First Asian Inspector for NZ Police

New Zealand Police has celebrated a milestone with Rakesh Naidoo becoming the first person from the Asian community to be appointed to the rank of Inspector.

At a ceremony attended by members of the Police, community representatives and agency partners, Commissioner Peter Marshall said while Police is committed to the diversity of its staff, Rakesh had been promoted to Inspector purely on the basis of his abilities, achievements and potential.

"For you, this rank brings additional responsibility because you are going to be a shining light for other police officers from ethnic backgrounds," he said.

In his role as Strategic Ethnic Advisor, Rakesh has special responsibility for matters relating to communities from Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

He is part of a team known as Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services, which is led by National Manager Superintendent Wally Haumaha. The team represents Maori, Pacific and Ethnic communities at the highest levels of policing.

Superintendent Haumaha says Rakesh has worked hard to reach his current position as National Strategic Ethnic Advisor. This included a development programme to ensure he met all the requirements to become an Inspector.

"He came through with flying colours," Superintendent Haumaha said. "The time he spent in Christchurch after the earthquake as part of a team responding to the needs of 20 different nationalities was a real affirmation of the skills he brings.

"He's also formed strong networks and partnerships and he's an excellent role model for other police officers  from diverse backgrounds in terms of what can be achieved."

Most recently Rakesh has been heavily involved in the NZ Diversity Forum - a gathering of people interested in giving diverse communities a 'fair go' - which took place in Auckland last weekend.

Rakesh grew up in South Africa after his forefathers moved there from India.

When he joined New Zealand Police in 2001, it was with a desire to use his background and experiences as a migrant to work with ethnic communities.

“I am very humbled by the appointment and share this honour with my parents, colleagues and community," Rakesh said.

“I knew that New Zealand Police was a well respected organisation with strong values, and that by working with them I could have a positive impact.”

Police is actively seeking people from Maori, Pacific, Asian, Indian, African and Middle Eastern communities, especially women, to join the organisation.

“I hope that many more ethnic community members take the opportunity to join a trusted organisation like police and serve their communities," Rakesh said.

For further information on recruitment please visit www.newcops.co.nz

Media contact:

Victoria Evans
Police National Headquarters
ph 0274 373 020.