Inspired by the Humans of New York photoblog, we’re showcasing some of the incredible stories and experience of people throughout our organisation.
Martin, Sergeant, Driver Training
The concrete jungle of South London was home for me when I grew up during the 1970s and 80s. My community had a huge impact on my development and helped me create strong bonds with my family, friends, and home.
I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t kicking a football against the neighbour’s wall dreaming of playing in the FA Cup final taking part in the great game with my heroes. Football was my life.
Fifteen years later, I made it to a cup final. Not wearing a football kit but the uniform of a British police officer, including an oversized custodian helmet.
I was brimming with pride and felt invincible having the desire to achieve good things for my community.
For 17 years I had an amazing time with the British police serving with frontline, community, CID, and public order teams. All of it taught me so much about life and people.
In 2007, with my wife and two young daughters, we took the opportunity to move to New Zealand and became part of the New Zealand Police whānau.
New Zealand gave us a warm welcome and soon became a home away from home. We initially settled in Auckland and I was based at Auckland Central. I will always remember feeling overwhelmed by trying to learn my way around the paperwork!
A year later, we moved to Wanaka where my expectations of nature at its most beautiful were surpassed. I lived and worked within the small and friendly Wanaka community embracing an amazing lifestyle.
This was a new experience for me and I quickly realised that sending photos of my new home to workmates in the UK caused a little envy.
In 2017, I moved to the Royal New Zealand Police College in the role as driving instructor. Being a part of the police college whānau offered me so many opportunities.
I had never been in a coaching role before and I have learnt so many new things, having pride that I can positively shape the future members of the New Zealand Police.
I value my whānau, my hoa and my extended New Zealand Police whānau and yes, I’m still living the dream.
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