Police wanted for international operations

New Zealand police are sought after for deployments in international operations because of their professionalism and ability to get on with local people, Foreign Minister Phil Goff said today.

"In one sense, our small size is also our strength," he said in a speech to the Police Association annual conference.

"We are not seen to constitute a threat. We are not seen to be pursuing agendas other than to help as a friend and a good neighbour."

Mr Goff said New Zealand police had worked successfully in the Pacific and South East Asia, including Bougainville, East Timor and the Solomons.

"What has made our contribution stand out has been the professionalism, commitment, and the ability to relate to and get on with local people," he said.

"For these reasons, New Zealanders are much sought after for deployments in international operations by organisations such as the United Nations, and by other countries."

Mr Goff said he would like to see the police doing much more of this work, but there were obvious constraints.

"There are obvious benefits as well. It is a way in which New Zealand can contribute to international wellbeing and security...it can bring individuals a new and interesting dimension to their career and experience within the police force."

He also told the conference how a New Zealand police officer smashed a coffee table, grabbed one of its legs and chased away a mob of machete-wielding East Timorese militia.

Mr Goff said he visited East Timor during its chaotic independence referendum in 1999 and worked alongside police officers who were part of an international team.

"The risks were very real, with an armed militia intent on preventing East Timorese independence," he said.

"I have a vivid memory of arriving at an inland town called Ainaro on the evening of the voting and being greeted by then Constable Rangi Maniapoto."

He said he was told he should not be there because militia had intended killing foreign observers. The plan was aborted.

"Rangi, a fellow New Zealand officer and a member of the Australian Federal Police, had earlier come under attack at their office in Ainaro by a group of men armed with machetes," he said.

"Fortunately the East Timorese are rather small and Rangi is about six foot three, and that's across the shoulders.

"Smashing a coffee table, he picked up one the table legs and charged towards the mob yelling in the best traditions of King Country rugby at the top of his voice.

"The militiamen, confronted by a giant and seemingly possessed Maori charging towards them, paused and then fled from the office."

Mr Goff said Rangi was now a legend in Ainaro.

- NZPA