The New Zealand Police force has welcomed 60 new officers today. The event was attended by friends and family, as well as notable figures such as Police Commissioner Andrew Coster, Associate Minister for Police Casey Costello, and wing patron Dr. Diana Sarfati.
Many of the new recruits are sports enthusiasts, particularly rugby players. They will begin their duties in their respective districts in July. Among them are Constable Kate Naylor, a rugby representative for Otago who will start her career in Dunedin, and Constable Avalon Strang, a former North Harbour representative who will be stationed in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Firearms award winner Constable Angus McDonald, a former rugby player for the Bay of Plenty Steamers, will be heading to the Eastern District. Meanwhile, Constable Bailey Taylor, a former New Zealand Army member and rugby player, will be posted to Canterbury.
Also joining the force is Constable Deb Fuller, a competitive cyclist, runner, and Ironman competitor who will be based in the Bay of Plenty. The top recruit, Constable Alexandra Wilson, holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice and will be deployed to Canterbury.
Wing patron Dr. Diana Sarfati is a respected leader in health with a public sector, clinical, and academic background. She is currently the Director-General of Health and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Health.
The new officers will begin their duties on Monday, 8 July 2024. The group is diverse, with 23.3% females and 76.7% males. 56% of the new officers are New Zealand Europeans, 11.7% are Māori, 11.7% are Pasifika, 13.3% are Asian, and the remaining 6.7% identify as LAAM or other.
Local media will receive stories about some of the new staff next week, along with photographs. More stories and photos about the recruits’ first week on the job will be published on the Police website.
