A group of eight Year 13 students from Shirley Boys High School have become the latest graduates of Canterbury Police’s cultural leadership and recruitment programme, Tautua.
Youth and Family Harm Kaiawhina Jeremy Faumuina (pictured, right) says last week's graduation marks a significant milestone in their journey towards becoming culturally grounded leaders — and perhaps even future members of the Police whānau.
“The whole idea is that we wanted our young people to collide with culture. We want them to understand who they are within their own culture and support them to be the best possible version of themselves.”
Over the past six months, the students have shared ‘va’ (or ‘space’) with members of Canterbury Police’s Māori, Pacific and Ethnic Services (MPES) and New Brighton Youth Services teams, exploring leadership concepts through the lens of Police’s core values.
“We use the Police values to structure our sessions, and we talk openly and honestly about what it’s like to work for Police and how culture is valued within our organisation.
“Tautua means ‘serving together’ in Samoan culture and through this programme we aim to connect with rangatahi through a shared commitment to serving others.”
Another important part of the programme, says Jeremy, is sharing a laugh.
“I’m Samoan, and it’s part of our culture. We laugh a lot and that’s a good thing. It’s part of how we create a sense of community and humility. We wanted to bring that to Tautua as well – we’ve had a lot of laughs!”
Carlos Colville, one of the student graduates (pictured, right), says the programme was “an eye-opening experience.”
“Learning about the values that Police hold to such a high standard, it’s given me a different perspective on Police.
“Before Tautua, I didn't know any police, but now I have some familiar faces that I might see around the city. I feel comfortable to talk to them and see how they're doing – it's a good feeling.”
Carlos holds leadership roles at school, including captaining the First XV, and says the programme has helped him connect more meaningfully with other students.
“It’s really developed my skills in connecting with younger students at school. I find myself getting to know them more. That’s something I valued in the programme — hearing life experiences from our mentors and sharing mine with them.”
Carlos says those experiences have shaped how he now supports others.
“I know how good it felt talking to them, and when I’m connecting with younger kids at school, I want to give them that same feeling.”
Now in his final year of high school, Carlos’ focus is firmly on a career in rugby but he’s also keeping the door open to joining Police.
“I’ve given it a lot of thought. I definitely want to stay involved, connect with the community, and be part of that environment.”
