A special connection between a keen young athlete and the police force might foreshadow a potential career for the young boy.
Tawhio Maru's fifth birthday was a special one with two police officer guests, gifts and a cake at Raumanga Kohanga Reo.
Tawhio attended Waitangi Day celebrations with his family earlier this year and enjoyed spending time at the Police tent at Waitangi having a go at the police fitness test and other activities.
Whangarei Police Constable Hank van Engelen was at the police tent taking photographs of the young people getting involved in the activities when he met the youngster.
Mr van Engelen said he took a photograph of Tawhio and wanted to personally deliver it to him.