After two decades of service, Inspector Herby Ngawhika has been announced as the new Rotorua Area Commander.
Born and raised in Rotorua, with strong links to many Te Arawa iwi and hapū right around the lake, Inspector Ngawhika says his focus on community safety has only been strengthened with the arrival of his moko last year.
“I want to make sure she grows up in a safe town – that Rotorua is a safe town for all those growing up here and living here,” he said.
As well as a familiar face in police, Inspector Ngawhika is well-known in the community. He’s currently Chairman of the Rotorua Boys High School Board of Trustees and Pikirangi Marae, and sits on the Ngati Whakaue Education Endowment Trust.
He moves to the new role from his position as Bay of Plenty Māori Responsiveness Manager, and has previously worked in frontline and CIB.
“My personal satisfaction comes from working with our people to create better outcomes,” said Inspector Ngawhika.
“In terms of leadership, I take the greatest satisfaction from staff becoming leaders themselves.”
Moving into the role of Area Commander, he says that focus will continue to be on the people surrounding him.
“I’ll be doing what I can to make sure our people are able to do theirjobs to the very best of their ability.”
Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Tim Anderson, says Inspector Ngawhika was selected from a pool of strong candidates.
“Herby is a humble leader who prefers to let his actions do the talking. He’s definitely the right person to lead Rotorua,” he said.
