11 April 2002
Minister Welcomes New Canterbury District Commander
Police Minister George Hawkins paid his first official visit to newly appointed Canterbury District Commander
Superintendent Sandra Manderson in Christchurch today. Mr Hawkins was accompanied for the visit by Christchurch East MP,
Hon Lianne Dalziel.
Superintendent Manderson was appointed to the role last month, making her the first ever female District Commander in
New Zealand.
“Not only is Superintendent Manderson New Zealand’s most senior sworn female police officer, she is a highly skilled
individual who brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Her appointment has come as a result of a successful
career rising through the ranks in the highly competitive police environment,” said Mr Hawkins. “I look forward to
observing her leadership of the Canterbury Police District in coming years.”
Mr Hawkins took the opportunity to praise the Canterbury police on encouraging results within the 2001 crime statistics,
including the 2.1 percent decrease in violent crime, 7.8 percent drop in robberies, 7.6 percent reduction in burglaries,
and 5.6 percent reduction in car conversion offences.
While in Christchurch Mr Hawkins was also taking the chance to visit staff at the Akaroa and Lyttelton police stations.
Ends