New Zealand’s Police Commissioner, Richard Chambers, is travelling to Fiji and Sāmoa this week for the first time without a specific event prompting the visit.

In November, the Government announced that Chambers, a three-decade veteran of the police force, would take over from Andrew Coster, who accepted a new role at the Government's Social Investment Agency.

Chambers' visits to Sāmoa and Fiji aim to strengthen partnerships and boost cooperation in law enforcement with both Pacific island nations.

He says the tour is particularly important, given the current global political challenges, including crime and corruption.

During his visits, Chambers plans to meet with police leaders and teams in Fiji and Sāmoa, reinforcing New Zealand Police’s dedication to being a supportive ally in regional efforts.

In an interview with William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Chambers says he is excited about visiting both countries.

“I'm departing Auckland on Monday, the 28th of April, and I'll be up in both countries for the week. First visit to Fiji and then to Sāmoa. Back home to New Zealand at the end of the week.”

He emphasised New Zealand's strong ties with police forces in the Pacific, saying, “I want to ensure that that continues under my commissionership.

“It’s a great opportunity for me early in my tenure to get up there, meet with the police commissioners, their respective executive teams, also administrators of police and of course, my New Zealand police colleagues - just to be able to show my support to both countries, to the police forces over there.”

Fiji police officers on patrol in the capital, Suva. Photo/FijiPoliceForce

Chambers refers to his trip as a “special visit,” highlighting that it is the first time a New Zealand police commissioner has visited both countries without a major event to attend.

He believes the Pacific is a crucial partner for New Zealand and wants to reinforce the importance of this relationship.

He says that by maintaining a presence and supporting several Pacific nations, including Fiji, Sāmoa, and others, the New Zealand Police aims to collaborate on various policing challenges.

“With all the global issues unfolding, New Zealand and the Pacific face similar challenges in policing.”

Chambers aims to work closely with his peers in Fiji and Sāmoa to ensure they receive the support they need. “New Zealand Police is dedicated to being easy to work with and offering support, especially during challenging times.”

With a long history of engagement in the Pacific region, Chambers views the visits as an opportunity to reaffirm his commitment.

As of June 2023, the New Zealand Police force has 10,700 officers - a significant increase from 2017.

The Government is committed to adding 1800 frontline officers, aiming for a ratio of one officer for every 480 New Zealanders.

After this trip, Chambers is already planning visits to Tonga and the Cook Islands, and he hopes to visit the Solomon Islands and Bougainville later.

When asked how New Zealand Police handles the complex relationships in the region, especially with some countries aligning with China, Chambers says that his focus is on working effectively with communities.

He says the support and training New Zealand provides to Pacific police forces is vital, and he wants to continue strengthening those partnerships.

He says Pacific police leaders often request additional assistance, showing that the collaboration is highly valued.

Listen to the full interview on Facebook.

New constables

Meanwhile, 76 new police officers graduated from Wing 383 at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua. Commissioner Chambers and other officials, including Mayor Anita Baker and wing patron Don Mann, were in attendance.

Among the graduates, 19 have family connections to the police force, and five previously held non-constabulary roles. Twenty-two officers were born outside New Zealand and 15 speak multiple languages.

Top graduates include Casey Hales, a world champion canoeist who received the Minister's Award, and Ethan Semple, inspired by his brother to join the police force, who received the Commissioner’s Award for Leadership.

Several other performance-based awards were also given: The Patron’s Award for second in wing went to Kayla Massey-Borman. Ricardo Lewis received the Firearms Award. Jared Curtis received the Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award. Jenna Dodd received the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award.

The new constables will be deployed to various districts, including Northland (nine), Southern District (10), and Tāmaki Makaurau (25). They will begin their duties as probationary officers next week.

Wing 383 stand on parade. Photo/NZPolice