A police officer responsible for the co-ordination and planning of security for the Rio Olympics has been appointed the new Southern District Commander.
Detective Superintendent Michael (Mike) Pannett will take up the role from January next year.
Det Supt Pannett is currently the New Zealand Police Liaison Officer in Washington DC, with his region including the United States, Canada, Central and South America.
He is a member of the International Chiefs of Police Committee on Terrorism, the International Policing Division Steering Committee and the Committee on Organised Crime.
He was responsible for security co-ordination and planning of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, and his work with our international policing partners was instrumental in the apprehension and return of convicted murderer Phillip John Smith.
Over his 35-year career, Det Supt Pannett has held several district and national leadership and operational roles, mainly in Northland and Wellington.
He was previously the operational head of the National Intelligence Centre, controlling day-to-day functions and facilitating intelligence led operational activities.
He was also the District Crime Manager and Professional Standards Manager for Northland district, where he oversaw several high- profile murder enquiries.
In 2010, Mike was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to New Zealand Police.
Inspector Jason Guthrie will continue to act in the role until January..
