Tonga Police at the New Zealand HIgh Commissioner's residence, Popua. July 2013.

Ten Tongan police officers have completed short-term professional development training and on the job attachment in New Zealand funded under a Tonga Police Development Program.

The training for the police men and women run by NZ Police in Auckland and Wellington, included courses in investigation, domestic violence and search and rescue, with  job attachments at police stations.

Safe communities

The New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga HE Mr. Mark Talbot, who hosted a function for the Tongan officers on July 10, said having safe, crime free communities and trust in the police were paramount concerns for the Tongan communities.

"I am delighted that New Zealand is able to provide ongoing training opportunities which enable Tonga staff to work among our own officers to build on their knowledge. Having New Zealand police work alongside its Tongan counterparts to work and address these priorities is a win-win for both counties."

Police Commissioner Grant O'Fee who was grateful to the NZ assistance said the challenges that Tonga Police faced on a daily basis were the same for most police departments. "To see these officers come back to start apply and share their knowledge is what matters most and I have been impressed with the way in which my staff have put those opportunities in their daily work," he said.

The Minster of Police Hon. Sifa Tu'utafaiva attended the function at the NZ High Commissioner’s residence in Popua.