Source: New Zealand Police
Seventy-seven new hats flew into the air as wing 391, the final graduating police wing of 2025, celebrated the end of their initial training from the New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) this afternoon.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, members of the police executive and wing patron, Louisa Wall – Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Waikato, Ngāti Hineuru congratulated the 77 new graduating constables alongside their families and friends.
“Only ten percent of people who apply to join police make it this far. Congratulations on the last 20 weeks and I appreciate the commitment you’ve given to become your absolute best,” says Commissioner Chambers.
The top award winner for the wing, former insurance assessor and high performance athlete, Constable Emma Leader is excited to be heading to Central District to start her career.
“I am immensely proud to receive the Minister’s Award for First in Wing and the Driver Training and Road Policing Award. Joining Police has been a dream of mine since having the privilege of seeing my sister and partner join. My family and partner have been an incredible support, and I could not have achieved this without them. I am looking forward to getting started in my hometown of Palmerston North and contributing my best to the community.”
Leadership Award Winner, Constable Ueleni Lolohea, is thrilled with his success and spoke to the wing near the end of the ceremony.
“Training at the Police College pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, both mentally and physically. It strengthened my confidence, my discipline, and my sense of purpose. I’m incredibly grateful to my family and whanau for being my backbone throughout this journey, and I’m proud to now serve my community as part of the New Zealand Police.”
Ueleni will be based in Hamilton.
Deploymenment:
The new officers will start their first day of duty in their districts the week beginning Monday 29 December 2025 and will continue their training on the job as probationary constables.
Tāmaki Makaurau has a total of 30, broken down into the three districts: Auckland City 9, Waitematā 10, Counties Manukau 11, Waikato 6, Bay of Plenty 7, Eastern 3, Central 7, Wellington 8, Tasman 4, Canterbury 8, Southern 4.
All Awards:
Minister’s Award recognising top student and the Driver Training and Road Policing Practice: Constable Emma Leader posted to Central District.
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership: Constable Ueleni Lolohea posted to Waikato District.
Patron’s Award for second top student: Constable Josiah Greig posted to Central District.
The Firearms Award: Constable Jacob Scholefield posted to Tasman District.
Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Luke Stewart posted to Eastern District.
Demographics:
20.8 percent are female, 79.2 percent are male. New Zealand European make up 71.4 percent of the wing, with Māori 2.6 percent, Pasifika 2.6 percent, Asian 20.8 percent, LAAM 2.6 percent.
Patron:
Louisa Wall – Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Waikato, Ngāti Hineuru – is a former elite athlete and Member of Parliament who is a respected advocate for human rights, gender equality, and Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Her work spans over two decades across sport, politics, and diplomacy.
Louisa is a former Silver Fern and Black Fern, representing New Zealand in netball and rugby. She was part of the 1998 Rugby World Cup-winning Black Ferns team and brought elite sporting experience and leadership into her later public service career.
Elected to Parliament in 2008, Louisa served until 2022 as a Member of the New Zealand Labour Party. She was the driving force behind the Marriage Equality Act (2013) and led the passage of the Safe Areas Amendment Act (2022) to protect access to abortion services. She also advanced key amendments to the Harmful Digital Communications Act, ensuring stronger protections against image-based abuse. As Chair of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians and a leader within the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s global human rights efforts, Louisa consistently elevated Indigenous, women, and Takatāpui and LGBTQIA+ voices on the international stage.
In 2022, Louisa was appointed New Zealand’s inaugural Ambassador for Gender Equality (Pacific)/Tuia Tāngata, working with Pacific leaders, communities, and civil society to advance gender justice and inclusive development. She is currently the Women Deliver 2026 Mobilisation Advisor, supporting Pacific feminist engagement and spotlighting the links between gender, climate change, and Indigenous sovereignty.
A proud Tūwharetoa wahine, she chairs the Tūwharetoa Iwi Māori Partnership Board, leading work to embed hapū and iwi perspectives into health system design. Louisa also serves as Women’s Chair for ILGA Oceania and remains a trusted advisor, strategist, and mentor to emerging leaders across the region.
Watch out for our Ten One graduation story coming soon with more images and details.
If you’re interested in joining police, you can find out more on www.newcops.govt.nz
Issued by Police Media Centre
