NZ Police celebrating African Unity

NZ Police is proud to be joining African New Zealanders in their lively celebrations which are set to mark the 50th anniversary of African Unity Day. Sponsorship of an Africa Day event to be held on Saturday 25 May at the Wellington Town Hall is part of police's wider strategy to build partnerships with these communities to prevent crime and victimisation. Auckland Police will also be supporting Africa Day at the Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall.

Superintendent Wally Haumaha says "As the African New Zealanders continue to thrive, police is looking to build stronger relationships with those communities. That's why we are sponsoring Africa Day. Not only is it an opportunity to talk with everyday people from those communities, it also allows us to inspire young leaders from those communities to join our ranks and become a cop."

"As Sir Robert Peel stated 'the police are the people and the people are the police'. The mantra is true today and it's vital that communities see themselves represented within our organisation."

New Zealand police currently have 26 constabulary staff who identify themselves as African descent. One in particular is Constable Phil Goto.

Hailing from Zimbabwe, Phil is New Zealand Police’s first indigenous African constable. Phil will be present at Africa Day on 25 May in the Wellington Town Hall and is looking forward to rubbing shoulders with his wider community to inform them about they can work in partnership with police to keep communities safer. He's equally keen to inspire other young Africans to follow in his footsteps!
Phil's current role as an Ethnic liaison officer, based in Christchurch, allows him to help people from a wide range of different cultures.

Phil's experience getting into police was a challenging one, but one he says was hugely rewarding. "Initially, I was carrying some extra weight and was particularly stumped by the swimming assessment! In my experience, swimming is a barrier faced many migrants but after a few lessons, I nailed it, and never looked back."

To ensure police remains responsive to the needs of all New Zealanders, police want to recruit a broad base of young New Zealanders, in particular women, Maori, Pasifika, Indian, African and Asian.

Police are looking for young leaders with communication skills, empathy and problem solving abilities. These skills are crucial to prevent of crime and victimisation in our communities.
To take the first step to becoming a cop, go to newcops.co.nz Here you can watch videos about the job, check requirements and take an online seminar.

Download high res image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/94938706@N08/8778432086/

Ends

Police media contact: Campbell Moore - 027 275 2612. Interviews with Superintendent Haumaha can be scheduled between 4-5pm today.