New Police staff being welcomed to Tairawhiti Area

Policing in Tairawhiti is getting a fresh injection from next week, with three new – but experienced - staff being welcomed.

One of the officers new to the area, but not to Police, is Sergeant Mel Leonard.

She has most recently come from three years in Hawke’s Bay, and spent 11 years in Hamilton before that, in a range of roles including alcohol harm, PST (Public Safety Team), beat section, and Iwi liaison.

Sergeant Leonard’s experience spans some major operations, including Pike River family liaison following the mining tragedy, and the Christchurch earthquake.

In 2012, she was deployed to East Timor where she worked alongside local and international Police officers.

“I learned so much about other cultures, how lucky we are to be born in New Zealand, and myself during my 11 months working in a third-world country,” Sergeant Leonard says.

She is looking forward to her new role as a response sergeant in Wairoa.

“I will be working with a great team and connecting with a positive community.

I’m excited to be working in smaller community with more opportunities to work collaboratively towards better outcomes for everyone in Wairoa,” Sergeant Leonard says.

Joining Sergeant Leonard in the Tairawhiti Area are Constable Makisua Tuisano and Constable Nathalie Bunn.

ENDS

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