All five of our recruits, who were chosen by the Police College to represent the diversity of the intake, are still in uniform. Four of them share their experiences as they hit the 10-year mark in Police.

Constable Mefiposeta Taele

Where are you based now and in what role?
I am still based in Tauranga and have recently moved into an Ethnic Liaison Officer role.

Has Police given you all you thought it would?
Yes, I am always grateful for my journey in NZ Police and that motivates me every day!

What has been the highlight?
I was fortunate enough to be involved in Operation Convoy in Wellington. It was great seeing all of our police whānau coming together from all parts of New Zealand to overcome such a massive event.

The lowlight?
Seeing the demand on our police colleagues and the mental struggles they have.

Where would you like to see your career going from here?
Mentoring, strengthening, supporting our Māori, Pacific and ethnic colleagues through our Police organisation.

Detective Amy Flower 

Where are you based now and in what rank and role?
I am in a detective role in the District Coronial Investigations Team at the Auckland City Police Hub. I took a break from search and rescue when I had my first child. After having a second child, I re-joined the team.

Has Police given you all you thought it would?
When I joined one thing that appealed was the variety of work involved. I can safely say no two days have been the same and I still enjoy coming to work each day.

What has been the highlight?
I have had so many memorable experiences, including attending the National Police Search and Rescue Course in Dip Flat, working with the National DVI Team and Australian Federal Police during Op Whakaari, and recently qualifying as a detective.

The lowlight?
Although I have witnessed things most people never will or should see, these have all added to my skillset. My ability to deal with these situations has been made easier by the camaraderie and collective resilience of colleagues.

Where would you like to see your career going from here?
My goal is to be the best detective I can be, and I hope my career will continue to be varied and exciting.

Acting Sergeant Catherine Sieczkowski

Where are you based now and in what role?
I am still based at the Auckland City Police Hub. I am in an acting sergeant position on PST, however, I have recently been recommended for a permanent sergeant’s position. I’m thoroughly enjoying being back in uniform!

Has Police given you all you thought it would?
I think having been in a prior Police employee role, I had the advantage of insight and therefore I knew what to expect. Safe to say that it’s been everything I thought it would be.

What has been the highlight?
Over the past 10 years, I have worked on a variety of teams/ squads/operations gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience. One of the biggest highlights was qualifying as a detective after having twin boys. While it was a challenging juggle, it was a huge accomplishment for me.

The lowlight?
It’s unreal to think that we have reached the 10-year mark already. But within that 10 years, I can’t say there has been a low point. I’ve enjoyed every single one of those years!

Where would you like to see your career going from here?
There are endless opportunities within the Police. Who knows where they’ll take me.

Sergeant Samuel Hutcheson

Where are you based now and in what role?
I’m at the Auckland Central Police Station as a Public Safety Team sergeant. Fronting a PST team has been equal parts challenging and rewarding and has required me to confront a number of my own limitations.

Has Police given you all you thought it would?
Wide-eyed, 19-year-old me was in no position to assess what a decade in Police would offer and what change it would inspire. I had no comprehension of the depravity nor the kindness that humanity has to offer. Police has, however, offered up all of the adrenaline-fuelled excitement and the sense of purpose I hoped for.

What has been the highlight?
There have been many across my career. That said, promotion to sergeant was a goal of mine ever since graduating RNZPC, and to achieve it was immensely gratifying.

The lowlight?
Like the highlights, there have been many lowlights. Many have a melancholic bent to them. Deploying to Christchurch in the wake of the 2019 mosque shootings stands out – while it was a dark time for everyone involved, the resilience and kindness shown by a community coming to terms with something so tragic left a permanent mark on my psyche.

Where would you like to see your career going from here?
I have an interest in firearms and tactics, and so something in that workspace would match my temperament. I also see a gap in the advocacy of our frontline staff and their services. I see a role for myself there.