Delegates from member countries around the Pacific have gathered in Auckland for the annual Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Womens Advisory Network conference which begins today.
The conference is an opportunity to advance the development of women within police organisations and their progression through the ranks.
Hosted by NZ Police, this conference brings together female police officers and employees of various rank and experience to discuss the challenges faced by women within the various jurisdictions and propose solutions.
New Zealand Police Inspector Karen Henrikson, incoming PICP WAN Chair, says “We are looking forward to the week ahead and building stronger networks to advance women through our individual police organisations”.
“The conference theme is all about planning your career, having courage, building resilience, coaching and mentoring colleagues. Over the next few days, we hope to provide all delegates tools and knowledge to assist not only their own development but also the development of their colleagues.”
“I am honoured to accept the role of Chair from Pauline Rangi from Cook Island Police, who has done a sterling job over the last 12 months. In the two years that I have been involved in the PICP WAN I have seen some noticeable progress around women in policing, however there is still plenty of room for improvement across all jurisdictions.”
"At the end of the week I hope to see all delegates depart ready to be a leader of change within Police in their respective countries.”
The conference begins this morning at 8am with an official welcome attended by Assistant Commissioner Malcolm Burgess.
Key note speeches will be delivered by NZ Police Supt. Sandra Manderson, a previous District Commander, who has just completed her role as National Commander of Police’s Cricket World Cup Operation and the FIFA U20 tournament and Judge Ida Malosi, the first Samoan Pacific Island woman Judge in New Zealand appointed to the Manukau District Court.
This year’s 2015 PICP WAN Conference will also see representatives from invited guests Tokelau, a non-member country, attend.
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Media are welcome to attend the powhiri and opening speeches as well as the Key note speakers at Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre – Supt Manderson: Wednesday 12.45pm and Judge Malosi: Thursday 8.30am.
Please contact Mere Wilson Tuala-Fata, NZ Police, mere.wilson@police.govt.nz or via txt to 021 191 2918 for further information or interview requests.
Additional information:
The PICP WAN was established in 2003 with the goal to support and enhance the contribution of women in policing within the Pacific Region. It is also recognised as one of 8 Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Strategic Programs.
The PICP WAN is overseen by a project team which includes PICP Executive Leadership Team representative French Polynesian Commissioner Francois Perrault and Program Manager, Jonny Lancashire from the Australian Federal Police.
Some of the key projects progressed under the PICP WAN include:
· Pacific Seconded Officer program (6-month secondment to PICP-S office)
· Pacific Exchange Program (2-week work exchanges within the Pacific)
· Leadership Workshop (delivered in Tahiti in 2014, and Guam in 2015)
· Australian Institute of Police Management scholarships
Programme under development are:
· PICP WAN Mentoring Program
· Pacific Policewomen Driver Training Program
Additional information can also be found at: picp.co.nz