Police deputy on year's leave with ministry

Deputy Comissioner Viv Rickard. File photo / APN

Deputy Commissioner Viv Rickard is taking a 12-month break from policing to take on a new role at the Ministry of Social Development.

And the Herald can reveal that the move comes at the same time as Commissioner Mike Bush reshuffles the police executive, appointing two new deputies in a new-look management structure.

Mr Rickard, whose deputy role entails overseeing operations within the 12 police districts, will take a one year secondment to take on the role of deputy chief executive, social sector for the Ministry of Social Development. He steps aside on October 27 and will be temporarily replaced by a yet-to-be-announced high-ranking police officer.

"This is a challenging and exciting opportunity for Viv," Mr Bush said. "The position is a key leadership role at MSD supporting the social sector chief executives in delivering on their collective responsibilities and driving a cross-agency work programme. It is pleasing that the skills of senior police leaders are being sought by other agencies to support their work.

"I would like to wish Viv all the best for this secondment."

MSD chief executive Brendan Boyle said Mr Rickard would support social sector forum chief executives in delivering on their collective leadership.

The Social Sector Forum is a cross-agency group where social sector agencies including MSD, Health, Justice, Education and Housing are working together to get better results for New Zealanders on a range of social issues. "Having Viv on board is a great addition to the forum," said Mr Boyle. "His experience will help the forum to continue to drive the work it's doing to support individuals, families, whanau and communities facing the most complex issues.

"Viv has over 28 years of experience in a wide range of senior roles in the New Zealand Police both at district and national levels. Many of these roles have involved building close working relationships between the police and social sector agencies."

Mr Bush also announced that two new deputy commissioners had been appointed. Both appointments were provisional.

"I am pleased to announce the provisional appointment of Superintendent Glenn Dunbier to the role of Deputy Commissioner Resource Management and Superintendent Mike Clement to the role of Deputy Commissioner National Operations," he said.

Mr Dunbier is the Bay of Plenty District Commander.He served as lead police liaison officer for the annual ANZAC commemorations in Turkey.

Mr Clement has been Auckland City's District Commander since December 2011, having previously been Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander.

Mr Bush said he "looked forward to working with Glenn and Mike on the police executive and know they will make an excellent contribution in continuing to lead the organisation forward".