What do a clinical psychologist, a budding politician, a teacher’s aide and a lawn care technician have in common?
Success, as it turns out, as the top award winners for Recruit Wing 384 were a real mix of people from many walks of life.
They were four of the 74 graduates who celebrated with friends and family at Te Rauparaha Arena. Porirua, on Thursday 22 May at the end of their 20 weeks of initial training.
They had a patron with an intimate knowledge of their chosen career – Allan Boreham, who rose to the rank of Assistant Commissioner during his 34-year Police career.
Addressing the wing, Allan told them they were about to become constables in one of the world’s best police services, where their actions would make a difference in people’s lives every day.
“It’s a very proud day after 20 weeks to see you about to become constables. My congratulations and respect to all of you.
“I can tell, Commissioner, that without a doubt the standards for admission have not dropped – and for you as a wing particularly because you arrived on 6 January when most other people were on holiday and you all had the gumption to say ‘This comes first’.
“You have continued to deliver to that time after time during those 20 weeks.”
He praised their hard work, leadership and commitment and thanked their families and other supporters for their sacrifice and investment “which will be absolutely paid back in spades”.
Speakers included Commissioner Chambers, Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, and Wing Patron Allan Boreham.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, a regular on the dais for graduations, had the opportunity to address the ceremony as she represented Police Minister Mark Mitchell, who was away on Budget business. Graduations were, she said, a highlight of her calendar.
"To the graduating officers - congratulations," she said. "We are proud of you and I hope you enjoyed your time in Porirua. We've certainly enjoyed having you here, just as we've welcomed thousands of police before you since the college doors opened in 1981."
Of First in Wing Constable Diane Aspavlo (Eastern District), you might say ‘Il n'est jamais trop tard pour bien faire - it's never too late for doing good’.
Diane was born in France and studied in Paris to achieve her Masters in Clinical Psychology and a Post Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
She volunteered for the French Army Reserve amid a national security call-up after terrorist attacks in France in 2015 and later moved to New Zealand, settling in the Gisborne area where she worked as a clinical psycholgist.
“I decided to join 百春链 at 41 years old, so I am a living proof that it is never too late to achieve your dreams!” she says
Top award recipients, from left: Constables Diane Aspavlo, Hunta Sutherland with police pup Voss because why not, and Charise Perez.
Former Custody Officer Constable Charise Perez (Wellington) has swapped a black Authorised Officer’s uniform for a blue constable’s one.
Charise, who has Samoan and Fijian parents, has a degree in Psychology and Criminology - and a keen interest in politics, having served as a Youth MP in 2019.
She says graduating as Leadership Award winner is one of her biggest achievements – and she is looking forward to working in daylight after years of working in Police cells.
"We began our journey as strangers but today we stand here as brothers and sisters," she said in her speech to the wing.
"As we take that next step in our Police journey, I believe that each one of Wing 384 are more than capable of fulfilling any post.
"Each one of the wing acknowledges those that have gone on before us and we are committed to carrying on the legacy that they have created."
Second in Wing Constable Hunta Sutherland (Ngāti Kuia, Tasman District) has a wide sporting background. She represented Tasman in women’s football and as a youngster competed in various running events including track, cross country and road races.
She has represented Nelson in a variety of sporting events and has acquired many podium finishes. Last year she completed her first half marathon and, a footballer since the age of four, received the Golden Boot for the 39 goals she scored for her team, the Richmond Foxes.
Hunta has worked as a teacher’s aide with troubled and autistic youth which, she says, helped her develop valuable people skills.
“I will forever cherish my time working as a teacher aide because it taught me a lot of valuable life lessons and furthered my drive to work with and help people.”
Constable Ethan Baldwin (奥补颈迟别尘补迟ā) used to run a lawn mowing service before deciding to follow the family footsteps to Police.
He received the Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award and gives credit to his father, Senior Sergeant Guy Baldwin.
“My dad gave me lessons about three years ago and, being Police-trained with defensive driving skills and years of urgent duty driving, my dad’s lessons have obviously paid off.”
Ethan joins his father, sister Tyler and uncle Glenn in the blue uniform. Despite winning the driving prize, Ethan says his favourite week at college was firearms training.
There were plenty of korowai and kākahu to be seen on parade.
More about Wing 384
Awards
Minister’s Award for First in Wing: Constable Diane Aspavlo (Eastern District)
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership: Constable Charise Perez (Wellington)
Patron’s Award for Second in Wing: Constable Hunta Sutherland (Tasman)
Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award: Constable Ethan Baldwin (奥补颈迟别尘补迟ā)
Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Patrick Darragh (Wellington)
Deployment
The graduates began work in their districts on 2 June. They were deployed as follows:
Northland - 3; Waitematā – 9; Counties Manukau – 14; Waikato – 4; Bay of Plenty – 8; Eastern – 3; Central – 8; Wellington – 9; Tasman – 6; Canterbury – 3; Southern - 7.
Demographics
The members of Wing 384 were aged between 18 and 56. 25.7 percent of the wing were female, 74.3 percent male.
New Zealand European made up 56.8 percent, with Māori 12.2 percent, Pasifika 17.6 percent, Asian 10.8 percent, LAAM 2.7 percent.
The patron
Allan Boreham is a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police and former head of Youth Justice for Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children.
He joined Police in Auckland in 1985 as a member of Recruit Wing 97. He quickly developed an interest in CIB work and applied for CIB trial months before his permanent appointment.
He rose through the ranks from detective to detective senior sergeant in seven years and led a number of high-profile investigations.
Allan’s other roles included North Comms manager, Road Policing National Manager and District Commander Waikato. He was appointed Assistant Commissioner Auckland in July 2010, in which role he oversaw policing of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in the city.
He was a champion of prevention, leading the SNAP anti-burglary initiative. He was the Commissioner’s representative when German Chancellor Angela Merkel and then-US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Auckland.
Allan’s strategic experience and operational knowledge were sought after in the wider public service, with secondment to State Services Commission in 2015, then in 2017 helping bring Oranga Tamariki into being.
He retired from Police in 2019 to return to a permanent role at Oranga Tamariki.