Central District has welcomed two new Area Commanders in the space of two weeks.
Local iwi have held pōwhiri for Inspector Mark Miller in Taranaki and Inspector Matenga (Marty) Gray in Manawatū.
The sun pierced the clouds as Mark and manuhiri walked onto Aotearoa Marae near Hawera, in the rohe of Ngāruahine.
While Mark has completed more than 30 years policing in Tāmaki Makaurau, he spent his youth in the region he’s returned to, where his parents worked in Pātea and Hawera.
"I’m not seeing today as a welcome to Taranaki, I’m seeing today as a welcome back to Taranaki,” he said in his whaikōrero.
Members of Aotearoa Marae and Police staff at Inspector Mark Miller’s pōwhiri to welcome him as Taranaki Area Commander.
Mark thanked the marae for his welcome and acknowledged Police members of Taranaki, adding that he felt “honoured and humbled” to be their Area Commander.
“I have been very impressed with the culture and the way you treat each other and other people. I look forward to working with you to support our community more and more.
“Taranaki is a great place to live, and I look forward to contributing to making it even more special.”
Mark was supported on the day by his wife Brenda, who is a Police employee and manager of national service delivery for Workforce Management, colleagues from Auckland and Wellington and his new teams.
Manuwatū's new Area Commander Inspector Matenga Gray with family, including Senior Sergeant Regan Gray.
The serene setting of Kohuturoa Marae on the shore of Lake Horowhenua greeted Marty and his colleagues.
Deep wairua, powerful whaikōrero and bountiful hospitality were on display from the Muaūpoko hosts.
Marty was previously the Area Commander for Otago Coastal and was supported at his pōwhiri by Southern District staff, including one of his sons - Dunedin-based Senior Sergeant Regan Gray.
He later acknowledged the mana whenua for his warm welcome and said that he is always reminded in his role that he is “Māori first before I am a police officer”.
Marty then spoke about delivering for the community. “I could give a lot of commitments, but I understand that my words are meaningless without activity behind them.
“I will commit to you that I will make sure that our relationship is strong and that Police won’t just turn up when there’s a crisis.
“We’re here when it matters, we’re here for the cup of tea, we’ll bring the packet of biccies,” he said.
Marty is no stranger to the region, having visited often to see local family - including mokopuna.
Marty affiliates to Tainui and Te Arawa waka, with iwi ties to Ngāitai and Tapuika.
Marty and Mark join the existing Whanganui-Ruapehu Area Commander Inspector Neil Forlong, with all three reporting to District Commander Dion Bennett.