Te reo Māori police car on tiki tour around south Auckland

Friday, 15 September 2017

A te reo Māori inspired police car is turning heads and dividing some opinion across social media.

Launched on Monday for Māori Language Week, the car with 'pirihimana' (police) written on the side with a koru pattern in the usual blue and yellow colours.

The car, or waka as police refer to it, will be based in the Counties Manukau district permanently.

Senior Sergeant Ivan Tarlton said staff were looking forward to working in the car.

'This is one tool in our kit, basically in terms of a strong focus on recruitment within the Māori space,' he said.

'We're really keen for more Māori applicants to be reflective of our community and also around trust and confidence and engagement with iwi and the wider community.'

The car was at a NZMA careers expo in Manukau on Wednesday, aiding a police recruitment stand.

It turned heads and groups of people posed for photos and asked questions about the car.

'This morning we've had several people ask to jump in the front seat for photo opportunities, which we're happy to indulge,' Tarlton said.

He said reaction to the car saw 'widespread of opinion across social media as tends to be the case' but that overall feedback was 'warm'.

'[It's also] reflective of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our own obligations, duties and desire to be responsive to Māori.'

About 11 per cent of police officers across New Zealand identify as Maori, according to the latest figures.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush said the car would help in recruitment across the wider Auckland region.

'We are passionate about reflecting the communities we serve and working with Iwi to achieve better outcomes for Māori,' he said.