Police and leaders of New Zealand’s Muslim communities have signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their partnership.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush and Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand President Hazim Arafeh signed the Memorandum on Wellington’s Kilbirnie Mosque at a brief ceremony held at the Kilbirnie Mosque in Wellington on September 7, 2015.\
Greater goodwill
It updated a previous MoU signed in 2009, and covers six key areas including communication, community engagement and measures to encourage Muslim Kiwis to pursue careers in Police.
It also includes training and education to help Muslim New Zealanders stay safe and broadening cultural understanding of Muslim communities among police staff.
Mr Bush said that the MoU will encourage increased participation by Kiwi Muslims in Neighbourhood Support groups, community patrols and similar community-based crime prevention programmes and provide for interpreters.
“The agreement would increase trust and confidence in Police among Kiwi Muslims. It is important to build that trust and confidence so everyone feels safe and secure in New Zealand, and we take that responsibility very seriously,” he said.
Police Deputy Chief Executive (Maori and Ethnic Affairs) Superintendent Wally Haumaha, National Strategic Ethnic Advisor Inspector Rakesh Naidoo, Christchurch Ethic Liaison Officer Constable Phil Goto and Office of Ethnic Communities Director Berlinda Chin were presented with the FIANZ Harmony Awards at the ceremony.
Photo:
Police Commissioner Mike Bush (fourth from right) with Superintendent Wally Haumaha (to his left), Inspector Rakesh Naidoo (extreme right), Constable Phil Goto (extreme left) and FIANZ President Hazim Arafeh (third from right) at the signing ceremony in Wellington on September 7
