No one expected the Bee Gees – but at a graduation, anything can happen.
The Patron of Recruit Wing 388, former Deputy Commissioner Wally Haumaha, was known for his singing voice during his 40-year police career, a fact that was referenced by Commissioner Richard Chambers.
Wally did not disappoint, starting his Patron’s speech by launching into a few lines of the Bee Gees song To Love Somebody - to the great enjoyment of the 77 new constables, family and friends gathered.
He spoke of his pride in the wing and how they embodied the values enshrined in the Police haka, which they were shortly to perform…
“The question you’ve asked, right through the duration of your course, is how might our communities remain safe? The answer being with harmony and unity between the community and Police…”
“We are not only celebrating the graduation of Wing 388 but also recognising that they are the new generation, the vital link in that enduring chain that upholds the noble legacy of all those who have served before them,” he said.
“How privileged are we to have such a fine bunch of young men and women to uphold the legacy and the mana of policing in our country?”
Words from Director of Training Superintendent Sam Keats and Commissioner Richard Chambers, and words and music from Patron Wally Haumaha.
Among those sharing the dais at Te Rauparaha Arena on 9 October were Commissioner Richard Chambers, members of the Police Executive and Porirua Mayor Anita Baker.
Police Association President Chris Cahill was attending his final graduation before stepping down from the role after nine years, an achievement acknowledged by the Commissioner with an invitation to join the inspection of the parade.
“Chris, sincere thanks for everything you’ve done for thousands and thousands of your Police colleagues over your nine years as President.”
Commissioner Chambers thanked the new officers for choosing New Zealand Police and congratulated them on being in the 10 percent of successful applicants.
“It’s a career I’m incredibly proud of and an organisation that I’m incredibly proud of,” he said.
He told the gathered families and friends they provided the strength Police staff needed.
“Our job is the most meaningful job anyone would be proud to have and can make some of the biggest impacts in people’s lives.
“But it’s tough and it isn’t getting any easier so the support you will provide going forward is critical.
“I thank you for everything you’ve done so far.”
In a departure from usual practice, the Commissioner told each of the three graduates who received awards on the day to take their certificates into the seats to give them to their loved ones. Tears flowed.
Making the customary Leadership Award winner’s speech, Constable Kate Kersten (Southern) spoke of values and proud moments shared, and thanked Patron Wally.
“A few minutes ago, when we attested into New Zealand Police, we joined a proud organisation where we pledged to uphold the values and standards and to carry on the outstanding work of both constabulary and non-constabulary.
“To Wallace Haumaha, thank you your legacy as one of compassion and bravery.
“None of us here will truly know the depth of service you have given to this country. And as our patron, thank you for all your encouragement, advice and empathy.”
Kate, a former volunteer for Fire and Emergency New Zealand, is South Island born and bred and is looking forward to returning home.
Applause as Constable Kate Kersten steps forward to receive her award.
The wing members were drawn from the usual diversity of backgrounds and life experiences, with 18 of the graduates having been born in another country, and 14 languages other than English spoken among the graduates.
Many have family links to Police, or have worked for Police in employee roles. A number have family links with overseas jurisdictions, from Hong Kong to Ireland.
Members’ sporting prowess ranged from taekwondo to waterskiing. They included former members of the military, holders of degrees and a movie stunt double.
Those with an overseas origin story included First in Wing Constable Hayden McNulty (Counties Manukau), who was born in Zimbabwe.
He moved to New Zealand with his family as a very young child, so considers himself a Kiwi and enjoyed growing up in Waikato.
In training, he says he found he needed to focus on his mindset in each different situation and ensure he went in with an open mind.
“You approach everything with an open mind, no preconceived ideas or anything,” he says. “It’s good to have an open attitude.”
He’s keen to encourage anyone to have a go at joining Police. “Police look for every strength across the board, so whatever you've got, bring it to the table and you never know - there could be a place for you.”
Four of the 388ers wearing their korowai with pride.
Second in Wing Constable Chantal Williams (Central) says the lifelong friendships made with her fellow recruits were a highlight among many from college.
“They showed me that true strength comes from working together and supporting each other to be our best.”
Firearms Award winner Constable Nick Winter (Counties Manukau ) would agree. “If you told me a few years ago I’d be where I am now, I wouldn’t have believed you,” he says.
“The best part of college has been the people beside me every step of the way. It goes fast, so enjoy every day.”
Constable Alex King (Waikato), Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award winner, has advice for recruits yet to come.
“Your college experience will go by fast,” he says. “Apply yourself early and work hard. Most of all, enjoy your experience and build your friendships - they will last a lifetime. Lean on your wingmates and take learnings from everyone.”
More about Wing 388
Awards
Minister’s Award for First in Wing, and Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Hayden McNulty (Counties Manukau)
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership: Constable Kate Kersten (Southern)
Patron’s Award for second in Wing: Constable Chantal Williams (Central)
Firearms Award: Constable Nick Winter (Counties Manukau)
Driver Training and Road Policing Award: Constable Alex King (Waikato)
Award winners, from left: Constables Alex King, Chantal Williams, Hayden McNulty, Kate Kersten and Nick Winter.
Demographics
27.3 percent of the wing were female, 72.7 percent male.
New Zealand European made up 67.5 percent of the wing, with Māori 10.4 percent, Pasifika 2.6 percent, Asian 15.6 percent, LAAM 3.9 percent.
Members’ ages ranged from 18-54.
Deployment
The new constables started their first day of duty in district this week [week starting Monday 20 October]. They were posted as follows:
Waitematā 7; Auckland City 5; Counties Manukau 12; Waikato 7; Bay of Plenty 6; Eastern 1; Central 5; Wellington 8; Tasman 4; Canterbury 7; Southern 15.
Wing Patron
Retired Deputy Commissioner (Wally) Haumaha (Te Arawa and Ngāti Ngāraranui) was an outstanding leader in Police across his 40 years of service and his long stewardship of Police’s Māori, Pacific and Ethnic Services.
During this time, from 1984 to 2024, he was instrumental in leading a cultural shift in policing to respond to New Zealand’s increasingly ethnically diverse communities.
Wally is held in high regard by Māori, Pacific and ethnic community leaders, many of whom he brought together as advisors to successive Commissioners of Police.
He was the architect of a model of policing that has allowed Police to think more creatively about the decisions they make.
He played a leading role in developing Police strategies and in many high-profile events, such as the Foreshore and Seabed hikoi in 2004, and responses to the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, 2019 terror attack, Whakaari/White Island tragedy, Ihumatao, COVID-19 iwi checkpoints and the Parliament occupation.
He helped establish alternative resolution pathways to justice by championing Te Pae Oranga, a programme that has provided excellent results to reduce demand on the criminal justice system.
Wally was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) in 1997 for services to the community and was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2017 for services to Police and Māori, Pacific and ethnic communities.
Since retiring, he has taken on a number of roles, most recently that of Chair of the Te Arawa Lakes Trust.