Waikato district commander Superintendent Kelvin Powell. Photo / Sarah Ivey
Waikato's top policeman, cleared two years ago of an historic rape allegation, is disappointed at not being reappointed district commander.
Police Commissioner Howard Broad announced today that Superintendent Alan Boreham was the new district commander.
Superintendent Kelvin Powell was accused of raping a then-serving policewoman at her 21st
birthday party in Rotorua in 1984.
He was suspended when the allegation surfaced at the start of 2004, but reinstated in October 2005, after a jury found him not guilty.
When Mr Powell's contract as district commander expired at the end of last year, he reapplied.
He said today he was "disappointed" but said he accepted the selection panel's decision.
"I congratulate Superintendent Boreham on his appointment and wish him well in his new position," Mr Powell said.
Mr Powell said that his immediate plans were not clear at this time.
Mr Boreham is currently the centre manager of the northern communications centre in Auckland.
He has been with the police since 1985 and will take up the new role early in the new year.
Mr Broad acknowledged Mr Powell's "significant contribution" to policing in the Waikato District.
- NZPA
