There was the usual diversity of experience, ethnicity, languages and life experience among the new constables of Wing 334 who graduated last week.
But they also offered a collective history of fine food and star service more usually associated with restaurants than Police.
And the first reunion dinner is already being planned, with new Constable Andrea Selvatico planning to serve his specialty – Pizza Napoli – to wingmates joining him in Eastern District.
Andrea’s family ran a restaurant in Madesimo, at the top of Lake Como, an area hugely popular as a ski destination. His record - 505 wood-fired pizzas in a day. He's also a ski instructor.
The family didn’t all work in the restaurant though – his father was in the local police for 20 years and showed him “what a good policeman can do for the community”.
He died just days before Andrea was due to start at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) - but was close to his heart at graduation, his service medal proudly pinned inside his son’s tunic.
Joining him in Eastern is new Constable Jason Karena, whose background in hospitality spans several restaurants. Working in busy kitchens taught him lots about dealing with pressure in a fast-paced, stressful environment, he says.
The experience obviously served him well – Jason won the Leadership Award and spoke on behalf of the wing before leading the traditional Police haka at graduation.
In his speech he paid particular tribute to patron Sir Kim Workman “who has inspired us to succeed and be the best we can. He has offered us great advice, has set an excellent example and we thank you Sir for passing on your knowledge and for being our patron."
Sir Kim, in his own speech, told the graduates their excitement and commitment as they began their policing journey brought back memories of his own graduation 61 years ago, in the Walter Nash Cadet Wing. Walter Nash's grandson, Police Minister Stuart Nash, was present to hear him
The bonds forged then remained unbroken, said Sir Kim, and in two months the wing would hold one of its regular reunions.
"I will tell anyone who will listen that the quality of police training and development today is far superior to that of our time," he said.
Recipient of the Minister’s Award for first in wing, Constable Harlan Nicholas, also did time in hospitality – on Stewart Island, where he worked summers in the local hotel to fund winters spent travelling. He too credits an ability to stand back and take stock, as well as a good memory, to that experience.
His decision to apply to Police was a slow cooker, he says – “I’ve been thinking about it for a few years now.”
And then there’s Constable James Peck, who spent 20 years pursuing a career in the sector, much of the time in London where he served celebrities including Graeme Norton, Sir Paul McCartney and supermodel Naomi Campbell.
Although he loved the industry, his return to New Zealand prompted a rethink. On his Navy veteran dad’s suggestion he “clicked on the website and saw so many different pathways”.
A decision to get as fit as possible when he turned 30 helped. “It was the theory that was the tough one,” he said.
Minister Nash and Commissioner Mike Bush not only commended the new constables but also their families and whānau for the support which had enabled them to complete their training. This was only the beginning, Commissioner Bush warned.
“These people will do things no other member of the New Zealand public will do or should have to do," he said. "That will have an impact. I thank you in advance for your continuing support.”
While the day welcomed new police, it also marked a farewell for Wing 334 Section Four Sergeant Petra Solia who is leaving to pursue new opportunities in the Coroner’s Office.
Before joining the staff at the RNZPC, Petra’s service was mainly in Counties-Manukau - a good fit for the proud Samoan.
“I have loved every day of my 11 years with Police,” she says, “and Police have really looked after me. I leave with the utmost respect for the organisation, which I see as a great place from which to bring about change for Pasifika people.”
Awards:
Minister’s Award for top student: Constable Harlan Nicholas
Patron’s Award recognising second top student: Constable Robert Ah Chee
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership: Constable Jason Karena
Physical training and defensive tactics Award: Constable Benjamin Cooper
Driver training and road policing practice Award: Constable Dan-Emil Meszaros
Firearms Award: Constable Michael Di Leva
Deployment by district:
The new constables of Wing 334 are deployed as follows: Northland – 1; Waitematā – 8; Auckland – 6; Counties Manukau – 8; Waikato – 3; Bay of Plenty – 6; Eastern – 5; Central – 9; Wellington – 10; Canterbury – 3; Southern – 2.