Honour ‘belongs to many’ says Juanita Whitiaera Timutimu

HUMBLED: Policewoman Juanita Whitiaera (Whiti) Timutimu says the work that has led to her being awarded a Queen’s Service Medal was done “on the shoulders of others”, including Ngati Porou leader the late Dr Apirana Mahuika. File picture

Gisborne policewoman Juanita Whitiaera (Whiti) Timutimu says her Queen’s Birthday honour is one that “belongs to many others in the community”.

Ms Timutimu has been awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for services to criminal justice programmes and the community.

The Maori responsiveness adviser for the New Zealand Police has been heavily involved with youth programmes and reintegrating former inmates into the community.

She has helped direct the formation of several criminal justice programmes such as Atawhai, a youth mentoring programme involving fitness, life skills and teamwork.

Through Atawhai, young people engage positively with the wider community and organisations such as the New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency Service, New Zealand Army and Maori Wardens.

Ms Timutimu is involved with two other successful youth mentoring programmes — Qmunity Youth, which mentors LGBTQI+ youth — and Tuakana Teina, which is mentoring for youth with a parent in prison.

She has also organised Te Pae Oranga (iwi community panels) and continues to make an impact on the successful rehabilitation of offenders.

Her culture is a vital part of her life and work, culminating last year in her becoming the first New Zealand Police female officer to receive a moko kauae — a traditional Maori chin moko for women.

Ms Timutimu, who joined the police force in 2005, said she was humbled to have been acknowledged in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, but stressed it was an honour that belonged to many others in the community.

“This mahi (work) has been done on the shoulders of others, in particular Uncle Api (Ngati Porou leader, the late Dr Apirana Mahuika).

“I was very fortunate to be mentored by Uncle Api. He had the desire to work with our whanau in a proactive and positive way.

“It is my aim to continue that work. But the main goal is always for our rangatahi to take the lead.

“I also need to acknowledge my family — my wife Kristin McGill and my daughter Maia.

“When you do this mahi (work), you’re gone early in the morning, weekends and holidays. I’m lucky I have a supportive whanau, who understand the kaupapa.

“But I’m just one of many volunteers in our community who give up many hours to invest in rangatahi and whanau.

“This honour is not mine alone and is an acknowledgement of what’s already been done, and what will come in the future.”