Youngsters from the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei holiday programme enjoyed an epic day of learning, adventure and connection in the company of Auckland City police.
The kaupapa-driven initiative saw Senior Sergeant Tama Morehu and Constables Jason Kaulima and Vinnie Kahui escort the 15 rangatahi and tamariki as they were welcomed into the world of police operations with visits to Auckland Maritime base, Dog Squad (Delta) and Eagle helicopter
At the Maritime base, the group learned about water safety and the critical role of Police staff in marine rescue operations from Sergeant Craig Kennedy, Senior Constable David Powley and Sergeant Andrew Johnson.
The officers didn’t just talk, they showed. The kids got to hop aboard the Deodar and head out for a cruise around the Hauraki Gulf (well, under the Harbour Bridge and back), sit in the wheelhouse with the skipper and ask lots of questions.
Next stop was Dog Squad, where the excitement was as high as the dog’s jumps as the highly trained dogs and handlers demonstrated their agility, discipline and tracking skills.
The teens watched in awe as Constables Tegan Harvey, Andrew Clark and Mitchell Wooding showed how the dogs keep our communities safe. A highlight was the sleeve demonstration where dogs Sam and Boris ‘attacked’ Sergeant Colin Howard.
Snapshots of the day - en route to the next stop; in the Deodar wheelhouse; and the action-packed Delta display.
After lunch, the Air Support Unit was next on the agenda. Although Eagle was away in Northland, the visitors got a glimpse into the life of the crew and saw how they work in tandem with colleagues on the ground.
“It was awesome having the kids visit the Eagle base," says Sergeant Mark Jamieson. "They were full of great questions and energy.
"It’s cool to see them so interested in what we do. Hopefully we sparked a bit of inspiration - and who knows? Maybe one of them will be flying with us one day.”
The visit wasn’t just about flashing lights and cool gear, it was about connection. It was about showing our rangatahi and tamariki that police are here to protect our communities. It was a chance for young people to see role models in uniform who respect their culture and values.
“The visit is part of an ongoing effort to build trust and positive relationships with iwi and our rangatahi," says Tama. "We’re not just showing them what we do, we’re showing them we’re here to support them and that they have a place here too and hopefully consider joining Police one day.”
The team at Eagle base.