Police: Herby Ngawhika named as new Rotorua Area Commander

Inspector Herby Ngawhika. Photo / Ben Fraser

Inspector Herby Ngawhika is the new Rotorua Area Commander for the police.

Ngawhika was born and raised in Rotorua and has strong links to many Te Arawa iwi and hapū.

He said his focus on community safety had only been strengthened with the arrival of his moko last year.

“I want to make sure she grows up in a safe town - that Rotorua is a safe town for all those growing up here and living here,” he said.

As well as two decades in the police, Ngawhika holds a number of leadership roles in the community.

He is currently chairman of the Rotorua Boys High School Board of Trustees and Pikirangi Marae, and sits on the Ngati Whakaue Education Endowment Trust. He moves to the role from his position as Bay of Plenty Māori responsiveness manager, and has previously worked in frontline and CIB.

“My personal satisfaction comes from working with our people to create better outcomes,” he said.

That has included his involvement in the establishment of Bay of Plenty’s Gang Harm Reduction Team, which works towards reducing gang-related harm, as well as building capacity in the Māori, Pacific and Ethnic Services team.

“In terms of leadership, I take the greatest satisfaction from staff becoming leaders themselves.”

Moving into Area Commander, Ngawhika said that focus would continue to be on the people surrounding him.

“I’ll be doing what I can to make sure our people are able to do their jobs to the very best of their ability.”

Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Tim Anderson, said Ngawhika was selected from a pool of strong candidates.

“Herby is a humble leader who prefers to let his actions do the talking.

“He’s definitely the right person to lead Rotorua.”