With the return to larger recruit wings coming through The Royal New Zealand College, seventy-eight new police officers will graduate tomorrow in Wing 250. Their Wing patron is well known political satirist, cartoonist and NZ identity, Tom Scott.
Although the wing ranges in age from 19-40, added life experience and maturity is definitely a positive factor cited by two '30-somethings' destined for the streets of Gisborne.
Constable Andrew Chantrey completed his BA in Economics at Waikato University before leaving New Zealand on an extended OE, during which time he undertook bar and roofing work. Since returning home he has had various labouring jobs, most recently being involved in water testing and river monitoring. Although the work was enjoyable, Andrew decided he needed more of a challenge and, as a new father, wanted to contribute to his community in a more meaningful way. In joining NZ Police, Andrew joins his wife who is a Police photographer at Gisborne Station. He has particularly enjoyed the camaraderie of living at the College during training, and is now looking forward to learning different styles of policing from experienced practitioners when he returns to Gisborne.
Former professional photographer, Constable Penni Eggleton grew up in Papua-New Guinea and has lived for most her life away from New Zealand. Before joining the Police, Penni spent a year making snow at Ruapehu, following her job of six years working aboard the Princess Line cruise ships and travelling to all corners of the Earth. Although that was a lot of fun, the time came when Penni felt she needed to do something more challenging with her life. She has chosen to join the Police because she enjoys hands-on work, and is attracted to the teamwork and the level of commitment needed.
The graduation will take place at The Royal New Zealand Police College on Thursday 26 June 2008 at 2:00pm and will be attended by Acting Commissioner Lyn Provost.
• 78 recruits will graduate - 63 males and 15 females • The average age of wing members is 28 (the youngest is 19 and the oldest is 40)
To find out more about joining the Police, phone: 0800 NEW COPS (639 2677) or visit: www.newcops.co.nz
District postings:
Northland - Dargaville (1), Kaitaia (1)
Waitematâ - Henderson (5), North Shore Policing Centre (4)
Auckland City - Avondale (3), Downtown (2), Eastern Area (4), Auckland Central (1)
Counties Manukau - Howick (4), Otahuhu (1), Papakura (1), Mobile Policing Station (6), Manurewa (1)
Waikato - Hamilton (3), Te Awamutu (1)
Bay of Plenty - Rotorua (1)
Eastern - Gisborne (3), Hastings (1), Hawkes Bay (2)
Central - Wanganui (1), Palmerston North (2), Levin (2), Hawera (1)
Wellington - Wellington (6), Masterton (1), Lower Hutt (2), Upper Hutt (1), Porirua (1)
Tasman - Blenheim (2)
Canterbury - Christchurch (4), Timaru (1)
Southern - Dunedin (6), Invercargill (1), Queenstown (1)
Wing 250 prize winners:
• The Minister's Prize for First in Wing will be awarded to Constable Regan MAUHENI, posted to Invercargill
Constable Mauheni will also be awarded the International Police Association Academic Prize (for overall academic achievement).
• The Commissioner's Prize for Second in Wing will be awarded to Constable Joanna CROOK, posted to Wellington.
Constable Crook will also be awarded the ERICSSON Practical Prize for the overall winner of practical assessments, file preparation and fingerprinting.
• The Patron's Prize for Third in Wing will be awarded to Constable Andrew CHANTREY, posted to Gisborne.
• The HOLDEN Tactical Skills and Safety Prize (overall winner in defensive tactics, firearms and driving) will be awarded to Constable Nigel SWADEL, posted to Wellington.
Constable Swadel will also be awarded the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award, and the Meltzer Prize for Weapon Training
• The Driver Training Award will be presented to Constable Trent MONTGOMERY, posted to Wellington.
Police Association prizes for section achievement
This prize is awarded to an individual from each section who, in the collective view of the members of the section and the wing instructors, made the greatest contribution to the overall success of the team.
Section One Constable Brendon BERKETT, posted to Hastings
Section Two Constable Joanna CROOK, posted to the Wellington
Section Three Constable Peter PAKAU, posted to Henderson
Section Four Constable Wei YU, posted to Avondale
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For more information or media wishing to attend the graduation please contact:
Katrina Graham, Communications Adviser - 04 238 3572 or 0274 419 216