NZ & FIJI JOINT EXECUTIVE MEETING
The first New Zealand/Fiji Police Support Project’s Joint Executive Board Meeting was held in Suva this week.
In February 2020, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden announced the multi million dollar investment project aimed at expanding security partnership into policing co-operation.
In attendance were the Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho and senior members of the Fiji Police Force, New Zealand Police representatives, NZ High Commission’s Second Secretary Political Ms Courtney Rose, Levan Bouadze the Resident Representative of UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Legal Aid Commission Director Shahin Ali, Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Director Ashwin Raj and representatives from the New Zealand Department of Foreign and Trade.
Fiji’s Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho said, “Despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, I have noted nothing but sheer determination and commitment from Inspector Rasoz and his team as well as our partners from the UNDP”.
NZ High Commission’s Second Secretary Political Ms Courtney Rose has commended the collaboration between the respective organisations involved.
“New Zealand’s support for policing and justice sectors for the same reason that Fiji citizens look to the police as leaders in the community”.
“We want to support the security and safety of the public. With safe and secure communities and confidence in the law and order sectors, people and businesses, our families and our communities can thrive delivering better prospects for all”.
New Zealand Police’s Deputy Commissioner Mike Rusbatch reiterated their commitment in seeing through the second phase of the two-year Programme.
“By working together, we can actively listen and be responsive to your particular needs that we can address where we can achieve better outcomes together”.
UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Resident Representative Levan Bouadze said, “As a global player in promoting security sector governance, how we support this very important justice institution is by identifying new opportunities and priorities”.
A fifth NZ Police officer is also expected to join the team led by senior NZ Police Advisor Inspector Paris Rasoz who have been working out of the Fiji Police Academy in Suva focusing on the four specific areas of;
1. Development of Investigative Interviewing capability
2. Development of General Patrol Dog capability (K9)
3. Asset Recovery Support
4. Development of Leadership & Governance capability.
