Wealth of talent reflected in District Commander provisional appointments

Three highly experienced and talented Police Officers will soon take command of some of New Zealand’s most diverse districts.

Deputy Commissioner Districts, Viv Rickard, said the provisional appointment of three new district commanders to lead policing in the Auckland City, Waitematā and Southern Police Districts reflected the calibre and depth of leadership quality within the organisation.

“The provisional appointment of Superintendent Karyn Malthus, Inspector Paul Basham and Superintendent Tusha Penny to the Auckland Central, Southern and Waitematā Districts respectively, is an exciting step,” Mr Rickard says.

“These promotions also build on the fantastic work already done by the outgoing District Commanders in the three districts, who can be proud of their efforts.

This includes Richard Chambers, who is now Assistant Commissioner Investigations, Bill Searle, now Assistant Commissioner Prevention, and Assistant Commissioner Mike Pannett, who will oversee our international obligations.”

Mr Rickard says all three new commanders bring a wealth of skills and passion to their new roles.

“For Auckland City, Karyn brings a wealth of experience and drive, having been the District Commander Tasman since the end of 2014, where she has led a significant change programme to align with our operating strategies.

This has involved making decisions that have better positioned the district and helped to modernise the way policing services are delivered.

Before that, she was District Manager for Criminal Investigations for Auckland City, with oversight and leadership of numerous serious, sensitive and complex investigations.

She also relieved as Area Commander for Auckland City Western Area and as District Commander for Northland.

“In Waitematā, Tusha will also bring huge depth and passion to the role.

Until her recent appointment, she has been National Manager Prevention for the past two years, helping to drive this key transformational strategy for Police.

Before this she was Acting Area Commander Wellington, as well as Area Investigations Manager and Prevention Manager, with oversight of Wellington Area CIB and prevention capability.

Previous roles have included District Manager for the Child Protection Team and the Officer in Charge of Operation Hope, the investigation into historic child abuse investigation complaints.

She was also a finalist in the 2016 Westpac Women of Influence Awards.

“In the Southern District, I’m delighted to welcome Inspector Paul Basham, who brings valuable command experience, most recently as Area Commander for Kapiti Mana since 2012, and also previously as relieving as Wellington District Commander and Area Commander in the Wairarapa.

Before this, Paul was the Officer in charge of the Wellington City Criminal Investigation Branch, and his skills and leadership will be a real asset to the Southern District.

“Finally, the appointment process was notable for the high standard of all the candidates who applied, underlining the exceptional level of talent and leadership we have throughout our organisation.

I wish all new staff the very best in their roles, and know that they will continue to work extremely hard alongside our dedicated staff to make our communities safer for all,” Mr Rickard says.

ENDS

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