Tackling the opposition today – fighting crime tomorrow?

NEW ZEALAND Police is constantly seeking new and innovative ways to ensure it attracts the best possible candidates to be the police officers of the future.

One such innovation has seen police sponsor the 1A and 1B Auckland Secondary Schools 1st XV rugby competitions this year.

Captain of De La Salle College (the winning team) Elijah Falealii, with Inspector Gary Allcock in the background.

This sponsorship was not only a first for police but also for the competition itself, as despite its enormous popularity, the 28-team competition had not attracted a sponsor before.

“We have not sponsored a sports competition of this calibre before and are really excited to be working alongside Auckland Rugby Union and Auckland Secondary Schools to make sure this year’s competition is the best yet,” says Police Recruitment Marketing Manager, James Whitaker.

“We see this sponsorship as a great vehicle to promote Police as a career option to a large number of school leavers. It also provides us with an excellent opportunity to form a relationship with this age group in a positive sporting environment.”

James says the investment is a good one as it targets a market that is of specific interest to Police.

Lineout during the final game. Photos: Donald Bruce

“The region north of Taupō and Auckland in particular, is a priority recruitment area for us. We are actively seeking younger recruits to balance the profile of our organisation.

“This three-year sponsorship deal gives NZ Police naming rights and several other key opportunities to promote policing as a career,” says James.

Auckland Rugby CEO Andy Dalton welcomed the partnership with Police and believes the involvement with secondary school rugby will benefit everybody. “Secondary school rugby is a fantastic competition with a lot of support and interest across the city.

“We’re extremely grateful to Police for signing up with us and throwing their support behind this age-group in an environment that, like NZ Police, promotes commitment, determination and fair play.”