New Year Honours: Cop humbled by recognition
Inspector Sam Aberahama, Tairāwhiti Area Commander, likes nothing best than working in partnership with his staff and the community. His MNZM is a double celebration – it will surprise his family and is a good way to mark his 56th birthday on New Year’s Day.
In keeping with his philosophy of building trust and confidence in Police, he will however be out in the field working with his staff on the Rhythm and Vines operations.
“I’m incredibly proud to lead an amazing team of 150 people. Everything we do is motivated for the love of the Tairāwhiti region. Connecting with people counts.”
Inspector Aberahama has been in Police since 1988 and has worked in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and the Gisborne communities. He’s been Area Commander for the last ten years.
In 2016 he helped establish the Cook Islands Internal Support Network for NZ Police.
Aberahama has been chair of the Safe Tairāwhiti Community Trust, is a member of the Governance Group of Manaaki Tairāwhiti and a keen supporter of a prevention approach to policing.
One initiative he helped establish seven years ago is the successful Nga Ara Pai programme aimed at helping 18 – 24 year olds get their restricted driver’s licence. At risk drivers stopped for no licences are given an infringement with compliance which sees them referred to the scheme for mentoring and help to pass their licence.
Once they’ve passed their licence, the infringement is waived.
“Hundreds have gone through the scheme over the years with an 80 percent success rate. Passing your driver’s licence is a win-win for everyone. Instead of a ticket, passing your licence is a ticket to a future. It opens doors for mobility, education and employment.”
He says the initiative is hugely popular, and police try to make it as easy as possible for young people to access the scheme. The initiative has attracted young drivers from Tologa Bay and Wairoa where they come to Gisborne for lessons.
“Some of the instructors have mentored over 20 people through the scheme, I have had the privilege of working alongside 14 of our youth. Building relationships with young people helps increase trust and confidence in police. It’s great to see them grow, flourish and become legal drivers.”
He says programmes aimed at reducing family harm such as Te Hahi and providing safe networks for families, including the elderly, are crucial. “I am proud to be associated with a number of community groups over the past ten years that have brought about positive change for whanau to flourish in Tairawhiti.”
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster congratulated Aberahama and two other police officers; Superintendent John Price, OStJ, Canterbury District Commander and Inspector Kieren Kortegast, Manager of the Police’s Southern Communications Centre, for their honours.
He said the honours reflected their deep commitment to doing their very best for their communities both in times of crisis, and in proactive prevention work.
Investiture ceremonies for Royal Honours recipients are hosted by the Governor General, and will be held on dates to be confirmed in 2021.
