New Zealand Police is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Assistant Commissioners.
Superintendent Tusha Penny has been appointed Assistant Commissioner – Response and Operations.
Superintendent Lauano Sue Schwalger has been appointed Assistant Commissioner – Districts.
Both women have had long and distinguished careers with Police.
Superintendent Tusha Penny
Superintendent Penny joined New Zealand Police in 1992. A significant part of her career has been spent in the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) investigating serious crimes including lead roles in several high profile homicides.
She was the first officer to take on the role of National Manager – Child Protection and Sexual Violence in 2011, and spearheaded a national change programme to improve the police response to these types of crimes.
Superintendent Penny became National Manager – Prevention in 2014, and in 2016 was selected to become District Commander – Waitematā.
“Superintendent Tusha Penny has played an important role over the years, in respect of family harm and child protection,” says Police Commissioner, Mike Bush. “She leads with passion, heart and enthusiasm.”
Superintendent Lauano Sue Schwalger
Superintendent Lauano Sue Schwalger first joined New Zealand Police in Hastings in 1983, where she was one of only three female officers.
She left the police to have children and returned to work in frontline roles in 1991.
In 1999 she joined the Criminal Investigation Bureau and investigated homicides, child abuse, and other serious violence and organised crime offences.
Since then her roles have included District Crime Manager – Central District, National Manager – Professional Conduct and Area Commander – Whanganui. Most recently she has held the position of District Commander – Central District.
She holds the Matai (chiefly) Samoan title ‘Lauano’ from the village of Patamea in Savaii, which was bestowed upon her in July 2018.
“For decades Superintendent Lauano Sue Schwalger has quietly broken down barriers,” says Commissioner Mike Bush.
“She was the first woman to hold the title of District Crime Manager, and was also instrumental in setting up the Women's Advisory Network which was launched in 2014.”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
