New Police staff welcomed into Manawatü

A Mihi Whakatau was held at the Levin Police Station to welcome eight new constables and the newly appointed Manawatu Child Case Manager, along with their whanau, to Manawatu Area Police.

Representatives from Manawhenua, Muaupoko and Ngati Raukawa Iwi attended the whakatau, along with more than 50 Police staff from across the area.

Acting Sergeant and Pouwhakataki (District Iwi Liaison Coordinator) Nick Lawton explains as well as welcoming new staff, the whakatau demonstrated an ongoing commitment to work alongside and strengthen Police’s partnerships with local iwi.

All new staff were presented with pounamu taonga by Manawatu Area Commander Inspector Sarah Stewart and Muaupoko Kaumatua Marokopa Matakatea.
The taonga was specially carved in the form of a taurapa (the stern post of a waka) which symbolises their journey with Police.

"The taurapa signifies balance – the balance of the physical and spiritual realms to balance ones inner self," Sergeant Lawton says.
“It is about that person’s journey within New Zealand Police and encompasses our values: professionalism, respect, integrity, Maori and the treaty of Waitangi, empathy and diversity and to have hope and courage.

We are working together to help our people achieve their dreams and aspirations.”

The new constables, who have been posted to stations in Palmerston North and Levin, performed Ko te urupounamu (The Police Haka) which lifted the wairua of the occasion.

ENDS

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