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An ‘outstanding contribution’ during
officer’s year in Samoa
What started as six months leave without pay to study her culture, turned
into a year of personal and professional growth for Mangere-based Youth Aid
Officer Constable Yvonne Tugaga.
It began when Yvonne was involved with the SISTAS programme in 2002 – a
Counties/Manukau Recruiting Initiative targeting Mäori and Pacific Island
women.
As a result of this programme she went to Samoa in February 2003 to increase
her fluency in the language and culture, expand her knowledge of the country’s
history, and assist the Samoan police. She returned earlier this year after
her time in Samoa, which included five months secondment and special leave.
During the first five months Yvonne studied at the National University
of Samoa in Vaivase. She stayed with family while successfully completing four
papers in history and language.
Born in New Zealand, both of Yvonne’s parents are Samoan and she wanted
to learn more about her heritage.
While studying she was involved in the community, helping the Sisters
at a Catholic college to teach English, economics, accounting, maths and computing.
She also coached the school and village netball teams.
After finishing her studies, she helped her aunt with a family business
before working full time at the police station in Apia, assisting with everything
from training recruits to attending crime scenes.
Part of her experience was visiting colleges to help present a police/justice
department crime awareness campaign. She helped clean up after a cyclone, went
on night shift, observed a “Samoan style” autopsy, and sung in
a choir during a state funeral memorial.
One of Yvonne’s main projects was working with a team of Samoan police
to develop a fitness programme. “We developed a three-month fitness training
programme for all staff,” she says.
“
As a result, the Police Commissioner wants physical fitness to be a part
of everyone’s role and is building a gym.”
Seeing how Samoan police operate in the community was a benefit of the
journey, says Yvonne.
“
It helped me to understand and appreciate the challenges our Samoan people
face when moving to New Zealand. I got to observe the justice system and how
it works in Samoan culture.
“
I wanted to honour the sacrifice my parents made when they migrated here
in the late 1960s. I encourage others like me to not only return to your country
of origin and learn, but be prepared to reinvest your knowledge and skills
in the people there.
“
On a personal level, I am more confident in the language and culture.
I have a better appreciation of New Zealand Police and the resources we have.
I’m committed to making a difference in the community. It’s not
about how big the change is, but the fact you’ve made a change. Keep
it real and keep it simple.”
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