Police Association Chris Cahill, first elected in 2016, has stood down from the role. Photo / Kevin Stent
Police Association Chris Cahill, first elected in 2016, has stood down from the role. Photo / Kevin Stent
Head of the police union Chris Cahill has announced he is standing down from the role after nearly a decade in the position.
Cahill announced his retirement at the New Zealand Police Association’s (NZPA) annual conference in Wellington.
“I’m proud of my small part in the NZPA, but evenmore so of what the organisation stands for, and the incredible impact it has on the wellbeing of our members and their whānau,” he told the crowd.
NZ Police Association president Chris Cahill has stepped down after nine years in the role. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Cahill is handing over the reins to Sergeant Steve Watt, a 25-year veteran of the police.
“One of the biggest issues our members currently face is the cost of living,” he said.
“It’s something we’re going to be pushing hard for in the coming months and years to actually get that recognition of what our staff do out there and increase that pay to make sure they are rewarded for the work they do.”
Cahill has led the police association members through the Christchurch mosque terror attack, the Covid-19 pandemic and the death of two police officers.
Watt said he left big shoes to fill.
“He’s done exceedingly well in his nine years with the police association.
“I think Chris would say one of his strongest achievements was the professionalisation of the board and the diversity amongst the board and the committees.”
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