Pacific-Police agreement heralds closer working

Police and Pacific leaders are working together more closely for the benefit of Pacific communities.

Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs Chief Executive Pauline Winter and Police Commissioner Mike Bush have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and New Zealand Police.

Pauline says the MoU sets the framework for a long and successful relationship.

“It comes at a time when the Ministry is working hard to make a positive impact on the lives of Pacific peoples,” she says.

“As a small agency, the Ministry wants to work collaboratively with larger Government agencies to achieve its vision of more Successful Pacific Peoples.”

Priority areas include reducing violence including family violence, reducing harm from alcohol, promoting road safety and working toward better outcomes for Pacific young people.

Mike says the MoU strengthens Police’s relationship with the Ministry and paves the way for even closer cooperation.

“It will enhance our ability to understand and value the Pacific perspective by tapping into the specialist knowledge and expertise of the Ministry to help keep Pacific communities safe and enhance the trust and confidence in their Police,” he says.

“The MoU will also aid in developing the leadership aspirations of Pacific people in Police and the Ministry through new secondments, as well as promoting Police as a career option for Pacific peoples.”

There are around 490 New Zealand Police officers from Pacific communities, or about five percent of constabulary staff.

The enhanced relationship will also have a positive effect in the Pacific Islands as Police assists our neighbours with knowledge-sharing, law enforcement and related initiatives.

The audience at the ceremony at Police National Headquarters on 18 September included Cook Islands High Commissioner His Excellency Tekaotiki Matapo and Solomon Islands High Commissioner Her Excellency Joy Kere.