New Constable Andre Matson is used to a bit of heat, after working for fast food giant McDonald’s.
But for Andre it was a prize, not fries, as he graduated from Recruit Wing 379 this month with the Minister’s Award for First in Wing.
He is one of 57 new constables who are set to start work in their districts on Monday after graduating in front of an enthusiastic audience of family, friends and other supporters at the Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua on Thursday 14 November.
Those supporters were much on Andre's mind: “Today is the beginning of our journey in New Zealand Police,” he said. “But for all of us graduating, there are many people who have sacrificed and worked very hard to allow us to be here, and we are very grateful.
“We could not have done it without you – we thank you for your support.”
On the dais for the graduation were interim Commissioner Tania Kura and other members of the Police Executive, Wing Patron Zion Armstrong, Police Minister Mark Mitchell, and guests.
Commissioner Kura congratulated the graduating officers on their success.
Commissioner Tania Kura, Leadership Award winner Constable Etham Holtz and Patron Zion Armstrong all addressed the graduation.
She spoke of the positive aspects of policing - the great people they would work alongside, the experience of helping those who cannot help themselves, of apprehending criminals or preventing someone being taken advantage of.
“Making a difference is fulfilling, and being a part of a great team is inspiring. But it isn’t easy,” said Commissioner Kura.
“You will need to be resilient - the support of your colleagues will be important, but it is your families and friends that you will need the most.
“Let them in and take them on the journey so they know how to care for you. Laugh with them about the highs and be open about your lows.
“It’s your families that will keep you grounded and will be there for the years to come.”
Leadership Award winner Constable Etham Holtz (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu – Northland) - previously a carpet/vinyl layer - gave the customary speech. He spoke of the honour of receiving the Leadership award and said his achievements were down to the support of his wingmates.
“Every one of these graduates has done great mahi to be here today,” he said. “And our journey throughout the police is just beginning. We stand at the foot of the mountain.
“Wing 379 – hold your head up high. Be proud of your accomplishments and always – keep those boots shiny.”
He said Police was an organisation that “pushes everyone to put their best foot forward”.
“We’ve all joined a proud organisation and pledged to uphold our core values and principles that not only guide us but help us to continually carry on the excellent mahi that has been laid before us.”
Patron Zion Armstrong, a former international athlete and business leader, spoke of the effect of being mentored by a police officer, the late Ross Dallow.
“Roughly 36 years ago, a police officer changed the trajectory of my life… truly the embodiment of what it means to serve with integrity, always walking the talk, and always putting the community first.
“Trust me when I say one person truly can change the course of hundreds This officer did that for me and I know that this impact has been paid forward, touching many others, over the past 36 years.”
Now, he said, Wing 379 had the opportunity “to help shape the future of our communities”.
Waikato, here we come - Constables Leo Yang and Edwin MacTavish.
The graduates came to Police with the customary wide range of backgrounds – for example, Waikato-bound Constables Leo Yang and Edwin MacTavish.
Leo was born in China and has a Bachelor of News and Journalism degree - and is also a trained chef, having worked in Auckland and Hamilton. He applied for Police because he felt he needed more of a challenge.
Edwin is a former car salesman and has a Bachelor of Social Science degree with a major in Psychology and minor in Political Science. Edwin wanted to help people in his community, so decided on a Police career.
Many graduates were following a family tradition when they put on the blue uniform. Constable Alexandra Baskin (Bay of Plenty), for example, has known she wanted to be a police officer since the age of seven.
Her great grandfather on her father’s side, George Alcorn Baskin, was a police officer in both Ireland and New Zealand. He came to New Zealand in 1912, and served as a constable in Wellington, then Gisborne.
He took charge at Motu Police Station, then transferred to Waverley and ended his career as a policeman in Tāneatua.
On her mother’s side, great grandfather Fred Hackett was the Minister of Transport who in 1948, increased the speed limit on the open road in New Zealand from 40 to 50mph. Alex will no doubt be keeping a good eye on road users in the Bay.
Constables Alexandra Baskin and Kaatia Watene have strong Police whakapapa.
Constable Kaatia Watene (Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Tūwharetoa - Bay of Plenty) also has policing in the family.
Her koro/grandfather was a police officer during key points in Police’s relations with Māori - the Springbok Tour, Bastion Point and the Raglan land occupation. She also has cousins in Police.
Kaatia was educated at Te Tohu Paetahi (Māori immersion) through Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato.
Constable Wyllim Hayden (Central) is from a very blue family. He is a former Communicator from the Police Emergency Communications Centre; his fiancée is family harm constable in Kapiti Mana; and his father Senior Sergeant Dominic and mother Gabrielle met and married while policing.
Constable Cezanne Lea’aetoa (Auckland City) is also following the example of his father, who was a police officer in Tonga. Cezanne, who was born in Tonga, was previously an Authorised Officer (AO) and a prison officer for Corrections.
Constable Kale Reid (Ngāi Tahu – Tasman) is also familiar with uniforms, as a former firefighter.
More about Wing 379
Awards
Minister’s Award for First in Wing: Constable Andre Matson (Wellington District)
Patron’s Award for Second in Wing: Constable Kieran Ball (Canterbury)
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership: Etham Holtz (Northland)
Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award: Constable Ameliane Nolier (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Maniapoto, Te Arawa and Tainui – Central)
Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Jarrod Morrissey (Te Rarawa - Counties Manukau)
Firearms Award: Constable Callum Clark (Counties Manukau)
Award winners, from left: Constables Kieran Ball, Andre Matson, Etham Holtz, Jarrod Morrissey, Ameliane Nolier and Callum Clark.
Deployment
The new constables started in their districts in the week beginning Monday, 25 November. They are deployed as follows:
Northland - 6; Auckland - 1; Waitematā - 5; Counties Manukau - 14; Waikato - 3; Bay of Plenty - 6; Eastern - 3; Central - 3; Wellington - 9; Tasman - 2; Canterbury - 2; Southern - 3.
Demographics
26.9 percent of wing members female, 73.1 percent are male. New Zealand European make up 55.5 percent of the wing, with Māori 21.5 percent, Pasifika 10.5 percent, Asian 7 percent, LAAM 1.9 percent and Other 3.6 percent.
Before graduation day, Wing 379 'handed over' to their successors in Wing 380 with a haka exchange at the Memorial Wall.
About the Patron
Zion Armstrong is a highly regarded business leader and former athlete.
He was a New Zealand champion and record-holder in the 400m hurdles and represented New Zealand at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games in 1998.
Through his athletics links he started working in the sportswear industry at the age of 16. Zion later joined Adidas and climbed through the company ranks in Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea and the US before being named President of Adidas North America.
Zion was mentored by police officer and athletics coach the late Ross Dallow – father of Wing 376 patron Simon Dallow – who set an example that he has followed in seeking to help anyone who asks for it.
During his two decades overseas, and back in New Zealand since 2022, he has used his Māori and Pacific values to connect and empower teams, foster a diverse and inclusive culture, and grow talent. He believes if you put people first, results will always follow.