The graduation of Recruit Wing 390 last month was a first. Ten One caught up with wing members from Northland District early in their training in the impressive surroundings of the RNZPC's then-brand new Auckland Campus.
The Royal New Zealand Police College's Auckland Campus is transforming recruitment opportunities for aspiring officers from Northland.
Six Northland recruits were among the 37 members from Wing 390 - the first wing to train in Auckland after the opening of the facility at Massey University’s Albany site on 30 June - who graduated as constables on 14 November.
The site is more accessible to recruits from the north of the country than the RNZPC campus in Porirua, enabling trainees to pursue their careers while remaining closer to their families and communities.
For many members of Wing 390, the Auckland campus helped make a long-held ambition to join Police a reality.
All Northland wing members benefited from training closer to home instead of in Wellington, so far from family.
“It was a real factor in my decision,” said one. “This works well for the kids and it’s awesome to be able to travel home at the weekends to see them.”
During the week the recruits stayed on campus in a dorm, with access to the university’s gym and recreation facilities.
With the exception of about five weeks spent in Porirua for training that could not be done at the new campus - mainly firearms and driving courses - most of the course took place on-site.
Josh Holdaway, left, enjoyed unlocking new skills.
The RNZPC Auckland campus gave Josh Holdaway, father of four and self-employed labourer and builder in Whangārei, the opportunity he needed to pursue a policing career and support his wife with the kids.
"The ability to go home at weekends to help has made this possible.
The facilities available and the support of the Police team delivering the training meant he enjoyed the topics and unlocking the skills to deal with high-stress situations.
“I’m really grateful to Police who have made this great idea reality. Making this happen here is a great opportunity for people to start their Police career.”
Oliver Comber, of Dargaville, was inspired by the officers he saw working in his community to join Police. The new campus helped that goal become reality.
He enjoyed training. “There is a lot to learn very quickly. The training staff are really supportive and help to push you.”
Facilities available to recruits are top notch.
Northland District Commander Superintendent Matt Srhoj says the Auckland site is a game-changer for recruits with families in the north.
“The ability to make a quick trip home on the weekends ensures that disruption to family life is minimised," he says.
“We are not only wanting people who are young, but those who have a bit of life experience. Those with families often fall into that category and we want to ensure Police is an option for them.
"If this campus enables that, then it’s a winner.”
Visiting the campus, he was impressed how 'police-y' the area for the recruits was.
“It has all the same markings and set-up as any other Police environment and has a real familiar feel. I think a wonderful job has been done to create that Police feel.”
The campus includes multiple classrooms with the capacity to seat up to 155 people, a locker room, storage spaces, offices and car parks.
Recruits also have access to a gym and recreation areas, as well as a small number of dorms allocated to Police staff.
Wing 390 on parade at their graduation.
Recruiting officer Sergeant Joe Te Ao says there was a lot of anticipation in Northland around the campus.
“Having visited the facility, I believe this will be an amazing asset, especially for those from Northland. Being so close to whanau is a huge advantage and potentially will attract more people to join.
“We are really supportive of our new Northland staff and having them right on our doorstep makes it easier for us to connect.”
Joe says with the support of selection specialist Nyree Hobson, it was great to be able to support and prepare Northlanders for the RNZPC.
“Whether it’s advice on the physical training or helping them with any part of the application process, the support is ongoing for anyone else who is wanting to join.”
Congratulations to...
...new Northland Constables Jamie Anderson, Ripeka Colmer, Oliver Comber, Sa'Ulilafo'Ou Akauola, Joshua Holdaway and James Marshall-Baker - and their 31 wingmates. They began work in their districts on 24 November.
👮 We’re still recruiting and another wing will begin training in Auckland in February. If you’re interested in a Police career, go to newcops.govt.nz to find out more about future recruit wings.