Superintendent Steve Caldwell of the New Zealand Police is expected to become Tonga’s new Police Commissioner before the end of the month, when his contract is finalised.

The Minister of Police Hon Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa confirmed today that King Tupou VI had given his royal assent to his appointment.

He said the delay was due to the finalisation and approval of his contract by the Privy Council as it underwent minor adjustments, when Supt. Caldwell met with a Judicial Panel who recommended him for the job, during his visit to Tonga late last month.

He was looking forward to taking up the new job and would most likely start before the end of this month, said the Police Minister.

Supt. Caldwell comes to Tonga after two-years as Contingent Leader for the New Zealand Police in Bougainville.

Prior to this, he was New Zealand’s longest serving area commander in Marlborough for 17-years since 1996.

He will replace the former Police Commissioner and fellow New Zealander, Grant O’Fee, who retired in December last year after two and a half years of service.

In the meantime, Viliami ‘Unga Fa’aoa is Tonga's Acting Police Commissioner.

The appointment of the Police Commissioner rests with the King in Council.