Police Superintendent Shanan Gray has been formally welcomed into the Counties Manukau District in his new role of district commander by mana whenua with a pōwhiri at Manukau Police Station.
Supt Gray (pictured) was joined by family, friends, former colleagues, community leaders and representatives from the Kingitanga, local and central government for the welcome.
An opening karakia by kaumātua, Martin Cooper, was followed by a mihi from kaumātua, Ted Ngataki.
Having most recently worked in Waitematā district, Supt Gray was handed over by their District Leadership Team and received a karanga to acknowledge his arrival and the occasion.
The Police haka was performed as he was received by mana whenua and Counties Manukau staff. He was then presented with the Counties Manukau District taonga.
Symbolically unpolished, the pounamu is intended to be passed from district commander to district commander to recognise that mahi is ongoing and commitment to iwi and hapori/community continues.
District Commander Naila Hassan spoke on behalf of Waitematā, the district in which Supt Gray has spent most of his career: “It’s so good to hand someone over who has such great followship – someone who people love to follow because they show the qualities of leadership that so many people strive to have.”
Superintendent Scott Gemmell spoke on behalf of Assistant Commissioner Sam Hoyle to welcome Supt Gray to the role.
“Thank you for your time as Deployment Manager Tāmaki – your role was instrumental and has resulted in policing differently across the city. Good luck in your new role. Remember we’re all here to support you,” he said.
Speaking last, Supt Gray took time to acknowledge former colleagues, friends and whānau who gathered alongside him in support.
“I’d like to thank a large group of people who are here today who I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. You have all contributed to my growth as a leader. I bring with me their influence and the knowledge that they have been generous enough to share with me,” he said.
He also reflected on the history of strong leaders that have been at the helm of the district. In particular, he acknowledged the work of former District Commander Jill Rogers and committed himself to continue her dedication to leading innovative thinking across the district.
To finish, Supt Gray quoted a whakataukī from Te Puea Herangi, of Waikato Tainui, that summed up what the district does each day:
‘Mahia te mahi hei painga moo te iwi’ which translate to ‘We do what do we do for the betterment of all’.
