Thirty-six new constables of Wing 347 were attested yesterday at the Police College in Porirua in front of Wing Patron Bishop Kito, and will graduate tomorrow Thursday 28 October.
Commissioner Andrew Coster, Police Minister Poto Williams and Wing Patron Bishop Te Kitohi Pikaahu ONZM, known as Bishop Kito, will attend the graduation ceremony.
Bishop Kito (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu, Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa, Te Roroa and Ngāti Whātua iwi) is the Bishop of Te Tai Tokerau and the faith leader to Mihingare – Māori Anglicans – in Northland and Auckland.
Wing 347’s first day together, on 12 July at The Royal New Zealand Police College, signified the start of a journey into their chosen career, said wing patron Bishop Kito.
And during that journey Bishop Kito promised to stand beside his recruits.
He is an advocate for the wellbeing of Māori and indigenous communities and in the 2021 New Year Honours he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to the Anglican Church and Māori.
Due to COVID restrictions, family and friends will not be present, but instead will be watching via a livestream of the ceremony.
Awards
Minister’s Award recognising top student – Constable Lauren Recny, Waitematā District
Patron’s Award for Second in Wing, recognising second top student – Constable Nicholas Fernandez, Counties Manukau District
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership – Constable Jared Kirk, Tasman District
Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award – Constable Jared Kirk, Tasman District
Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award – Constable Dana Holmes, Waitematā District
Firearms Award – Constable Jared Kirk, Tasman District
Deployment
The wing is being dispersed to districts as follows, starting their frontline duty on 8 November:
Northland – 2, Tamaki Makaurau – 14, Waikato – 1, Bay of Plenty – 6, Eastern – 1, Central – 2, Wellington – 5, Tasman – 1, Canterbury – 2, Southern – 2
Wing demographics
Female 52.8% and Male 47.2%; NZ European 55.6%; Māori 25%; Asian 13.9%; Pacific 2.8%; Other 5.6%
ENDS
NOTE TO MEDIA: Unfortunately Media will not be able to attend the ceremony tomorrow due to COVID restrictions. Please contact media@police.govt.nz for any queries in relation to this graduation.
