Graduates reflect increasing diversity

SEVENTY-SIX POLICE officers of Wing 252 embarked on their new police careers last month.

The wing ranged in age from 18-44, and reflects the increasing ethnic diversity developing in the police and represented in the communities the organisation serves.

Among the new officers were representatives from Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Phillipines, Turkey and the first Japanese national to join NZ Police as a sworn officer.

At graduation day last month: Recruits from left James Loh (Malaysia), Phillemon Goto (Zimbabwe), Nao Yoshimizu (Japan), and Cesar Lamban (Philippines). Photo: Dominion Post, Robert Kitchen

Constable James Loh came to New Zealand from Malaysia at the age of 14, attending school and university in Christchurch. He worked for YMCA in many roles from youth leader to rock-climbing instructor, before taking up a role as a security guard where he came into contact with police officers. Wanting a career with good future prospects, James joined the police. “Policing ties in well with my personal ethics,” he says.

Constable Nao Yoshimizu emigrated from Japan when he was 14. A club rugby trip three years earlier with his father confirmed the family’s desire to live in New Zealand. Although he did not speak English, mixing with classmates at Kelston Boys Grammar enabled him to learn quickly.

Now at a point where he has lived equal amounts of time in New Zealand and Japan, Nao feels very positive about his future with NZ Police and says he will be concentrating on doing his best, “one day at a time”.

Constable Phillemon Goto also settled in New Zealand after coming here on holiday with his wife.

Phillemon previously taught physical education and geography at secondary schools in Zimbabwe, and on moving to New Zealand held various short term appointments before meeting a police officer at a soccer tournament.

He attended a recruitment seminar in Christchurch and says he was ‘hooked’. In his early 40’s, Phillemon had to work hard to attain the necessary fitness levels, particularly in swimming. He enjoyed the training and as a former teacher is full of praise for his instructors at the College who he says encouraged the recruits to excel to their full ability.