The new Central District police commander, Superintendent Dion Bennett (Ngāti Paoa and Ngāti Hako), was formally welcomed with a pōwhiri at Taiporohenui Marae in Hāwera. Photo / Alyssa Smith
The new Central District police commander, Superintendent Dion Bennett (Ngāti Paoa and Ngāti Hako), was formally welcomed with a pōwhiri at Taiporohenui Marae in Hāwera. Photo / Alyssa Smith
Superintendent Dion Bennett (Ngāti Paoa and Ngāti Hako), who began in his new role as Central District commander last month, has been with the New Zealand police for 27 years.
Representatives from Ngāti Ruanui, the police and Spotswood College students were present for Monday’s formal welcome. Bennett said the past few days had brought him a mix of emotions, including excitement and gratitude.
“I want to thank the people who came here to welcome me and those here supporting me. It’s not lost on me the importance of this occasion ... Many people have supported me during my career and my whānau have been a major support.”
Representatives from Ngāti Ruanui, the police and Spotswood College students attended the pōwhiri at Taiporohenui Marae in Hāwera on Monday. Photo / Alyssa Smith
Bennett gave the Spotswood College students some advice.
“When I started with the police I never thought I’d be here. I’ve never been ambitious but determined to do my job well and be curious. I’ve never chased the ambition but the outcome. That is a great way to ensure you’re helping people. For our rangatahi of the future, have some courage, step away from what you know and evolve to become the absolute best you can.”
In his new role, Bennett will oversee the central area, one of the largest police districts, with more than 800 police staff working from 44 locations. The central is split into three areas – Manawatū, Whanganui-Ruapehu and Taranaki.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui Trust deputy tumu w’akaae Ngapari Nui, Central District Māori responsiveness manager inspector Cliff Brown, Manawatū area commander inspector Ross Grantham, Central District police commander Superintendent Dion Bennett, Manawatū area prevention manager Ashley Gurney and Taranaki area commander Inspector Belinda Dewar at Taiporohenui Marae on Monday. Photo / Alyssa Smith
Bennett said with such a large area, relationship building is important.
“We can’t do what we do in isolation, we need to work together. At a local level, the police are connected well with the iwi and community. I’m thinking of strategy, how to improve things and working on what exists. Establishing those iwi connections is vital.”
Superintendent Dion Bennett (Ngāti Paoa and Ngāti Hako) is the new Central District commander. Photo / Alyssa Smith
Bennett said it’s important to him to have “honest discussions” with iwi.
“I remember I was asked, ‘What do Māori want us to do?’ I thought deeply about it and my answer is they want us to take the time to come to the marae, to korero with them and yes, I will be here to do that. I understand we may not agree all the time but that’s the responsibility of a leader, talking to people and coming up with the best solutions.”
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui Trust’s deputy tumu w’akaae, Ngapari Nui, said it was an honour to host the welcoming at Taiporohenui Marae.
“There is a lot of history of high delegates having pōwhiri here.”
He said strong connections are important.
“A lot of the whakapapa that came from today is about the importance of carrying on relationships between both parties in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We currently meet with the South Taranaki police a couple times a month so moving forward, we’d love to continue those relationships.”
