"It's always good to have new challenges and this gives me the whole Western Bay of Plenty focus which is something different."
Pakes has a pleasant, straight-up, no-nonsense approach and treats his news role with the same attitude.
"It's no secret that Western Bay of Plenty has considerable challenges with its roading casualties."
Pakes said there was a lot of work being done in the background by various agencies to make local roads safer, but his focus, for now, was on more immediate matters.
"Things like distraction, speed, drink-driving, impaired driving, things like that."
The Western Bay's rapid population growth offered real opportunities to work with others "and look at ways we can do things differently".
"For me, it's all about 'yes, we are growing', 'yes, there are things we can look at,' but at the moment we need to focus on the day to day things that everybody, not just the police, can focus on.
"Enforcement alone is not going to work."
Community involvement was pivotal, Pakes said.
"We can't do it alone."
Despite this, Pakes was still prepared to hold troublesome drivers to task.
"We want to work together with the community to find long-term solutions but I certainly wouldn't make any apologies for pulling over a drink-driver."
And he plans to.
"Absolutely. I'd be very disappointed if I'm not out there quite often," he said.
"I can't wait to dust off my high-vis jacket and get out there."
Western Bay police area commander Inspector Clifford Paxton said Pakes offered notable strengths, including his experience in working with other agencies and already having the respect from police staff.
"Road policing is a top priority in the Western Bay of Plenty. We know that there are significant challenges in regards to loss of life and injury," Paxton said.
"We are certainly looking for a focus and strategic approach which I believe Mark will bring to the role."
