Venkat Raman
Auckland, May 21, 2021
We are happy to report that Rakesh Naidoo has become the first person of Indian origin to be appointed to the post of Superintendent of Police.
Police Minister Poto Williams and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services) Wallace Haumaha affixed the Superintendent epaulettes on Mr Naidoo symbolising larger responsibilities that would now rest on his shoulders.
The event was held in Parliament Buildings in Wellington last night (May 20, 2021), following a meeting of Ethnic Liaison Officers of the New Zealand Police.
Staunch connections with communities
Ms Williams and Mr Haumaha paid tributes to the contributions of Superintendent Naidoo in connecting the Police with ethnic communities, initiating dialogues with vulnerable groups and providing them support services.
(Picture by Pancha Narayanan, President MCNZ)
Mr Haumaha recalled the hard and tireless work of Mr Naidoo following the Christchurch Massacre in which 51 Muslim men, women and children were murdered and many more injured on March 15, 2019 and at the aftermath of Christchurch earthquakes and various other crises over the years.
“Rakesh has shown initiative, leadership qualities and innate kindness in dealing with communities and looking after them in times of need. He is proactive, he understands the issues and finds effective solutions to the satisfaction of all,” he said.
Mr Naidoo will continue his role in Ethnic Services at the New Zealand Police National Headquarters in Wellington.
As well managing, coaching and mentoring staff of varied ethnicities, he will improve development of partnership arrangements with difference interest groups to implement strategies to prevent crime and victimisation.
A milestone in 2012
Indian Newslink had reported in its September 1, 2012 issue the promotion of Mr Naidoo to the rank of Inspector, again the first person of Indian origin for such an appointment.
At a Certification Ceremony held at the Police Headquarters in Wellington on August 10, 2021, the then Police Commissioner Peter Marshal said that while the New Zealand Police were committed to ethnic diversity among its staff, Mr Naidoo was promoted to the post purely based on his abilities, achievements and potential.
“For you, this rank brings additional responsibility because you will be a shining light for other police officers from ethnic backgrounds,” he told Mr Naidoo at the Ceremony, attended by Former Race Relations Conciliator Gregory Fortuin, officials of the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils, the African Union, Wellington Somali Council and the Fo Guan Shan Buddhist Temple.
Flashback: The then Police Commissioner Peter Marshal (right) with Rakesh Naidoo
on his promotion as Inspector at the Certification Ceremony on August 10, 2012. (Picture by Kathryn Fitzpatrick)
South Africa born Rakesh Naidoo joined the New Zealand Police in 2001, with the primary aim of working with ethnic communities.
Mr Haumaha had said at the 2012 Ceremony that Mr Naidoo worked hard to reach his current position, including undergoing a development programme.
Police Ethnic Officers pose with Police Minister Poto Williams, Deputy Commissioner Wallace Haumaha, Assistant Commissioner Chris de Wattignar, Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo and community leaders (Picture supplied by Pancha Narayanan, President, MCNZ)
Mr Naidoo began his career as a constable in Auckland and initiated many programmes beyond the requirements of his duties.
He was the first uniformed Asian staff member to work in the South Island.
