Fifty-nine new constables of Wing 348 were attested yesterday, at the Police College in Porirua, and will graduate tomorrow Thursday 25 November.
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Commissioner Andrew Coster, Police Minister Poto Williams and Wing Patron Dr Mustafa Farouk QSM will attend the graduation ceremony.?
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Dr Farouk is a member of the Police Muslim Communities Reference Group. This group guides Police in the implementation of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the 15 March Terrorist Attacks.
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In the aftermath of those attacks in Christchurch, Dr Farouk deployed immediately alongside Police. He played a pivotal role liaising with police, helping to plan the response to provide reassurance to affected families and the wider Muslim community. He has also been a voice for the Muslim community on firearms law reform and an advocate to address hate and discrimination.
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When he spoke to the wing on their first day of training, Dr Farouk emphasised the importance of relationships between police and their communities.
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¡°No matter what you do, relationships are important because that is what will make your work easier. My advice to you is get to know the people you¡¯ll be dealing with.¡±
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Due to COVID restrictions, limited numbers of family and friends have been invited to the graduation from alert level 2 areas of the country. The ceremony will also be livestreamed to those unable to attend.?
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Awards
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Minister¡¯s Award recognising top student ¨C Constable Lewis Ferguson, Counties Manukau District
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Patron¡¯s Award for Second in Wing, recognising second top student ¨C Constable Friederike Faber, Counties Manukau District
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Commissioner¡¯s Award for Leadership ¨C Constable Matthew White, Northland District
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Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award ¨C Constable Tama Tukaki, Canterbury District
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Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award ¨C Constable Lisa Garrity, Eastern District
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Firearms Award ¨C Constable Wayne Sandbrook, Central District
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Deployment
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The wing is being dispersed to districts as follows, starting their frontline duty on 6 December:?
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Northland ¨C 2, Tamaki Makaurau ¨C 21, Waikato ¨C 4, Bay of Plenty ¨C 2, Eastern ¨C 6, Central ¨C 5, Wellington ¨C 8, Tasman ¨C 3, Canterbury ¨C 3, Southern ¨C 5
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Wing demographics
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Female 42.4%, gender diverse 3.4%, and male 54.2%; NZ European 69.5%; M¨¡ori 11.9%; Pacific 8.5%; Asian 6.8%; Other 3.4%
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ENDS
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Caption for Picture of Wing 348 Graduates:?Left to right: Top student for Wing 348 and previous Police Emergency Call Taker and Dispatcher Constable, Lewis Ferguson; Constable Nita Rakovica, also a previous Emergency Call Taker; and Constable Penieli Talataina-Ki, a former non-emergency 105 call-taker.
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NOTE TO MEDIA: Unfortunately Media will not be able to attend the ceremony tomorrow due to COVID restrictions. Please contact media@police.govt.nz for any queries in relation to this graduation.
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A Ten One Magazine story about the graduation, with photos, will be published on the Police website next week.
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