Celebrating 15 years with the NZ Police

The Unitec and Police leadership team, with some of their graduates

Unitec and the New Zealand Police celebrated our partnership this week with an event to acknowledge 15 years working together to deliver the Pre-Police course.

Police and Unitec leadership, including Auckland District Commander Superintendent Karyn Malthus, joined more than 40 police graduates in the Red Lecture Theatre to share stories about the impact the course has had on individuals, families and communities. Anecdotes included memories of the tough physical challenges involved in the training, as well as the passion and inspiration that Unitec lecturers Stephen Matai’a and Nate Matai’a brought to their teaching throughout those 15 years.

The course started in 2003 in recognition that the police force needed more staff to reflect the diversity of the community that it served. Originally, the 14-week course aimed to prepare Pacific recruits for the academic and fitness levels required to pass the entrance test, but was later broadened to include Māori recruits and other ethnicities.

Niko receiving an award for the Pacific Centre from the Auckland District Commander Superintendent Karyn Malthus

Director of Pacific Success, Dr Falaniko Tominiko, said the trust and collaboration between NZ Police and Unitec on this course has been key to the 80% entrance pass rate, which has seen more than 400 graduates go on to serve as Police Officers. 

“It’s hugely satisfying to see them go on to serve our communities, and we are all grateful for their efforts.”

He also paid tribute to his predecessor Linda Aumua, Unitec’s former Director of the Pacific Learning Centre, who he said was instrumental in the creation of the course back in 2003.

The Pre-Police course is just one of seven current initiatives that we’re working on to support lifelong learning for the New Zealand Police, including Foundation Policing Studies, Career Foundation Initial Training and CIB Training.