Graduation of Wing 307, the Brendan Boyle Wing

The recruits of Wing 307 will graduate from the Royal New Zealand Police College this Thursday 28 September.

The graduating recruits come from diverse backgrounds with a range of experiences, already showing exceptional commitment to their communities.

Some of the new constables have been inspired by family members who have worked with New Zealand Police, while others have drawn from their experiences in military services.

Constable James Allan, who will be deployed to Canterbury, served in the British Army and was deployed to Afghanistan, winning the Brigadier’s Commendation Coin for his work teaching allied troops in search techniques.

Other recruits in Wing 307 have served in the New Zealand Army, South African Navy and the HM Royal Marine Commandos.

Constable Timothy Nickson-Clarke is one of four graduating recruits who have previously worked as an Authorised Officer, who is a Police employee with specified limited constabulary powers, usually assisting in custody units.

He says he’s had some valuable experiences from this which will serve him well when he hits the beat in Counties Manukau.

“My time with the [Manukau] Custody Unit was inspiring and, at times, scary,” he says.

“Experiencing gang culture, violent detainees, and people affected by drug and alcohol was challenging at first.

But I learnt the importance of communication and felt the satisfaction of de-escalating a situation which may have turned ugly.”

These kinds of experiences will be assets as the graduates begin their work in various communities.

Aged between 19 and 45 years of age, they are being deployed to Canterbury, Counties Manukau, Auckland City, Waitemata, Bay of Plenty, Eastern and Wellington Districts.

Community Action

Constables Yao Meng and Karen Dodd spent time volunteering in their local communities prior to joining Police.

Constable Meng was a part of the Wellington Ethnic Community Patrol Team and Karen Dodd has worked with youth for the Bluelight Foundation.

She has received the Marlene Pitman National Bluelight Volunteer of the Year Award for her service and played a significant part in the opening of a youth centre in Waihi.

A number of the graduating constables have competed nationally in various sports, including athletics and swimming, and others have reached high levels of achievement in hip-hop dancing, taekwondo and karate.

Diversity

Constable Mariam Oshana, born in Iraq, speaks three languages – Assyrian, Arabic and English – and is proud of her background.

She has always dreamed of being a police officer, and it’s believed she is the first Assyrian female police officer in New Zealand.

Constable Oshana believes that knowing Arabic and Assyrian will help her to break down barriers and build rapport in the community, helping people to see past the uniform.

Mariam is being deployed to the Counties Manukau district and is pictured (attached) with some of her fellow recruits at a temple visit.

Constable Adam Jaidin was born in Brunei and has grown up in a Muslim community.

He represented New Zealand at the Global Young Leaders Conference in 2000 and graduated university with a Bachelor of Commerce, before working in business management.

Constable Jaidin hopes his experiences will bring “unique perspectives on life and our community.”

Kaye Ryan, Deputy Chief Executive: People is pleased to see a diverse range of recruits coming through the Police College:

“New Zealand is a diverse country and Police staff need to reflect the communities we serve,” she says.

“It’s fantastic to see new constables coming through with a range of backgrounds which will better enable us to respond to the variety of people we interact with every day.”

Awards

Several new constables will be recognised for their achievements during their studies, with Constable David Klahn, posted to Counties Manukau District, being presented with Minister’s Award which recognises top student after collation of all course assessments.

Constable Joshua Peters, who will be working in Counties Manukau District, has been awarded the Patron’s Award for second top student and the Firearms Award.

The Commissioner’s Award for Leadership has gone to Constable Joshua Neary, who is off to Auckland City District.

The award for Physical Training and Defensive Tactics has been jointly awarded to Constable Aaron Sutton, posted to Wellington, and Constable Stephanie Trengrove who will be working in Canterbury District.

Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award goes to Constable Larisa Kirifi, Counties Manukau.

The Graduation Parade for Wing 307 will take place at the Royal New Zealand Police College on Thursday 28 September at 2pm.

The ceremony will be attended by Deputy Commissioner: Resources, Audrey Sonerson, Wing Patron Brendan Boyle, Porirua Mayor Mike Tana and other members of the Police Executive.

ENDS

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