Seventy nine recruits will graduate from Wing 320 at The Royal New Zealand Police College this week, backed by their wing patron Rob Waddell (ONZM).
Rob Waddell, who will be present at the graduation, is a New Zealand Olympian, well known for his career as a rower competing on the world stage. He is also a sports administrator and leader as Chef de Mission of the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams. Rob was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2001 for his services to rowing.
In addition to Rob, the new constables will have their family and friends supporting them on Thursday, along with Commissioner Mike Bush and members of the Police Executive, Police Minister Hon Stuart Nash, members of Australian Federal Police and Porirua Mayor Mike Tana.
The new constables
Aged between 18 and 46, Wing 320 started their training in July, with a group that hails from all over the country. Some of them were born overseas, such as Jozef Bothmer who was born in the Netherlands.
Jozef moved to New Zealand as a 13-year-old with his family and went to school in Waipukurau where he volunteered as a firefighter from the age of 16.
Jozef clearly remembers the moment he wanted to join NZ Police.
“I was playing a game of rugby in Napier during the Napier Siege,” he recalls.
“We had to stop mid-game due to two helicopters landing on our field to drop several AOS members off. At that moment I realised this is me!”
Josef went away and got some experience with NZ Army before joining police. He became a firefighter in the army and has been trained in searching for IEDs, mines and other explosive devices and making them safe where possible.
“As a firefighter I always saw people at their worst. Instead of finishing my interactions with those people after I rescued them, I wanted to work more on the prevention side. Now being a police officer I want to work with the community and youth and show them the opportunities that are available to them.”
Jozef will return to Eastern District.
Constable Samantha Lindley, deployed to Southern District, won the Minister’s Award for top student. Prior to this she was a pharmacy technician for nine years. She also worked as a Corrections Officer at Invercargill Prison and did a three month secondment to Rimutaka Prison before joining Wing 320.
Samantha’s also a volunteer with Winton Fire Brigade and Winton St John Ambulance. Her experiences with them made her want to join Police.
“I wanted to join to be part of the prevention side,” Samantha says.
“Through fire and ambulance I often saw the end result and wanted to find a way to try and prevent these incidents. I also spent a lot of time with prisoners and there were so many that I feel would not be in their position had they had someone to help and try change their path.”
Samantha admits she struggled with the fitness requirements to get into Police College but trained hard, made it through and ended up thoroughly enjoying all the physical aspects of training at college.
“I would say to anyone wanting to join to do it. The tests are hard but they are designed to prepare you for the training and if you are determined you will get through it. Everyone in the organisation is amazing and supportive and want to see you succeed!”
“I’m looking forward to being back in my community and working in a team environment making a difference.”
Caleb Towler, who has a trade certificate in Marine Engineering, has already been working with the community for the last several years. Caleb has worked closely with a local Oranga Tamariki home for the last four years, also volunteering for Community Patrols New Zealand for two years.
In his work with Oranga Tamariki Caleb has volunteered his time to mentor teenagers through tough times and worked with them to get back on track and ahead in life.
Caleb, who is going to Central District, says joining Police was a perfect way to continue to serve the community
“If you are looking at joining the police, get stuck in and volunteer in your community. It is a great stepping stone to joining the police”.
Awards
Minister’s Award recognising top student – Samantha Lindley, Southern
Patron’s Award, recognising second top student – Constable Kym Binding, Eastern
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership – Constable Teichmann Collins, Wellington
Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award – Constable Kym Binding, Eastern
Driver Training and Road Policing Practise Award – Constable Ben Ferguson, Waitemata District
Firearms Award – Constable Tony McGoldrick, Southern
Dispersal
Northland
4
Waitemata
12
Auckland
10
Counties Manukau
5
Waikato
7
Bay of Plenty
6
Eastern
3
Central
7
Wellington
9
Tasman
2
Canterbury
8
Southern
6
ENDS
Note to media:
Media are welcome to attend the graduation ceremony this Thursday 15 November. The ceremony starts at 2:30pm at the gymnasium at The Royal New Zealand Police College in Papakowhai. Media wishing to attend should contact media@police.govt.nz
