Eight Indian-born recruits were among the 87 new police officers who graduated from the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) on July 31, 2025. The new recruits will begin work in their assigned districts across the country from Monday, August 11.
At the graduation ceremony, Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers, Police Minister Hon Mark Mitchell, members of the Police Executive, and Wing Patron Dame Noeline Taurua congratulated the recruits from Wing 386 at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua.
Four of the eight constables born in India have been assigned to different regions: Dilsher Singh will be posted in Taumarunui, Bhanu Yandav in Queenstown, Pavneet Singh in Palmerston North, and Sehajpreet Sidhu in Counties Manukau.
Of the 87 graduates, 33 were born overseas, with seven born in India. Six graduates previously worked at the Southern Police Emergency Communication Centre as 111 call takers. Additionally, 25 of the recruits are multilingual, and 20 hold university or postgraduate qualifications.
The Minister’s Award for top student went to Constable Kaha Bluegum of Ngāi Te Rangi iwi. A former Head Boy at Katikati College, he said the training was challenging but helped him learn more about himself.
Photo: Supplied
The Commissioner’s Award for Leadership and the Patron’s Award for second top student went to Constable Leo Wynyard Winiata of Ngātiwai iwi.
The other award winners included:
Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award: Constable Kim Jepsen (Northland)
Firearms Award: Constable Chantelle Jordaan (Canterbury)
Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Christian Leathers (Central)
The 87 constables will now start duties as probationary officers in the following districts:
Northland: 7
Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland): 21 total (Auckland City 5, Waitematā 7, Counties Manukau 9)
Waikato: 5
Bay of Plenty: 7
Eastern: 6
Central: 12
Wellington: 13
Canterbury: 10
Southern: 6
Photo: Supplied
The wing included 28.7% female and 71.3% male recruits. Ethnic diversity was represented by 67.8% New Zealand European, 11.5% Māori, 6.8% Pasifika, 12.6% Asian, and 1.1% Other.
Wing Patron Dame Noeline Taurua DNZM, a decorated netball coach and former Silver Ferns player, attended the ceremony. Dame Noeline has had a distinguished career both as a player and coach, including leading the Silver Ferns to a World Cup title in 2019 and a Constellation Cup victory in 2024. Recognised with numerous awards and honours, including being named a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2020, she now serves on the board of High-Performance Sport New Zealand.