Inspirational conference poses tough questions

THE THREE-DAY Ngakia Kia Puawai Conference held at Te Papa in Wellington last month, was a source of inspiration and learning for all who attended. Organised by the team from Māori, Pacific and Ethnic Services (MPES), the conference urged delegates to reflect on current practise and to take active steps to improve the way in which they interact with Māori, Pacific and ethnic minority groups.

“I believe the impact of the conference will be felt throughout NZ Police,” says organiser Superintendent Wallace Haumaha. “Tough questions were posed of the police role in improving Māori criminal justice profiles. From the start, it was apparent that this meeting would generate positive outcomes,” says Wally.

The police executive leant their expertise and experience to the kaupapa, emphasising their commitment to Responsiveness to Māori (RTM).

Commissioner Howard Broad set out his views on the future of policing with Māori based on the principles of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and wāriutanga, which fit well with the values of NZ Police.

He invited the audience to consider reviving cadetship programmes targeting 19-year-old Māori recruits – “offering them a place in the police family, where they can find respect, relationships and find reward in challenge and ethics”.

Assistant Commissioner Gavin Jones gave an insight into trying to blend Māori perspectives with modern operational policing.

On stage (left to right), Kaumatua Te Poroa Malcolm, Superintendent Wally Haumaha, Judge Bidois and Assistant Commissioner Viv Ricard join a Waiata. Photo: Anna Woolnough

He demonstrated how cultural awareness and sensitivity could assist in investigations, using the example of a homicide he investigated where, against his instinct and training, he agreed to set up an inquiry room on a marae.

The level of trust and mutual respect that grew as a result of that decision provided a real benefit to the investigation and to ongoing relations with the community.

Gavin identified a number of learning points from his experience and wants to see these embodied in all future investigations of serious crime involving Māori, Pacific and other ethnic minority groups.

“I would like to see culture-specific investigative training; all investigation plans acknowledge and cater for specific cultural sensitivities; Iwi Liaison Officers injected into investigations at an early stage; District Advisory Boards consulted as a matter of course – and the skills and connections of the Māori Wardens utilised and leveraged off at an early stage of any investigation,” he said.

The conference concluded with a workshop giving everyone the opportunity to discuss how they were going to take the lessons learned forward and put them into practise.

Senior police managers made public commitments to take immediate action in relation to reviewing the possibility of a cadet programme and to including the good practice in detective induction and qualifying training modules.

Michael Player, General Manager Public Affairs, summed up the conference, noting the refreshed commitment of delegates to the RTM strategy that had been generated by the conference.

He urged delegates to “take the passion back to the place where you work. Integrate all you have learned these three days into your work plans.

“Tell your colleagues, so that the message permeates from the 150 here through to the NCOs, the constables and the support staff that make up NZ Police.”