Inspired by the Humans of New York photoblog, we’re showcasing some of the incredible stories and experience of people throughout our organisation.
Roz, Senior Sergeant, Senior engagement advisor for Māori National Iwi and Communities Centre
Kia Ora, ko Roz ahau.
I te taha o toku papa: I te taha o toku mama:
Ko Aoraki to Maunga Ko Taranaki te Maunga
Ko Waitaki te Awa Ko Kaupokonui te Awa
Ko Takitimu te Waka Ko Aotea te Waka
Ko Waihao te Marae Ko Okare ki Uta te Marae
Ko Waitaha te Hapu Ko Ngāti Haua te Hapu
Ko Kai Tahu te Iwi Ko Ngāruahine te Iwi
I grew up in Waihopai (Invercargill) where my sisters and I were raised by our dad and grandparents. My mother died when I was eight years old.
I was not an academic by any means, but absolutely loved playing sport, representing Southland in netball, touch rugby and softball. I was in my happy place when I was either playing sport or with whānau and although I didn’t get the best results at school, I always knew I was going to be a police officer.
I gave birth to my oldest daughter at the age of 20, who from a young age I raised supported by my whānau. I worked full time also, blessed with the hard-working genes of my parents.
My daughter and I moved to Wellington in 2004 where my intention was to join Police. The recruit process was challenging and surprisingly (or not), I failed one of the pre-requisite exams.
When I set my mind to something however, nothing stops me from reaching my goal and so after some extra tuition, I re-sat and passed all the pre-requisite testing and was accepted into Police College in February 2006.
Being away from my daughter whilst at police college was challenging, but once again I was blessed with the support of whānau and having them present when I graduated was one of the greatest achievements of my life.
I also received the section prize after being voted by my section colleagues as making the greatest contribution to the overall success of the team. Not long after graduating, saw the beginning of my life as a married woman and the further addition of two beautiful daughters.
Throughout my policing career, I have worked in a variety of operational roles including Public Safety Team (frontline in uniform), Family Harm, Burglary Squad, Specialist Search Squad and as a Scene of Crime Officer. I have also worked in many national workgroups in support of our district colleagues, in roles such as Mobility, Prevention and the National Command and Coordination Centre.
Now, some 14 years later as a Senior Sergeant, I work in the national Iwi and Communities Centre as the Senior Engagement Advisor for Māori.
I am privileged to work alongside Iwi and senior community leaders, external service providers and our District Police staff to support the delivery of kaupapa Māori and evidence-based (initiatives) that provide meaningful and long term positive outcomes for all New Zealanders, particularly Māori whānau.
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