Students see force for good

Emerging out of the mist was a group of former Bay of Islands College students who were welcomed back as part of a Role Model Day. Photo/Michael Cunningham

Constable Paul Tipene says fronting up to hundreds of students at Bay of Islands College was a daunting challenge but an opportunity to inspire the students to set goals for their future.

The policeman and former Bay of Islands College student, with nearly 14 years experience on the beat, took to the stage with 13 other police officers, three local ambulance officers and a firefighter yesterday as part of a Role Model Day. Nine of the police officers were former students at the college.

Mr Tipene revealed he repeated fifth form and said you wouldn't find his name on any of the honours boards at the school, although he was a member of the first XV.

After leaving school he worked in forestry, security and cleaning before opting for a career in the police at the age of 37.

"We have all come from modest backgrounds and we have chosen this career.

"Policing might not be for everyone but it's an avenue for you to consider," he told the 420 students in the school hall.

He urged the students to look past the uniforms because "we all live locally and we have common backgrounds".

"This is about giving the students some inspiration and an idea of where to aim for," Mr Tipene said.

Sergeant Pat Davis, a former student and former officer in charge of Kawakawa police, said the initial steps of their journey were the same as his. He had walked the same footpaths and walked out the same gate to start his journey in life.

Moerewa local Sergeant Michelle Row said she had finished school, lived in Auckland, and returned home to work at Affco before deciding there was something better and joined the police 14 years ago.

"Live your dream," she told the students.

Constable Atawhai Henare remembered being in the 1st XV with Mr Tipene and Mr Davis.

"They were my role models and you have to have people around you that you look up to. It doesn't matter where you start, it's where you end up."

Following the assembly 60 students participated in group activities held by each of the different officers.

Students were put through their paces over a Blue Light course, learned about the criminal investigation branch and scene examinations and learned about and got to pat a police dog.

Tasha Wihongi, 15, said the day was fun and it had made her consider a policing career.

"It does look interesting and I managed to climb over the wall in that course the first time."

At lunch time an Armed Offenders incident was acted out where a man ran off from police, fired a gun and was eventually caught by a police dog.

Principal John Paitai said it was an honour and a privilege to welcome back the former students who had found careers in the police, ambulance and fire services.

"What better affirmation for our kids that these successful men and women come from where they are sitting."

See page 6 for more photos.