ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
New Zealand Police has celebrated a milestone with Rakesh Naidoo becoming the first person from the Asian community to be appointed to the rank of Inspector.
At a ceremony attended by members of the Police, community representatives and agency partners, Commissioner Peter Marshall said while Police was committed to the diversity of its staff, Rakesh had been promoted to Inspector purely on the basis of his abilities, achievements and potential.
"For you, this rank brings additional responsibility because you are going to be a shining light for other police officers from ethnic backgrounds," he said.
In his role as Strategic Ethnic Advisor, Rakesh has special responsibility for matters relating to communities from Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
He is part of a team known as Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services, which is lead by National Manager Superintendent Wally Haumaha. The team represents Maori, Pacific and Ethnic communities at the highest levels of policing.
Wally said Rakesh had worked hard to reach his current position as National Strategic Ethnic Advisor. This included a development programme to ensure he met all the requirements to become an Inspector.
"He came through with flying colours," Wally said. "The time he spent in Christchurch after the earthquake as part of a team responding to the needs of 20 different nationalities was a real affirmation of the skills he brings.
"He's also formed strong networks and partnerships and he's an excellent role model for other police officers from diverse backgrounds in terms of what can be achieved."
Most recently Rakesh has been heavily involved in the NZ Diversity Forum - a gathering of people interested in giving diverse communities a 'fair go' - which took place in Auckland last weekend.
Rakesh grew up in South Africa after his forefathers moved there from India.
New Zealand Police has celebrated a milestone with Rakesh Naidoo becoming the first person from the Asian community to be appointed to the rank of Inspector. At a ceremony attended by members of the Police, community representatives and agency partners, Commissioner Peter Marshall said while...
New Zealand Police has celebrated a milestone with Rakesh Naidoo becoming the first person from the Asian community to be appointed to the rank of Inspector.
At a ceremony attended by members of the Police, community representatives and agency partners, Commissioner Peter Marshall said while Police was committed to the diversity of its staff, Rakesh had been promoted to Inspector purely on the basis of his abilities, achievements and potential.
"For you, this rank brings additional responsibility because you are going to be a shining light for other police officers from ethnic backgrounds," he said.
In his role as Strategic Ethnic Advisor, Rakesh has special responsibility for matters relating to communities from Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
He is part of a team known as Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services, which is lead by National Manager Superintendent Wally Haumaha. The team represents Maori, Pacific and Ethnic communities at the highest levels of policing.
Wally said Rakesh had worked hard to reach his current position as National Strategic Ethnic Advisor. This included a development programme to ensure he met all the requirements to become an Inspector.
"He came through with flying colours," Wally said. "The time he spent in Christchurch after the earthquake as part of a team responding to the needs of 20 different nationalities was a real affirmation of the skills he brings.
"He's also formed strong networks and partnerships and he's an excellent role model for other police officers from diverse backgrounds in terms of what can be achieved."
Most recently Rakesh has been heavily involved in the NZ Diversity Forum - a gathering of people interested in giving diverse communities a 'fair go' - which took place in Auckland last weekend.
Rakesh grew up in South Africa after his forefathers moved there from India.
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