Superintendent Tracey Thompson has been honoured by her international peers for the help and support she gives her colleagues.
The International Association of Women Police (IAWP) named Tasman District Commander Tracey as recipient of its 2026 Mentoring and Coaching Award.
Tracey was unable to attend the presentation at the weekend - at the 63rd IAWP Annual Training Conference in Bali - so Superintendent Karyn Malthus, Senior Liaison Officer in Bangkok, accepted the award on her behalf.
Karyn read Tracey’s acceptance speech, in which she said she was humbled and considered it “a privilege to be counted among such a dedicated and passionate group of women who work every day to make a difference in the lives of others”.
“Throughout my career, I've been incredibly lucky to have people who have informally and formally shared their time, advice, and experience with me,” she said.
“Their support and encouragement have helped shape who I am today, and I'd like to sincerely thank everyone who has been part of that journey - including my family.
“To be a recipient of this award is just as much a reflection of their impact as it is of anything I've achieved myself.”
She thanked the IAWP for its work to celebrate and champion women in policing - and said the awards reflected a small fraction of the good work going on.
"There are countless women and men quietly making a difference in their communities, supporting victims, helping their colleagues, and leading positive change.
"Most would probably say they’re just doing their job - but we all know the impact goes far beyond that."
The Mentoring and Coaching Award honours a female officer who demonstrates exceptional dedication to the support, assistance and development of women in policing.
“Superintendent Thompson embodies what the IAWP Mentoring and Coaching Award stands for - leadership that opens doors for others and creates the conditions for women to thrive,” said IAWP President Julia Jaeger.
“Her unwavering commitment to culturally grounded mentoring and her ability to translate care into lasting organisational change are inspiring.
“We are honoured to recognise Tracey’s impact on women in policing in New Zealand, across Australasia, and beyond.”
Tracey’s nomination outlined how she uses her leadership platform to coach and mentor women as an outstanding leader, mentor and role model.
“Through Tracey’s passion and commitment to seeing women thrive, and her dedication to indigenous values and racial equity, she has shaped Policing in Australasia,” the nomination read.
“Over her 30-year career Tracey has uplifted countless others, particularly Māori, Pacific and Ethnic women who can now see themselves reflected in leadership...
“She has remained her authentic self, encouraging others to stand proudly in their identity. She is an inspiration not only for Māori women, but for all Police staff and communities.”
Last year Tracey won Supreme Award – the Audrey Fagan Memorial Award – from the Australasian Council of Women in Policing (ACWAP). This year she was named joint Inclusive Leader of the Year in the 2026 Diversity Awards.
Her fellow Diversity Awards recipients - Police’s Mums in Blue network - are among presenters at the IAWP conference this week.
The IAWP
- The IAWP has members representing more than 70 countries and 30 affiliate organisations, and a mission to strengthen, unite and raise the capacity of women in policing internationally.
- In 2023 the organisation memorably came to Auckland, combining its 60th Annual Training Conference with the 12th biannual ACWAP conference.