11. RAHUI KATENE (Māori Party—Te Tai Tonga) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
Has she investigated reports that Taupō police were racially motivated when questioning the senior rugby writer for the Pretoria News, Vata Ngobeni; and if so, what conclusions has she reached regarding his statement that he was targeted as the “unlucky black man in Taupō”?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Police) Link to this
No, under section 16 of the Policing Act 2008 this is an operational matter that is the responsibility of the Commissioner of Police. But if anyone wants to make a complaint over this matter, the appropriate course of action is to ask the Independent Police Conduct Authority to carry out an investigation. I am sure it will get to the truth of the matter.
Is the Minister aware of the value of cultural competency, as being advanced by the Māori Party, and what training in cultural competency do police officers currently receive in order to ensure quality service to the public?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
Police officers receive cultural competency training as recruits, specifically around engaging with Māori, Pasifika, and ethnic communities. The police run a further five specialist courses per year, open to all police employees. These courses are attended by middle to senior managers throughout the organisation. In just the last month Responsiveness to Māori training was delivered on the marae in Hastings to all staff in the Eastern Police District. Week-long Māori courses have also been held for staff being hosted on the marae at Tokomaru Bay. Staff also receive training on human rights issues and on the police’s own code of conduct. Each of the 12 police districts has engaged senior Māori leaders to provide advice on cultural issues relevant to Māori communities, and in the main centres senior ethnic and Pacific advisers have established fora to engage with police on cultural issues relevant to their communities. Police have also produced significant resources to engage with Māori, Pasifika, and ethnic communities, and to assist in educating staff about those communities. A specialist police team was established in response to the tragic events of the February 2011 earthquake. Its members have been praised for their professional and empathetic approach in dealing with victims’ families from over 20 different nationalities. Finally, I am delighted to confirm that the New Zealand Police was just this year the proud recipient of the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand Public Sector Excellence Award for excellence in recognising ethnic diversity.
What training do police officers receive about how to avoid ethnic profiling—the practice of race or ethnicity becoming a factor in deciding when and how to intervene in an enforcement capacity?
Mr SPEAKERHon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
I will not repeat the last answer, but, basically, all of the above. That is one of the reasons why New Zealand police are the finest police in the world, and I am extremely proud of them.