While many celebrate the holiday season, others are left grieving unimaginable loss.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a split second changed everything on 19 December when two young international lives were lost when their small car collided with a truck in Greta Valley.
Through the Ethnic Officers Network, members of our MPES team sought support from Thai-speaking Constable Duangphaktra (Tang) Simmonds and Chinese-speaking Highway Patrol Officer, Constable Yue Sun.
The Thai family of one of the victims travelled to Christchurch just before the New Year.
Our Thai-speaking officer greeted them at Christchurch Airport, arranged for monks from the local Thai temple on Marshland Road to bless the accident site, and ensured all cultural protocols were followed during the process.
These efforts were aimed at providing as much comfort as possible to the grieving family during this devastating time.
A heartfelt thanks to our ethnic officers, whose diverse perspectives, language abilities and cultural skills were instrumental in navigating culturally specific practices. Their efforts brought understanding and much-needed comfort to the families during an extremely difficult time.