When four new police recruits formed up for their graduation ceremony late last year, they did so having trained in a way no wing had before.
They were part of Wing 390, Police’s first recruit wing to complete most of their initial training at Massey University’s campus in Auckland – rather than relocating for 20 weeks to the Royal New Zealand Police College in Porirua.
Having wings based in Auckland removes a major barrier for some would-be recruits: the requirement to relocate for almost five months.
“For people supporting families, caring for parents or managing mortgages, that expectation had delayed, or even ended, plans to join Police,” says Police College director Superindendent Sam Keats.
“Wing 390 is a good example of people who wanted to join but couldn’t see how relocating was possible at this stage of their lives. Being able to train locally made the difference,” he says. “But the job for the college does not change... and the standard of training remains exactly the same.”
The Auckland programme also matched that of their Porirua-based peers and they were brought together for five weeks at the Aotea campus for specialist components such as firearms and driving.
Sam says he was pleased to see the consistent delivery reflected in assessment results and overall performance, which matched across both locations.
But training in Auckland did bring some differences, Sam says. Recruits there were trained in the communities in which they are now policing. “The storytelling, examples and discussion were also based on the local environment. That helps make the learning real.”
As with any first-time model, the Auckland wing also exposed minor challenges. Some facilities, including the scenario village and marae, were off-site, creating some unforeseen logistical headaches. Early questions around movement on campus and wearing uniform also had to be resolved.
“Those are things you can’t fully account for until you’ve done it,” Sam says. “But the team adapted quickly, and the recruits didn’t miss a beat.”
For some recruits, the effectiveness of their training was tested almost immediately.
Just two days into their new roles, Wing 390 graduates Bjorn Haycock and Wen (Zoe) Zhang were among officers who stopped to help a woman in visible distress.
Moments later, she lost consciousness and stopped breathing. The officers began CPR and provided lifesaving care until she regained a pulse, before handing her over to ambulance staff. She later made a full recovery.
“To step into such a critical situation so early in their careers and perform with confidence and composure speaks volumes about their training, commitment and character,” says Waitematā West area communities manager Senior Sergeant Greg Wilson.
As Police News follows four members of this inaugural Auckland wing – including Bjorn and Zoe – their experiences offer insight into how police training has evolved, and what happens when preparation meets reality on the frontline.
Constable Saint Lucia (Cia) Lolohea
Age: 21 | Station: Counties Manukau
What made you decide to join Police and how did friends and whānau react?
It had always been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I think as time went on, I wanted to see our brown people in Police, as some tend to think we’re the ones who don’t help. I feel that being a South Auckland local and now civil servant for our people will help change the way the community looks at us, they’ll start to trust us more, the more we progress. It’s also a reminder every day of why I chose this job and why I enjoy what I do.
When I made it into Police College and then graduated, it brought my family great honour and pride. I was proud to see my family be happy for all my successes in becoming a constable and I think that’s what it’s all about. The community I grew up in is now my workplace and I’m grateful for every opportunity I receive every day.
How much did being able to train in Auckland factor into your decision?
A lot in regard to my decision as far as training goes. I realised how fortunate I was to be in Auckland and close to family and friends. It allowed me to see family more often and spend time with them, compared with being in Wellington. The Auckland campus is helpful for those who have family and prioritise family time while retaining the same training as Wellington.
What were you doing before joining and how did it help at college and in your first few weeks?
I used to push aircraft on the tarmac before joining Police. In that job I had a lot of experience with delegating tasks to team members to ensure the aircraft went out on time. It helped me be confident in my own decisions while taking on information at college.
What else helped you prepare for joining Police – physically, mentally and practically?
Running every day was key for keeping myself accountable. For example, knowing that running was my target to improve for the Physical Appraisal Test (PAT). It helped me stay motivated and dedicated to becoming a police officer. It also helped me gain mental toughness as well as keep in shape.
How do you switch off and/or recharge?
Going to the gym helps me switch off and release any stress. To me, the gym is my outlet where I can do my own thing.
What's been the toughest part of the job so far and what’s surprised you most?
I would say the toughest part is knowing that you’ll be going to people’s worst days. It’s also surprising to see the number of families that are affected by violence and how much they go through every week. But it is especially rewarding when you attend these sorts of jobs and realise that you have really made their day because they know that, with our presence, they are safe.
What kind of police officer do you hope to be?
I just want to be a good police officer, who seeks to help make a change for those who are willing to make a change for themselves. This would make me satisfied I have performed my duty as a police officer.
Constable Bjorn Haycock
Age: 25 | Station: Waitematā
What made you decide to join Police and how did friends and whānau react?
I’ve wanted to join the Police since I was a kid and even applied in 2019. I decided to gain more life experience so I could be certain it was the right path. A few years on, the decision felt like a no-brainer. It’s a stable career with a huge range of opportunities but, more importantly, I’ve always wanted a job where I can genuinely help others and make a real difference in people’s lives. My friends and whānau were incredibly supportive. I genuinely couldn’t have done it without the support of the people around me, especially my fiancee, Bridget.
How much did being able to train in Auckland factor into your decision?
It was a huge factor for me. As soon as I heard it was happening, I let my recruitment specialist know that I wanted to be put forward for that wing, even though it meant passing up the chance to train sooner in Wellington. It meant I was able to meet my nephew, Carlos, just hours after he was born a few weeks into college. Working in Waitematā was also really important. Being able to start my career serving the community I grew up in is something I take a lot of pride in.
What were you doing before joining and how did it help at college and in your first few weeks?
I worked for a mag wheel and tyre distributor. They were incredibly supportive, and I had the privilege of working alongside my brother, which made it more rewarding. The work ethic and discipline I developed there helped my transition into Police College and my first few weeks on the job, especially during periods of heavy workload and information overload.
What else helped you prepare for joining Police – physically, mentally and practically?
One thing that has helped shape who I am is martial arts. Through training, I developed discipline, resilience, humility and a strong sense of teamwork. It prepared me physically and mentally for Police College, helping me stay calm under pressure, manage stress and push through challenging periods, all of which I’ve found has transitioned well into the job during my first few weeks.
How do you switch off and/or recharge?
I make a conscious effort to switch off when I get home. It’s easier said than done some days but being mindful of it and having my fiancee remind me to relax and unwind helps. Going to the gym, playing video games and spending time with Bridget and my family are my main ways of recharging.
What's been the toughest part of the job so far and what’s surprised you most?
The toughest part has been accepting that you can’t help everyone, and not everyone will appreciate the help you give. One piece of advice that has really stuck with me is from Sergeant Jonathan Hurn: “Don’t measure success on the outcome, but on the effort you’ve put in. Effort over outcome.” The most notable job I’ve attended thankfully ended positively. On just day two, I performed CPR and helped save a woman’s life. That experience will likely stay with me throughout my career.
What kind of police officer do you hope to be?
The best officer I can be and to be someone my team and the public can rely on. And to me, being a good officer starts with being a good person. The way you treat people matters, and it’s often what they remember long after the moment has passed. “Effort over outcome.”
Constable Jamie Anderson
Age: 24 | Station: Northland
What made you decide to join Police and how did friends and whānau react?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to join Police, although it wasn’t something I seriously considered until a recruitment officer visited where I was working and encouraged me to apply. It was an opportunity I knew my younger self would be proud of, so I gave it my best effort. My whānau have always been very supportive. My mum played a huge role in getting me as far as I have. You don’t always realise how much the support of your loved ones matters until you face those challenges.
How much did being able to train in Auckland factor into your decision?
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be part of the first Auckland wing at Massey University’s Albany campus. Training alongside colleagues from Northland and Auckland was incredibly special,
and the bonds we formed will last a lifetime. Knowing that I had a guaranteed position in Northland was a significant factor in my decision. Having that certainty also helped make the end goal clear.
What were you doing before joining and how did it help at college and in your first few weeks?
I was working at a gym. Fitness is a strong passion of mine and plays a significant role in my life. Having a solid understanding of the benefits of exercise and overall wellbeing helped enhance my experience at college. Although I found it challenging at times to balance my fitness alongside college commitments, this knowledge helped me navigate those periods more effectively.
What else helped you prepare for joining Police – physically, mentally and practically?
Having a clear goal and wanting it badly enough was a strong driving force for me. The support of my whānau and friends was also incredibly important. Not every training day is going to be a good one, and having people to lean on helped keep things in perspective. It’s easy to become consumed by the outcome, so maintaining a balance between personal life, work, and mental and physical wellbeing is key. Persistence plays a huge role as well. Pushing through the days that feel the hardest is often where the most progress is made.
How do you switch off and/or recharge?
The gym is my comfort space. Weight training is my way of regulating myself and switching off. While training is very important to me, nothing compares with spending quality time with friends and whānau to recharge.
What has been the toughest part of the job so far and what’s surprised you the most?
The most challenging aspect has been adapting and applying what I learnt at college in a real-world setting. There is so much to take in, and every day brings new learning opportunities through working with different teams and individuals, which has been a really positive experience.
What kind of Police officer do you hope to be?
I aspire to be someone who makes a positive difference in people’s lives. Empathy is very important to me, and I believe that listening with empathy and remaining non-judgmental can completely change a situation. I aim to be an officer who treats people with the same respect and care I would show my own whānau.
Constable Wen (Zoe) Zhang
Age: 38 | Station: Waitematā
What made you decide to join Police and how did friends and whānau react?
I really want to be an inspiration to my 13-year-old son and I wanted a career where I could genuinely help people and make a difference. I’ve always been drawn to roles that involve service, responsibility, and problem-solving, and policing brings all of that together. I also wanted to be challenged and a job where no two days are the same. My friends and whānau were supportive, although some were worried about the risks of the job. Once they saw how committed I was and how much preparation and support Police provides, they became very proud and encouraging.
How much did being able to train in Auckland factor into your decision?
That and being able to work in Waitematā was a big factor. My family is based here, so staying close to them while training and starting my career was really important. Waitematā also appealed to me because of the diversity of the communities and the variety of policing work. I felt it would give me strong exposure and learning opportunities early in my career.
What were you doing before joining and how did it help at college and in your first few weeks?
I worked in administration and quality assurance roles and previously ran a conference service business. These roles helped me develop strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly with a wide range of people. At college, this background helped with managing workloads, learning legislation, and completing written work. In my first few weeks on the job, it’s also helped me stay calm under pressure, follow processes, and work well within a team.
What else helped you prepare for joining Police – physically, mentally and practically?
Physically, I focused on building fitness and stamina to meet the demands of training and shift work. Mentally, I learnt stress management strategies and reminding myself that learning takes time, especially as English is my second language. Practically, I worked on my communication skills, report writing, and understanding New Zealand policing culture, which made the transition much smoother.
How do you switch off and/or recharge?
I spend time with my family, especially my husband and son. That time helps me stay grounded. I also go to the gym regularly, which helps me manage stress and stay physically strong. Having a balance outside of work has been really important for my wellbeing.
What's been the toughest part of the job so far and what’s surprised you most?
The toughest part has been learning to balance decision-making under pressure while being new and absorbing a lot of information. Writing reports accurately while managing operational demands has also been challenging. What’s surprised me is how supportive colleagues are, especially supervisors and experienced officers who are willing to guide and mentor new staff. I’ve been to jobs involving vulnerable people, which has reinforced how vital empathy and communication are in policing.
What kind of police officer do you hope to be?
I hope to be a police officer who is calm, fair and approachable. I want to treat people with respect, even in difficult situations, and make decisions that are lawful, proportionate and compassionate. I also hope to continue learning, improving my skills and being someone my team can rely on.
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