Bay of Plenty women outnumber men in latest New Zealand Police recruit Wing

Today five women and two men from Bay of Plenty are starting training at the Royal New Zealand Police College.

Police officers from Wing 315 will be on the beat helping to keep our communities safe in just a few short months.

Fittingly, Dame Jenny Shipley is the Wing Patron and she will be supporting these recruits through their training.

Dame Jenny was the first female Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Wing 315 recruit Kiahli Ibbetson of Matata, 19, is excited and nervous about starting at the College.

She has wanted to join New Zealand Police for a long time, and started the process when she was just 17.

As a volunteer Fire Fighter, she has worked closely with Police in her community and seen first-hand what a rewarding and challenging job it is.

Miss Ibbetson says that joining the Matata Volunteer Fire Service, which is also a first responder brigade, has been one of the most worthwhile experiences of her life.

Joining NZ Police and getting paid to do this valuable work in the community was an obvious choice.

“I know being a Police Officer won’t always be the easiest of jobs, but I know I’ll feel a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day knowing that I’ve helped keep my community safe.”

It is early days but Miss Ibbetson is interested in becoming one of the few women in NZ Police to work as a Dog Handler.

“The physical and mental challenges involved in the role is what appeals to me.”

New Zealand Police has set an ambitious target of having 50% female recruits by 2021.

ENDS

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