Waitemata Police hold inaugural Pay Parade and District Awards this Friday

Waitemata Police is proud to be holding its first ever District Pay Parade event, which will be accompanied by a District Awards Ceremony this Friday 23rd June.

The Pay Parade is a time-honoured street march by police staff and will include more than 150 police officers who will be marching through Henderson town centre.

The parade will also include police dogs, horses and motorbikes alongside sworn and non-sworn police employees.

Previously, the Waitakere, North Shore and Rodney areas have held their own Pay Parade events, but this is the first time the three areas will be joining together for a Waitemata District Parade.

The tradition of the Pay Parade comes from the requirement for Police officers to march to the local magistrate’s office every fortnight in their dress uniform and pass inspection before getting their pay packet.

The parade will also feature two children, one from West Auckland and one from North Shore, who have won a Facebook competition run by Waitemata Police to march at the front of the parade alongside the Waitemata District Commander, Superintendent Tusha Penny.

Superintendent Penny says the Pay Parade is a great community event and encourages families of all ages to attend and witness this unique occasion.

“Police officers are the guardians of our community and the Pay Parade provides our staff with a great opportunity to present at our best for our communities.”

“I hope to see our Waitemata community come along and show your support for the work our staff do to help keep our communities safe,” says Supt. Penny.

The parade will begin at 10am on Great North Rd outside the Henderson Baptist Church and will travel through the town centre on Great South Rd before finishing on Henderson Valley Rd.

Once the parade is inspected, the Waitemata District Awards Ceremony will take place at the Council Chambers on Henderson Valley Rd at 11am.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush and Defence Minister Mark Mitchell (representing the Police Minister) will be attending the ceremony as well as local council representatives and community members.

The ceremony is an opportunity for Police to recognise the outstanding work and bravery of our staff, as well as members of the public who have undertaken heroic feats.

ENDS

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