If great policing can be described as an art, the 49 new constables of Wing 396 may have a bit of a head start.
Before their graduation, Patron Chiquita Holden presented them each with a limited edition print from a lino cut she made, inspired by the time she shared with them at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC).
“Although each print comes from the same block, every impression carries its own small differences,” she told them. “No two are exactly alike.
“There is something meaningful in that. You arrived here as individuals, each with your own background, experiences, and strengths.
“Over the last 20 weeks, you have shared the same journey, but each of you will leave with your own story, your own perspective, and your own path ahead.
“The artwork represents that shared experience here at Police College.”
The print The Pathway to Service shows He Toa Taumata Rau, the ‘walk of the brave’ in the college grounds, through which Chiquita walked daily when staying at the college.
Chiquita made 51 prints from the lino cut – one for each member, one for the college and one artist’s proof. No more will be made.
“My hope is that, years from now, when you look at this print hanging on a wall or tucked away somewhere safe, it will remind you of this time in your life.
“It will remind you of the people standing beside you today, the challenges you overcame together, and the reasons you chose this profession in the first place.
“Most of all, I hope it reminds you that you were part of something special.”
Wing 396 graduated before an audience of family, friends and other wellwishers at the RNZPC on 25 June.
Alongside Chiquita on the dais were Police Executive members led by Commissioner Richard Chambers and dignitaries including Police Minister Mark Mitchell.
The wing members were a diverse lot, with birthplaces from Fiji to Sweden and life experiences ranging from an aid mission to Ukraine, to hunting adventures, to spending five weeks on horseback in the Canadian wilderness.
Many members had family links to Police, or military service. Members spoke nine languages apart from English, had tertiary degrees or trade qualifications, and sporting and cultural achievements abounded.
First in Wing Constable Samuel Robertson (Auckland City) came to policing with a background in advanced computer and engineering skills, with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and experience in aerospace engineering and manufacturing.
He says he joined Police because he wants to directly make a difference for communities. “I also like the idea of a job where each day can bring different challenges,” he says.
The training experience was intense – “definitely a lot to memorise!”
Leadership Award winner Constable Keletisia Tongotongo (Canterbury) had wanted to join Police since high school.
He says he loves taking on leadership roles and responsibilities – including as captain for Canterbury rugby league rep teams.
“Part of my reason for being in Police is to protect others, and to be someone my three children look up to.”
He says he wants his parents to be proud of him - and as one of few Tongan police officers in Christchurch “I’m also doing this for my community”.
Constable Emily Anderson (Tasman) previously worked with youth offenders. She has a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
“A lot of the kids I was working with have been victims of serious events,” she says. “I wish I could have intervened earlier. I think policing will give me those opportunities.”
Constable Keilia Toailoa (Ngai Tahu, Te Atiawa, Samoan) swapped her hometown Christchurch for Hāwera, Taranaki, in Central District, because she was so keen and didn’t want to wait for a local posting.
She says her grandfather, retired police officer Martin Andrews, a member of Wing 44 in 1969, inspired her to join – as did seeing friends and family go through difficult times.
Constable Mat Woodcock (Canterbury), is no stranger to uniforms, having had a long career as a pilot in the RNZAF and flying commercially.
He says joining New Zealand Police was driven by a desire to contribute and to support others. “I'm grateful for the opportunity and responsibility to try to make a difference to the lives of people who I will be called to assist in the future.”
More about Wing 396
Awards
Minister’s Award for First in Wing - Constable Samuel Robertson (Auckland City District)
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership - Constable Keletisia Tongotongo (Canterbury)
Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award - Constable Jesse Richardson (Counties Manukau)
Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award - Constable Breeshyn Witehira (Canterbury)
Firearms Award - Constable Dylan Fisher (Canterbury)
Deployment
Wing members were deployed as follows:
Tāmaki Makaurau 21; Waikato 4; Eastern 3; Central 6; Wellington 9; Tasman 2; Canterbury 4.
They reported for duty in their districts on Monday 6 July.
Demographics
Wing 396 was 18.4% female, 81.6% male. Members identified as follows: NZ European – 67.3%; Māori 8.2%; Pasifika 8.2%; Asian 16.3%; LAAM/other 2%.
Members were aged between 18 and 46 years old.
The Patron
Chiquita Holden is a highly respected practitioner of victim advocacy and community response. She has more than 20 years of experience working alongside victims of crime and trauma, particularly in cases of homicide.
She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and brings extensive expertise across frontline support, crisis management, and senior leadership roles.
She is deeply passionate about victims’ rights, ethical and trauma-informed practice, and strengthening community-based responses.
Chiquita’s work has contributed to some of New Zealand’s most challenging and significant events, including the Canterbury earthquakes and Victim Support’s national response to Operation Deans (15 March 2019 Christchurch terror attacks). She offers a unique and deeply informed understanding of victimisation from both professional and personal perspectives.
In 1991, she received the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct following the 1990 Aramoana mass shooting, becoming one of the youngest recipients of this honour. She was also selected to represent New Zealand in New York as part of a national delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, in recognition of her leadership and contributions to issues affecting vulnerable communities.
Alongside her professional roles, Chiquita has volunteered extensively with organisations including Presbyterian Support, St Kilda Rotary Club, and Challenge 2000, primarily in leadership roles supporting young women. These roles reflect her long-standing commitment to community wellbeing.