First it was the Waka – now say talofa lava, mālō e lelei, kia orana and bula vinaka to the Va’a.
Police today unveiled the latest addition to its vehicle fleet – the Pasifika car, aka the Va’a, meaning ‘boat’.
It follows the arrival of the hugely popular Pirihimana car, dubbed the Waka after its launch in 2017, and the rainbow-themed Pride car last year.
The vehicle, with a livery incorporating designs from a number of Pacific nations, had a high-profile launch at the 2019 Polyfest at Manukau Sports Bowl this morning.
Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy and Acting Minister of Pacific Peoples Carmel Sepuloni led the unveiling, along with Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Jill Rogers.
The Va’a acknowledges the important relationship between New Zealand Police and the country’s Pasifika community.
Jill says Pasifika peoples make a vibrant contribution to Aotearoa’s cultural diversity and are an integral part of Tāmaki Makaurau – especially Counties Manukau.
“With an estimated 200,000 Pasifika people living in Auckland, it’s important that we reach out to that community and connect with them,” says Jill.
“This car is a symbol that shows our dedication to do just that, and also New Zealand Police’s commitment to celebrate the communities we serve.”
Senior Sergeant Tafāfuna’i David Laumatia, district responsiveness advisor, says the Va’a follows the success of the Pirihimana car.
“We’re super excited about this car,” he says. “We see it as a gift, a taonga, a mealofa, to our Pasifika community to engage them and build relationships.”
Last year, Police launched its Pasifika National Strategy, O Le Taeao Fou, to guide work with New Zealand’s Pasifika communities. Last year also saw a record number of Pasifika recruits enter the workforce.
“There are a lot of really positive initiatives and developments going on in this space, and this is just the latest,” says David.
The Va’a includes three key Pasifika symbols in its livery, including tapa, fine mats and tatau.
“The tatau design at the front and rear represents protection, guidance and strength,” says David. “Police will continue to be protectors of our Pasifika Communities and provide guidance and strength to our communities when needed.”
The Va’a will be based in Counties Manukau but will be used for community events, workshops, recruitment drives and career seminars around Tāmaki Makaurau and countrywide.