Superintendent Shanan Gray was formally welcomed into Counties Manukau District and his new role of district commander by mana whenua with a pōwhiri last Monday (12 February) in the Whare Waananga at Manukau Police Station.
Shanan was joined by family, friends, former colleagues, community leaders and representatives from the Kingitanga, local and central government.
An opening karakia by kaumātua Martin Cooper was followed by a mihi from kaumātua Ted Ngataki setting the scene for an event full of emotion, pride, and reflection.
Having most recently worked in Waitematā district, Shanan was handed over by their District Leadership Team and received a karanga to acknowledge his arrival and the occasion. The Police haka was performed as he was received by mana whenua and Counties Manukau staff. He was then presented with the Counties Manukau District taonga.
Symbolically unpolished, the pounamu is intended to be passed from district commander to district commander to recognise that our mahi is ongoing and our commitment to our iwi and hapori/community continues.
District Commander Naila Hassan spoke on behalf of Waitematā, the district in which Shanan has spent most of his career: “It’s so good to hand someone over who has such great followship - someone who people love to follow because they show the qualities of leadership that so many people strive to have."
Superintendent Scott Gemmell spoke on behalf of Assistant Commissioner Sam Hoyle to welcome Shanan to the role. “Thank you for your time as Deployment Manager Tāmaki - your role was instrumental and has resulted in policing differently across the city. Good luck in your new role. Remember we’re all here to support you.”
Speaking last, Shanan took time to acknowledge former colleagues, friends and whānau who gathered alongside him in support.
“I’d like to thank a large group of people who are here today who I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. You have all contributed to my growth as a leader. I bring with me their influence and the knowledge that they have been generous enough to share with me.”
He also reflected on the history of strong leaders that have been at the helm of the district: in particular he acknowledged the work of former District Commander Jill Rogers and committed himself to continue her dedication to leading innovative thinking across the district.
To finish, Shanan quoted a whakataukī from Te Puea Herangi, of Waikato Tainui, that summed up what the district does each day:
Mahia te mahi hei painga moo te iwi
We do what do we do for the betterment of all
- Thank you to Constable Aimee Evans from Tāmaki Makaurau Forensic Imaging Section for the images.