The Counties Manukau Police district is getting eight new officers from the group of 56 constables graduating from their initial training course today.
Among the people who will join them at a ceremony in Wellington are Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Police Minister Chris Hipkins, Commissioner Andrew Coster, and the Wing’s Patron Dr Hinemoa Elder.
The Wing’s top graduating officer is Steven Young, who also received the Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Awards.
He has a background in trade-related roles and administration and says he wanted a career that would challenge him as a person and allow him to grow and improve.
“Self-improvement is something we should always work on.
“I wanted to enter into a career and journey I could be proud of, and one where I could make a positive difference in our communities.”
Another recruit, Angus Brown, is the wing’s Leadership Award winner.
Before joining the police he spent 10 years working in the security industry and has worked as a skydiving instructor and coach in New Zealand and Denmark.
“Over the years I have discovered a passion for helping others and for teaching/developing others,” Brown says.
“I thrive in an engaging and challenging environment and I’m looking forward to the road ahead in my career with New Zealand Police.”
Officers in the Wing will disperse to the following police districts on December 26: Northland – 2, Waitemata – 5, Auckland City – 3, Counties Manukau – 8, Waikato – 5, Bay of Plenty – 6, Eastern – 4, Central – 6, Wellington – 6, Tasman – 2, Canterbury – 5, Southern – 4.
