Pohiri welcoming new Rotorua police area commander proves emotional (+ video)

It was an emotional occasion as people travelled from across the North Island to welcome Rotorua's new police boss.

The new area commander, Inspector Anaru Pewhairangi, was officially welcomed to his first day on the job with a pohiri at Te Papaiouru Marae this morning. Alongside iwi from Te Arawa and his home of Ngati Porou, Mr Pewhairangi was teary-eyed as he was greeted by a haka.

Before the ceremony the new commander greeted those who had travelled to be there with a hongi.

Police officers from as far south as Wellington and as far north as Kerikeri had travelled to the event.

Three generations of Mr Pewhairangi's family had also come across from the East Coast to support him, his niece describing it as an "emotional morning".

Mr Pewhairangi's aunty tied a blue and white korowai across his shoulders as the ceremony began.

New Area Commander Anaru Pewhairangi said there would likely be tears in his eyes at his Pohiri Photo/Stephen Parker

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said it was a big day for Rotorua.

"He's invited Indian and Pacific Island representatives to be here today. He really understands the cultures in Rotorua."

Beverly Night, who taught alongside Mr Pewhairangi early in his career, said he was always an honourable man, "passionate about his culture".

A Te Arawa haka welcomed the new Rotorua Police Commander into Tamatekapua wharenui Photo/Stephen Parker

Te Arawa and Ngati Tuwwharetoa kaumatua, kuia, members of Rotorua police and local students performed the karanga.

Once inside Tametekapua meeting house, Te Arawa kaumatua Pihopa Kingi with led the formalities in welcoming Mr Pewhairangi.

Mr Kingi acknowledged Mr Pewhairangi's achievements within the New Zealand Police.

Members of Ngati Porou spoke on behalf of Mr Pewhairangi, before he moved to the Te Arawa side of the meeting house.

Mr Pewhairangi left the marae alongside his wife Shelley and two young boys Tana, 5, and 6-year-old Whetumatarau.

After the pohiri, Mr Pewhairangi said it had been a humbling experience.

"I wouldn't have changed a thing. It really warmed my heart."

In an interview with the Rotorua Daily Post on Saturday Mr Pewhairangi said he knew Rotorua had high expectations for him, as he had for himself.

Having spent 15 years in the New Zealand Police he said he was excited for the next step in his career.