 partner agencies to reduce social harm in Linwood East, Christchurch.
The team identifies vulnerable children to ensure they participate in early childhood education and have access to health and social services. Children and whānau now have a sense of wellbeing, belonging and connectedness with their culture and can hope to achieve their potential.
Tasman District - Gloriavale Christian Community
Gloriavale residents living inside the closed community and moving outside the community were identified as being vulnerable and at risk.
West Coast Police, Ministry of Education, Oranga Tamariki and West Coast DHB built a trusting relationship with the community so education programmes could be introduced. The success of the relationship means that ongoing initiatives and engagement can continue with the community in the future.
Northland - Bream Bay Beach Safety Ambassadors
Repeated cases of seafood gatherers – mostly Asian immigrants - drowning at Bream Bay led local police to call on other agencies to help find a solution.
The community and water safety experts were consulted; culturally effective education and beachside advice helped the at-risk group learn about water safety. Water-based emergencies have fallen and improved beach etiquette has helped the relationship between visitors and locals.
Counties Manukau - Fanau Lelei
In 2016 a significant increase in child protection cases involving Pasifika families saw police partner with the Tongan community, Oranga Tamariki, and the Ministries of Pacific Peoples and Social Development.
Tongan police officers visited Tongan churches to present in Tongan on positive parenting. Social media videos were developed. Five cohorts of Tongan families have participated in a parenting programme, leading to increased family wellbeing.
Waitematā - Operation Tool
With construction booming across Tāmaki Makaurau, Waitematā District identified a trend of tool thefts from sites and tradies’ vehicles.
A partnership with businesses helped foster a prevention mindset and make stolen tools harder to sell with, among other things, police engraving tools for free. Despite an 18 percent increase in building consents over this time, Waitematā recorded only a nominal rise in related offences.
Photo 1: Police Commissioner Mike Bush with Tūhoe Chief Executive Kirsti Luke at the Evidence-based Problem-Oriented Policing (EbPOP) Awards. Commissioner Bush is holding the Supreme Award Whai Te Iti Kahurangi.
Photo 2: Superintendent Andy McGregor, Detective Superintendent Greg Williams, Sergeant Al Fenwick, Detective Senior Sergeant Lloyd Schmid (holding trophy), Acting Detective Inspector Mike Varnam, Chris Majoribanks, Kirsti Luke, and Commissioner Mike Bush.
