A partnership built on trust and community connection has entered a new chapter with the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between Police and Multicultural New Zealand (MNZ).
The MoU was signed on behalf of the Commissioner of Police by Assistant Commissioner Iwi and Community Partnerships Tim Anderson and National MNZ President and Commissioner’s Ethnic Focus Forum member Pancha Narayanan at the 37th MNZ Annual General Meeting in Wellington.
The renewed agreement reaffirms a 17-year commitment to social cohesion, community safety and strong relationships with culturally diverse communities across Aotearoa.
The relationship was first formalised in 2009 and has been refreshed several times, most recently in 2024.
The renewed MoU provides a framework for ongoing communication, community engagement, information sharing, community education, recruitment initiatives and joint activities that strengthen social cohesion and safety as New Zealand society becomes increasingly diverse.
Alongside Tim, Police representatives including Yumi Nguyen and Rabia Almbaid joined community leaders and volunteers from 25 Regional Multicultural Councils across Aotearoa, from Whangārei in the north to Waitaki in the south, highlighting the strong local relationships that underpin community safety and social cohesion in every district.
Tim acknowledged the important volunteer roles MNZ and regional councils play in supporting newcomers, strengthening community connections and helping people participate fully in New Zealand society.
“The renewal of this Memorandum of Understanding reflects the strength of the relationship that New Zealand Police and Multicultural New Zealand have built over many years,” he said.
Tim also acknowledged the contribution of Police's Māori, Pacific and Ethnic staff, whose languages, cultural knowledge and lived experience help strengthen connections with diverse communities.
"Strong communities are built through trust, partnership and genuine engagement," he said. "I’m particularly proud of the relationships our National Ethnic Partnerships team and Ethnic Liaison Officers have developed with multicultural communities across the country.”
“Every day, they help build understanding, strengthen trust and ensure community voices are heard. It is encouraging to see the respect and connections that have grown through this work, and the positive difference those relationships continue to make for both Police and the communities we serve.”
The partnership between Police and MNZ extends well beyond national-level engagement, with Police staff across all 12 Districts working alongside MNZ’s network of regional multicultural councils to strengthen relationships with diverse communities.
The AGM and gala dinner also provided an opportunity to recognise community leaders and volunteers who continue to champion inclusion, volunteerism and community wellbeing.
Among attendees were Tā Mark Solomon, MNZ Patron and a member of the Commissioner’s Māori Focus Forum, along with members of the diplomatic corps.
