I have had the privilege relieving in the role of Rotorua's area commander for the past two months. I say a privilege, because I've always admired the work done by all the teams and individuals that make up Rotorua police.
Inspector Bruce Horne has recently been asked to work inWellington until April 2014 so I will continue to get involved in the great police work that goes on in Rotorua until his return.
As area commander, I have three direct reports: Inspector Ed van den Broek is our area prevention manager leading our community, youth, road policing, neighbourhood policing team, family violence and alcohol harm teams. Senior Sergeant Karl Konlechner is OC response leading the frontline public safety teams, Murupara station and our dedicated station support officers. Detective Senior Sergeant Zane Smith leads our investigation teams, which include CIB, tactical and our expert scene of crime officers.
From my perspective, this new structure is working well and should hopefully make communication within Rotorua better.
For all of us, the overarching goals are to reduce crime, prevent crashes that kill and injure our families on the roads and do all of this while looking after each other and operating within budget; just as anyone has to.
My philosophy is to look after my team; in doing so our team looks after our community as best they can in order to make our community feel safe and be safe; a subtle but important distinction.
Another part of my approach is to instil a bit more pride and fun into our work and it's pleasing to see our teams enjoying their work.
However, when I say fun, I mean being satisfied with a job well done by a good team that celebrates success.
In July, we welcomed three new officers to Rotorua Police - Constables Kimberley Welsh, Damon O'Connor and Kane Rogers.
The recruit powhiri held at Bay of Plenty district headquarters was put together by Senior Sergeant Anaru Pewhairangi and was the best I have ever attended.
It was a pleasure to welcome and meet a great bunch of newer cops from across the Bay of Plenty; all from varied and different backgrounds.
Please drive safe and take care of your families and wider whanau.
