Waikato rural support officer Haimona Tamati-Te Paki is the 2022 Police Sportsperson of the Year after winning gold, silver and bronze medals at the World Kickboxing and Karate Association World Championships in Wales.

When 19-year-old Cathy Williams joined Police in August 1977, friends and family were astonished. “I was so shy, everyone who knew me just couldn’t believe it.”

This column is written by a frontline police member. It does not represent the views or policies of the Police Association.

The intelligence component of the Special Tactics Group is being relied upon more than ever but it’s part of Police we hear little about.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, thousands of distraught Kiwis relied on police to confirm their family and friends were safe. Hundreds pitched in to answer the call.