The theme of this year’s conference is ‘The changing face of organised crime’, which Association President Chris Cahill says reflects the single most pressing issue association members are facing in their day-to-day policing.

“Our latest Member Survey shows a high level of concern amongst our members in the correlation between the growth of gangs throughout New Zealand, the proliferation of methamphetamine, increasing violence and use of firearms,” Mr Cahill says.

In his welcoming speech, Mr Cahill will discuss a number of aspects of gangs, guns and drugs and details of aspects of the survey responses.

Police Minister Stuart Nash will officially open the conference.

Guest speakers to the conference on Wednesday 16 October are specialists in various facets of organised crime - Detective Sergeant Ray Sunkel, Detective Superintendent Iain Chapman and Assistant Commissioner Richard Chambers.

Delegates from around the country, and international guests representing Australian and Irish police associations, will attend the conference.

The conference venue is:

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

16th Floor, Rm Chancellor 1

147 The Terrace

Wellington

Media are invited to attend the following events:

Tuesday 15 October

10:00 – 11:00hrs:  Official opening / Welcome – Chris Cahill, Minister Stuart Nash

Wednesday 16 October

13:30hrs: Detective Sergeant Ray Sunkel – Recent developments in gangs in NZ

14:15 – 1500hrs: Detective Superintendent Iain Chapman – The value of asset forfeiture in the fight against organised crime

1600 – 1700hrs: Assistant Commissioner Richard Chambers – The Police strategy to combat organised crime

Please arrive in time to set up equipment before the official opening begins, and before the times given for the guest speakers.   

Media wishing to attend any or all of these sessions should RSVP to [email protected] by Monday 14 October, and must make themselves known to Police Association staff on arrival at the event.  Other than the sessions outlined above, conference attendance is restricted to delegates and invited guests only.