Following recent staffing changes in Central Otago, three new police officers have arrived from the North Island to enjoy the beauty of the region, the smaller communities and to be closer to family. Leith Huffadine catches up with them and a fourth local officer who has taken up a new role.
Constable Tamah Carson has already been working in Central Otago, but has changed from general duties to become youth aid officer. Const Carson, who has been in the police for about six years, moved to the region from Auckland.
Her new position will mainly be a prevention based-role, working with young people and those who had offended or needed extra help.
She will also be working with the Blue Light Charity.
In addition, Const Carson volunteers for Riding for the Disabled, which is seeking more helpers.
She replaces Senior Constable Jacqui Lambeth, who resigned as youth aid officer in August, after five years in the role.
Constable Jaco Pieterse enjoys making a difference in small communities. This has drawn him to Ranfurly, following Senior Constable Steve Burke's transfer to Dunedin.
Originally from South Africa, Const Pieterse has taken up the role as the sole charge officer after nine years in the police.
Previously, he was a sole charge officer in Martinborough, in the North Island.
Const Pieterse, who has moved to the Maniototo with his wife and three children, said the family always wanted to live in the South Island.
Senior Constable Neil Calder has swapped big-city policing for the Central Otago countryside.
The senior constable, with 17 years' police experience, has moved from Helensville, north of Auckland, to Alexandra, but has also worked in West Auckland's major police station in Henderson.
Snr Const Calder said he visited Central Otago and completed the Otago Central Rail Trail about a decade ago and thought the region was beautiful.
When a position became available in Alexandra, he applied.
He has moved to the region with his wife and 10-year-old son, and takes up a general duties role.
Working for the police has been a life occupation for Senior Constable Arnold Hooykaas.
During his 42 years with the police, he has worked in Dunedin, Balclutha, Alexandra, Cheviot and Amberley and has now returned to Alexandra.
His last role was as the officer in charge at a two-officer station in Amberley.
Snr Const Hooykaas took an opportunity to return to Alexandra as he had family in the area.
He takes up a role as a public safety team officer.
