Harmonious communities together
Harmonious communities together
Police and leaders of New Zealand's Muslim communities have signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding that will build on their already strong partnership.
The MoU was signed by Commissioner Mike Bush and Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand President Hazim Arafeh at a ceremony at Wellington's Kilbirnie Mosque yesterday.
It updates a previous MoU signed in 2009, and covers six key areas including communication, community engagement and measures to encourage Muslim Kiwis to pursue careers in Police.
It also includes training and education to help Muslim New Zealanders stay safe and broadening cultural understanding of Muslim communities among police staff.
Increased participation by Kiwi Muslims in Neighbourhood Support groups, community patrols and similar community-based crime prevention programmes and the provision of interpreters are just two of the many actions set out in the document to help achieve these goals.
Commissioner Bush said the agreement would increase trust and confidence in Police among Kiwi Muslims.
"It's important to build that trust and confidence so everyone feels safe and secure in New Zealand, and we take that responsibility very seriously."
The MoU signing coincided with the launch of Islam Awareness Week, and the joint ceremony was attended by more than 70 people including Kiwi Muslims and community leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne and members of the interfaith community.
Three members of Police were presented with FIANZ Harmony Awards before the official signing for their work supporting New Zealand Muslims.
They were Deputy Chief Executive Māori Superintendent Wally Haumaha, National Strategic Ethnic Advisor Inspector Rakesh Naidoo and Christchurch Ethic Liaison Officer Constable Phil Goto.
Office of Ethnic Communities director Berlinda Chin also received a Harmony Award.