SPECIAL REPORT: Last month we looked at three officers who graduated as First in Wing, and how their careers are progressing. Now it’s the turn of three former winners of the Commissioner’s Award for Leadership. Senior Media Advisor JILL REID reports.
At graduation, the Commissioner’s Award for Leadership recognises high-performing recruits who live the Police values and foster a team culture for the benefit of all.
The winner is determined by the wing team, Practice Leader and other Initial Training staff. “We also ensure we have peer feedback from their fellow recruits, and it’s factored into our final decision,” says Sergeant Nick Savage, Practice Leader, Core Policing Skills.
It’s a big responsibility and comes with the requirement to make a speech on behalf of the wing at graduation.
Here we check in with three of those who stepped up to the dais over the years to see how they are still leading in the organisation.
‘I didn’t just want a job; I wanted a purpose’
Constable Tracey Lemon in a tactical training role and, inset, on graduation day.
Constable Tracey Lemon, Wing 325, 2019
Tracey (Ngāi Te Rangi), gets to serve people in their best and worst moments and remind them that they matter.
She’s based in Tauranga in an acting sergeant role, working alongside a frontline section filled with “heart, hustle, and a lot of laughs”.
“My career has taken me through frontline response, Road Policing, and AOS Tactical operations — but my real passion lies in training and mentoring.
“I’m a Field Training Officer, have been a coach at the RNZPC, and I’ve even helped run national programmes that push constables through some of the most intense and rewarding learning of their careers.”
She was surprised to learn she had won the leadership award just before graduating in 2019.
“It was a journey for me just to get to college alone, so I just wanted to pass and be a good cop.
"I was doing my best to lead with integrity, back my section and wing, and show up every day.
"To be recognised for that was humbling. But it also fired me up to keep growing, keep leading, and keep paying that energy forward.”
For Tracey, policing has always been about people – meeting them where they are, with empathy, respect and a willingness to listen. She believes that strong, safe communities are built on trust, and that trust starts with genuine relationships.
“I’ve worked closely with whānau, and support services to uplift those facing hardship, whether that’s sitting with someone after a family harm incident, supporting rangatahi at risk or helping connect vulnerable people to the right support.
“Whether it’s delivering prevention initiatives, building trust through kōrero, or just showing up with aroha — I know that small actions, done with the right intent, can lead to powerful change.”
Tracey loves her job and knows that police need real people with passion and encourages good people to join.
“Do it - but do it with your eyes open and your heart wide. You’ll be tested, stretched, challenged… and you’ll become more than you ever thought possible.”
‘Anything is possible, dreams and goals can be accomplished at any age’
Alfred on the dais for his speech on graduation day, left, and as his colleagues see him at work three years later.
Constable Alfred Houghton; Wing 355, 2022
Alfred (Te Arawa), graduated in 2022 in the Arihia Stirling QSM wing 355 – the wing with highest proportion of wāhine Māori among its 70 members, with 24 women acknowledging their Māori whakapapa.
The significance was not lost on Wing Patron Arihia Stirling QSM, principal of Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae in Mangere and a member of the Commissioner’s Māori Focus Forum.
Making the customary speech at graduation, Alfred also addressed the wing’s demographics. “Wing 355 brings diversity, wāhine toa and, most importantly, a new approach to policing.
“We have committed to the New Zealand people in a manner that upholds the values and mana of New Zealand Police, ensuring we stay primed in all interactions.”
Looking back, he remembers his surprise at winning the award.
“When I was told I’d received the award, I was overwhelmed and couldn’t believe it.
“I remember when I addressed my wing prior to graduation, I forgot names of colleagues because of my disbelief of receiving the Leadership Award.”
He remains glad to have joined Police. “I knew I wanted to be a police officer, and I did it at an older age, but anything is possible. Dreams and goals can still be accomplished at any stage of life.”
His advice to anyone wanting to join Police is to work hard and be yourself.
“When you’re at college you have to be your authentic self, take your time learning the police craft and ask plenty of questions, take the best lessons you can.”
Alfred was deployed to Waikato District, and still works there. He is currently working on secondment to the Impairment Prevention Team, part of the Traffic Alcohol Group (TAG).
‘I wanted a career that challenged me every day’
Detective Constable Stephanie in 2025 and, inset, new Constable Stephanie making her award winner's speech at the Wing 331 graduation.
Detective Constable Stephanie Lee; Wing 331, 2019
In her speech to graduation as Leadership Award winner, Stephanie spoke of honour and privilege of her position, saying Wing 331 pledged to carry on the work of the past 130 years in a way that upheld the values of New Zealand Police.
“What a journey it’s been,” she said, summing up the 16-week training course and noting her wingmates’ ability to find their way through challenges and come out smiling.
“We’ve got this, eh?” she said. “I’m very proud of how far we have all come.”
Stephanie worked as a clerk in a law firm after completing Physical Education degree, and her background was a nice segue into policing.
“I am currently in Dunedin CIB where I’m constantly learning and developing new skills and I hope to be a detective sergeant one day.
"I’m just taking one step at a time.”
She thinks policing is a great fit for women. “The organisation is extremely supportive and there are plenty of career options available.”
Her advice to would-be recruits? “If you’ve been thinking about joining, take the leap - you will not regret it.”
It's who you know...
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