A new police chief has been appointed to the Western Bay after a year-long wait.
Inspector Michael Clement, who has previously been responsible for part of the CIB function at Wellington's Police National Headquarters, will step into the role as Western Bay area commander from July 16.
Mr Clement, who has more
than 25 years experience in the New Zealand police, will take up the position upon his return from an overseas leadership development course.
The Bay's former area commander, Inspector Murray Lewis, went to the Solomon Islands in August last year and is now in East Timor on a United Nations deployment.
Mr Lewis held the position for 14 years and since his departure the seat has been warmed by Taupo area commander Bob Burns and more recently the Western Bay area's tactical response manager Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair.
Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Gary Smith said the four applicants short-listed for the position meant competition for the Western Bay's top job was tough.
"It was a very sought-after position and it was hotly contested," he said.
Each of the four applicants faced an interview panel consisting of Mr Smith and another senior Bay of Plenty police officer, as well as representatives from iwi and the Tauranga City Council.
Mr Smith said Mr Clement's background had been heavily weighted towards investigation and managing serious investigations.
His new role would involve the effective and efficient running of the police services in the Western Bay and the implementation of the district policing strategy.
The role of head of the Western Bay's armed offenders squad, previously held by Mr Lewis, is now held by Mr Wright-St Clair.
