“Be yourselves.”
The message was clear from Southland Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman (pictured speaking, below right) as he welcomed new staff at a recent mihi whakatau in Invercargill.
“It’s so great to see such a diverse group, with such a wide range of experiences. That’s what has got you to this point and that’s what we want you to bring to your roles – your unique self.”
Seventeen of the newest faces to arrive in the Southland Area were in attendance at the mihi whakatau at Invercargill’s Ascension Church, where they were welcomed by members of the Southland Leadership team and Southern District Commander Superintendent Jason Guthrie.
The constables have begun their careers in blue in different locations around greater Southland in recent months. It was also a great opportunity to welcome Ohai sole-charge Officer Constable Fred Young, who arrived a few months ago from Northland District.
Senior Sergeant Simon Kairau, from Southern’s Māori Responsiveness Team, was on hand to act as whaikōrero for the formal welcome. Southland Ethnic Liaison Officer Darius Takurua spoke on behalf of the new staff, all ushered in under the protective korowai of te ao Māori.
The mihi whakatau was held at Ascension Church, Invercargill.
Following formalities, there was a chance for connection and whakawhanaungatanga between the Southland leadership team and the new staff.
It was also an opportunity for District Commander Jason to extend some welcoming words and advice to the fresh Southland faces.
“You’re all here because you want to make a positive difference,” he said. “This job gives you the chance to do exactly that.
“Over the course of your career there will be highs and lows but no other job will give you the kind of exciting opportunities that this one will. So grab them with both hands and make the most of what I think is the best job in the world.
“Bring the best of yourself to every interaction and remember to be a great person as well as a great police officer. Treat people how you or your loved ones would like to be treated and you’ll go far.”
After breaking bread together, the new staff headed to Invercargill station for a day of introductions and presentations from the wide range of workgroups that their jobs will overlap with. These included Road Policing, Investigations, Prosecutions, Family Harm and Armed Offenders Squad, to name a few.
All in all, it was a day filled with connection and manaakitanga for a brilliant batch of new Southland officers.