A respected policing leader known for his strong connections with iwi, communities and partners has been formally welcomed into a new leadership role in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Superintendent Roderick (Riki) Whiu has been appointed Director - Auckland Partnerships, joining the Tāmaki Makaurau Governance Team to support the region’s three districts and the Auckland Deployment Group.
His arrival was marked with a moving whakatau at Te Mahurehure Marae, Point Chevalier, attended by Police leaders, whānau, iwi representatives, partner agencies and community leaders from both Te Tai Tokerau and Tāmaki Makaurau.
The occasion carried a strong sense that Northland was formally handing one of its own over to Auckland. A large delegation travelled south from Te Tai Tokerau, reflecting the deep respect and admiration Riki has earned throughout decades of service to Northland.
The Director - Auckland Partnerships role is a critical one, focused on strengthening Police relationships with the diverse communities, organisations and agencies that help shape New Zealand’s largest city.
In the role, Riki will be responsible for building and maintaining strategic partnerships across local government, the justice and social sectors, iwi, Pacific communities, ethnic communities and a wide range of other stakeholders throughout the region.
Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers welcomed Riki to the position and acknowledged the importance of the role.
“Riki arrives into a role with really big shoes to fill,” she said.
“Superintendent Scott Gemmell was the inaugural Director of Partnerships – Tāmaki Makaurau. It was a new role that hadn’t existed before and Scotty has set this up in a really special way.”
Throughout his policing career, Riki has been a strong advocate for community-focused policing, supporting victims, strengthening relationships with iwi and community groups and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both the public and our frontline staff.
Speaking at the whakatau, Riki reflected on the scale of the opportunity ahead.
He likened the move from Northland to Auckland as being “like transitioning from playing provincial rugby to test match rugby”.
“It’s not lost on me, the challenge ahead,” he said. “So, I look forward to that challenge.”
He said meaningful partnerships would be central to achieving better outcomes for communities.
“I’m committed to making sure our partnerships are not just symbolic – that we engage meaningfully and purposefully to achieve outcomes for our people.”
He pledged his service to the communities he now represents. “These shoulders, these hands, these callouses – they’re yours.”
Riki also acknowledged Acting Director Fagaesea (Faga) Siaki for his stewardship of the role during the transition.
The broad representation at Te Mahurehure Marae reflected the diversity of Tāmaki Makaurau, with Māori, Pacific and ethnic community leaders, Māori Wardens, partner agencies and Police staff joining together to welcome Riki and his whānau.
As he begins this next chapter, Riki brings with him decades of leadership experience and a proven ability to build trusted relationships - qualities that will be invaluable in supporting the 1.7 million people who call Tāmaki Makaurau home.
