A New Zealander of Tongan origins, Daniel 'Okusitino Jones from Mangere, graduated from the New Zealand Police College in Wellington, New Zealand - one of three Tongan recruits graduating in his class on 17 October.

It was Daniel's dream to join the police and make a difference in the community as well as represent his Palangi and Tongan heritage -particularly because he wasn named after his Uncle 'Okusitino Taulanga (Vaini) who was a policeman in Tonga.

'Okusitino Taulanga, now of Wellington, is proud of his nephew and wishes him the best for his future. "To have more Tongans in the NZ Police Force is a great asset as it will assist the local community to have more Policemen who can speak their own native language on the Force."

Daniel will be taking up his post at the Otahuhu Police Station soon.

Daniel is the second son of Allen and Theresa Jones (nee Pameti) and has lived in Mangere for over 30 years. His father comes from Masterton Waiarapa, and his mother comes from Vaini, Tonga.

Justice of the Peace

The family are also celebrating their eldest daughter's success in being sworn in as a Justice of the Peace (JP) at the Manukau District Court on Friday October 24.

Elizabeth Jones-Ataongo is one of a few Tongans that hold the position of Justice of the Peace in New Zealand and is one of the youngest. Her contribution to the local Mangere community as well as the political arena has been recognised. Her mother Theresa Jones was the first Tongan woman in New Zealand to be sworn in as a Justice of the Peace.

Elizabeth dedicates her appointment as a Justice of the Peace to her father, Allen Jones.