Seventy-eight new constables are ready to hit the streets after their attestation and graduation celebrations last week.
Whānau and friends joined Commissioner Mike Bush and members of the Police Executive, Minister of Police Stuart Nash and Wing Patron Carolyn Tremain at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) to see Wing 319 graduate.
The recruits started at the RNZPC in July. Members are aged between 18 and 46 with a near-even split of men and women – the graduating group had 38 women and 40 men.
The new constables are being deployed to every Police district. A number of them have a range of connections to current and retired staff across the country.
Keeping it in the family was Christchurch Metro Area Commander Superintendent Lane Todd, who was there to see his daughter Bayley be attested and graduate. Bayley will return home to Canterbury, along with seven of her wingmates deployed there.
“It’s a very proud moment for us as a family,” said Lane. “We feel she’s following in the family business.
“I let her take her own road but I’m very proud that she decided to join Police.”
Bayley, who worked in the Southern Communications Centre for three years before joining Wing 319, said she was very proud to have made her family proud.
“It’s a childhood dream come true for me,” she said. “I joined Comms because I wanted to mature a bit but now I can’t wait to fill Dad’s boots.”
Commissioner Bush told the members of Wing 319 they should feel a massive sense of accomplishment at finishing the 16-week initial training course.
“We aspire to be the safest country because that’s what you and our loved ones deserve,” he said. “That means we must be the best police service.”
Minister Nash urged the new constables to encourage others to join Police. “You are transitioning from recruits to recruiters,” he said. “It’s now part of your duty to encourage people to follow in your footsteps, and mentor them as you were mentored and encouraged.”
Ms Tremain, CEO of the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment, and formerly Comptroller of New Zealand Customs, told the new constables it had been an absolute privilege to be their patron.
“I’ve been incredibly impressed by your commitment, your support for each other and your considerable focus on getting through the course,” she said.
Making the customary speech as winner of the Commissioner’s Award for Leadership, Constable Shayna Shayna Tapusoa thanked Ms Tremain for her encouragement and leadership.
“Many paths brought us here,” she said. “The choices we make determine our destiny and we chose to serve our country in a manner that’s upheld by the values of New Zealand Police.”
Awards
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Minister’s Award for First in Wing – Constable Jessie Laing, Waitematā
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Patron’s Award, for Second in Wing – Constable Kirstin Stewart, Wellington
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Commissioner’s Award for Leadership – Constable Shayna Tapusoa, Waitematā
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Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award – Constable Joshua White, Bay of Plenty
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Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award – Constable Daniel White, Wellington
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Firearms Award – Constable Alexandra Barlev, Auckland
Deployment
The members of Wing 319 are deployed to districts as follows:
Northland - 3; Waitematā - 11; Auckland - 9; Counties Manukau - 11; Waikato – 7; Bay of Plenty - 6; Eastern - 3; Central - 6; Wellington - 7; Tasman - 2; Canterbury – 8; Southern – 5.