Police recruit graduates have been welcomed into the force by a 1.57 metre (5ft 2in) woman in a bright orange robe.
The Ven Abbess Manshin, a Buddhist nun, was chosen by police to be patron to the 38 constables who have just completed their training and graduated yesterday.
Her involvement included visiting the graduates at the Royal New Zealand Police College at Porirua three times, something that newly appointed Constable Jessica Low, 27, described as “a real treat”.
Ms Manshin said she saw no conflict of interest between police and Buddhist values – “sometimes we need to have discipline”.
“The intention is to bring things into order.”
Speaking at yesterday’s graduation ceremony, Police Commissioner Howard Broad praised Ms Manshin. “She has brought a unique dimension to your training.”
Mr Broad described Ms Manshin as having been “a valued partner of the police”.
She has organised a crime prevention expo in South Auckland and more recently produced a handbook for new recruits.
Her No1 piece of advice to the graduates: “Our biggest enemy is ourself.”
Superintendent Mike Wilson said he believed having a Buddhist patron was “a great way for us to challenge ourselves and recognise there are such different ways of thinking and behaving and bring them to the front of our mind”.
Ms Manshin has invited the graduates to her temple in Manukau as part of their induction.
Among those graduating was Fia’o Faamausili, 29, a member of the New Zealand women’s rugby team the Black Ferns since 2000.
She wanted to join the police to help young people, and attributes her success to a constable who was involved with sport in South Auckland where she grew up.
“I looked up to her and followed everything she did.”
Source: www.stuff.co.nz
