After more than 35 years in the police force, Wally Haumaha is hanging up his hat as the deputy police commissioner.
But he is being replaced by Pieri Muro, who retired in 2010 at the rank of superintendent, and has since held a number of significant roles including most recently Te Pou Whakarae-Māori partnerships manager at Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
“Pieri is an accomplished leader in his own right,” Haumaha says.
“I am really pleased to say that I can leave the organisation after 40 years and Peri will continue with the leadership until a lot of our younger Māori members are in a position to take over the reins and come right to the top of the organisation and one day be the commissioner of the police.”
As deputy police commissioner, Haumaha brought a strategic vision to the force, implementing innovative policies that aimed at strengthening community ties and improving law enforcement practices. Haumaha’s commitment to fostering positive relationships between the police and the public was evident in his emphasis on community engagement and proactive policing strategies.
“I’m really proud of the way that we, the NZ police, has arrived at in terms of our relationships with leaders in the community and, with Peri, the next part of the journey will be to continue building that environment for change that has developed.”
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says there will be “big shoes to fill” for Munro.
“He (Haumaha) and Peri will now go through a process of handing over, over the next couple of weeks and then of course we will farewell Wally. He has been absolutely amazing.”