Speech
Howard Broad farewell luncheon
I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language. Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the afternoon (Sign)
I then specifically greet you: former Police Commissioner Howard Broad, guest of honour today, and Robin Peters, your successor as Commissioner Peter Marshall; Hon Judith Collins, Minister of Police; many senior Police Establishment members, Distinguished Guests all; Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is a great pleasure for Susan and I to welcome you to Government House for this luncheon in honour of your honour Howard Broad for your service as Commissioner of Police.
As Governor-General, I have the duty to appoint the Commissioner of Police (and his deputies) on the advice of the Prime Minister, and to that end I recently signed the documents appointing you, Peter Marshall, as our country’s 31st Commissioner of Police. I welcome you to your new role and wish you all the best for the time ahead.
Section 12 of the Policing Act 2008 states that: “The Commissioner holds office at the pleasure of the Governor-General.” While you, Commissioner Broad, were appointed just before I took up this role in August 2006, I can say it has been a pleasure working with you during these last four-and-a-half years.
In that time here have been numerous connections between Police Headquarters and Government House with things in each of the Governor-General spheres of activity – constitutional, ceremonial and community engagement. At an operational level, of course, there is the ongoing connection with the Diplomatic Protection Squad and its officers who provide day-to-day security.
A standout constitutional occasion occurred on on 16 September 2008, when I had the duty of providing the Royal assent to the Policing Act. As Commissioner, you led the team that brought the law governing the Police under its 1958 statute into the 21st Century. The process, which included the internationally-lauded use of internet Wiki technology to gather public views, and the passage of the Bill, were major achievements.
Susan and I have had the opportunity and duty to interact with you and Police officers on numerous occasions, both in the best of times and the saddest.
At investiture ceremonies, I have invested many police officers with New Zealand honours for their service and bravery. I have also had the pleasure of being patron of a Police College recruit wing.
On sadder occasions, following the Christchurch earthquake, we met police officers working at the Emergency Operations Centre, and at the disaster victim identification centre at Burnham Military Camp. It was an opportunity to offer support and encouragement to them and everyone else involved in what was very difficult and highly responsible work.
Connection with the Police is something that has continued for me throughout my career. As a lawyer and then judge, there has been a continuing relationship with different facets as cases made their way through the court system. When I became an Ombudsman in 1995 the focus changed and just when I thought that the association with Police might diminish because of the Police Complaints Authority, I came to deal with Official Information Act cases related to the Police and the time between 1995 and 2005 represented a huge amount of work in this area. This ranged from pre and post trial information in court cases to matters such as the INCIS computer project in which there was much political and press interest.
At all times I characterise the relationship I have had with the Police as one combining professionalism with good humour. While no organisation is perfect and there are always areas for improvement, I continue to be impressed by the work undertaken by the Police and their service to New Zealanders. It can point to being a creditable and credible policing organisation.
Commissioner Broad, you have faced many challenges in your role in the last five years and can point to many achievements which stand to your credit. In addition the Policing Act, they have included launching the Police Excellence Programme, a root-and-branch review of the organisation’s processes, and the focus on community policing. There has also been the establishment of the Electronic Crime Laboratory, the multi-agency internet safety programme, Netsafe, and the Organised and Financial Crime Agency to name but a few initiatives.
As Governor-General, I would like to place on record, thanks to you for your service to the Police and to New Zealand.
And on that note I will close in our country’s first language Māori, offering everyone greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.