Since the launch of Te Wananga's Certificate in Vocational Preparation for Police in 2009, twenty three students have gone on to graduate from the Royal New Zealand Police College.
The initiative targets young Māori, Pasifika, and Ethnic people who want to improve their cultural understanding, leadership and communications skills, numeracy and fitness prior to applying for a career in the police. Te Wananga O Aotearoa is one of a number of initiatives the NZ Police supports in the drive to increase the diversity of its workforce.
Today, Constable Ngahuia Sheedy and Bonnie Ridley attended a celebration along with 21 other graduates of the programme. The event was hosted at the Te Wananga o Aotearoa 's Mangakotuktuku site in Hamilton.
Ngahuia says "Becoming a cop was always my dream. Working together with the community is the job I wanted to get up to every morning and this course gave me practical learning to help achieve that goal."
Police College graduates who have been on the course are now working on the frontline in Bay of Plenty, Counties Manukau, Waitemata, Eastern, Waikato and Auckland City districts.
NZ Police assists the course by making police officers available to present their views and experiences in a classroom environment.
Superintendent Wally Haumaha, General Manager of Maori Pacific and Ethnic Services for police says "The partnership with Te Wananga o Aotearoa is one of the vehicles to help increase the diversity of officers on the front line. This is an occasion where we take a step back to acknowledge the course graduates over the last three years. Ultimately we want to see more young women, Maori, Pacifika, Indian, Asian and African people to take up the challenge of a police career. "
People who want to apply for police can take the first step now by going to www.newcops.co.nz . Aspirants who want to enhance their skills before applying can get in contact with a range of tertiary providers from around New Zealand.
ENDS
Police Media Contact
Campbell Moore
027 275 2612
