Attribute to Superintendent Wally Haumaha, Deputy Chief Executive, Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services
Police are disappointed that serious allegations about staff interactions with African youth have been made based on unsubstantiated claims from anonymised individuals in a report published today.
Police prides itself on the relationship it has built with New Zealand’s African community in recent years, as we have with all our ethnic communities.
It is therefore of great concern that today’s claims have been made when Police have been provided with no opportunity to investigate them.
We are also aware that the claims in this report have been made based on online survey tools involving a very small number of individuals aged 16 - 31, some of whom are known to police as the report acknowledges.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Richard Chambers has previously met with the researcher and flagged our concerns about some of these allegations. He has again spoken to her this morning and asked for specific detail which would allow us to investigate.
I know how hard our staff work to live the values of New Zealand Police, which includes valuing diversity. These are not just words on a piece of paper – this is central to how we work with our communities every day.
Our engagement with African communities is significant, with considerable resources being directed to this area which has resulted in very positive relationships at all levels in the community.
I do not agree with the generalised findings of this report which are at odds with the very positive feedback we receive from our African and other ethnic communities.
I am also heartened by the messages of support which I and other Police staff have received from a range of community leaders this morning which is a reflection of the significant efforts that we have made.
END
Statement from Dr Anwar Ghani – ex president of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand and current President of the Waikato Muslim Association:
The partnerships which we have developed with New Zealand Police have led to very positive engagement across our communities. Police has continued to seek opportunity and advice from our community leaders to ensure that everyone can feel safe and be confident in their interactions with police. We have developed a strong trust with Police because they have listened to us and worked with us.
Statement from Greg Fortuin – former Race Relations Conciliator:
Having lived through an evil system of discrimination based on skin colour, I abhor all forms of discrimination intensely. I have fought against discrimination all my life and will continue to do so. I also believe that one has to constructively pursue solutions.
The one agency I have worked with closely over the last 15 years and I believe have made the biggest strides is the NZ police. Of course any incidents of discrimination should not be tolerated and the Police can count on me speaking out.
I have absolute confidence that the work we have done with Police is helping to make New Zealand a better place. I am well aware of the extensive work and engagement that has occurred with the African community in Auckland, and positive relationships which have been developed with Police nationally.
Issued by Mere Wilson Tuala-Fata, PNHQ