Fifty-nine new constables will graduate from The Royal New Zealand Police College in Wing 288 tomorrow. Their wing patron is the Chair of the Greater Wellington Regional Council, Ms Fran Wilde, CNZM, QSO, JP.
Wing 288 graduating constables have come to The Royal New Zealand Police College from all over the country, and all over the world. They join New Zealand Police with a broad range of backgrounds and life achievements. Some former occupations include teachers, receptionists, truck drivers, welders, dive instructors, hammerhands, airport operating coordinators, lifeguards and youth workers.
There is an international flavour to the wing with members’ countries of birth spanning the globe, including Sri Lanka, England, India, and South Africa.
A history in police
Graduating Constable Daniel McLeod is well aware of what it takes to be a police officer, with his grandfather having been in police for over 36 years, and his father who is still in the police after 37 years.
“I have always looked up to both of them and the work they have done in the police,” says Constable McLeod. “All of the stories I heard while growing up were not only exciting, but they also outlined the difference you can make in the community.”
Constable McLeod’s policing connections do not just stop there, he has two uncles and a cousin who are still sworn officers, and his two great uncles were also police officers.
Constable McLeod was also an Authorised Officer at the Don Street Station in Invercargill before he completed his application and began his training at The Royal New Zealand Police College.
Constable McLeod is being posted to Southern District.
Navigating to a new career
Constable Jacob Weeks knows what it’s like to navigate some rough seas before he joined The Royal New Zealand Police College earlier this year.
He is a competitive sailor and is currently the Junior National Champion and Junior International World Champion in the OK Dinghy, which he achieved in 2013.
“I have also been a professional sailing coach and instructor, which has been hugely rewarding,” says Mr Weeks. “During this work, I have helped people learn new skills and grow as individuals.”
Constable Weeks also grew up in a police family, having both his father and uncle serving as police officers before moving into non-constabulary roles.
“Having police within my family from an early age has given me a small insight into policing and the positive difference you can make in your community. I am honoured to have been able to join the ‘police family’ and continue the work that so many have done before me.
Constable Weeks is being posted to Bay of Plenty District.
Taekwondo champ springs into new role
Constable Richard Lavin became interested in joining the emergency services after watching the response to Hurricane Katrina.
“Seeing the response of many of the emergency services in the wake of Hurricane Katrina opened my eyes to what you can do to help your community at need,” says Constable Lavin. “It takes a lot of courage to look after and care for your community at its worst, and that really drove me to join the New Zealand Police.”
Mr Lavin is no novice when it comes to courage. He has competed in taekwondo at both national and international levels, competing as part of National, Oceania, and Asian tournaments.
Mr Lavin also attended the 2005, 2007 and 2009 World Championships, and was awarded a gold medal in 2009.
Constable Lavin is being posted to Wellington District.
Leading from the front
Also graduating tomorrow is Constable Rosalind Newson who cannot wait to get back into her community and start to make a difference.
“I have travelled a lot throughout my life so far and seen many things, but coming back to New Zealand to fulfil a life long dream and begin my training to join New Zealand Police has truly been a rewarding experience,” says Constable Newson.
Constable Newson hopes to use many of the skills she has in her new role, including being able to sign.
“My eldest sister has been profoundly deaf since birth, so along with English, our family uses Sign Language to communicate.”
Constable Newson has been awarded the Commissioner’s Award for Leadership, which is given in recognition of outstanding potential to lead self and others.
Constable Newson is being posted to Wellington District.
Wing 288 award winners:
- The Minister’s Award for First in Wing was awarded to Constable Joanna Gallon, posted to Central. This award recognises the top student after the collation of all course assessments.
- The Patron’s Award for Second in Wing was awarded to Constable Rebekah McLean, posted to Bay of Plenty. This award recognises the second top student after the collation of all course assessments.
- The Commissioner’s Award for Leadership (in recognition of outstanding potential to lead self and others) was awarded to Constable Rosalind Newson, posted to Wellington.
- The Prevention Award (for demonstration of operational skills and prevention practices) was awarded to Constable Ken McGillivray, posted to Auckland.
- The Response Award (for demonstration of safe practices and tactical skills) was awarded to Constable Aaron Wilkins, posted to Wellington.
Graduation will take place at The Royal New Zealand Police College on Thursday 11 December at 2:00pm. The ceremony will be attended by the Police Minister, the Hon Michael Woodhouse, Police Commissioner Mike Bush and Patron Fran Wilde, along with members of the Police Executive.
ENDS
Media intending to be present at the graduation should plan to be onsite by 1.30pm.
Please direct all enquiries or intentions to attend to:
Nic Barkley
Communications Manager
The Royal New Zealand Police College
04 979 4507 or 021 192 2813
