Constable Anne-Theresa Tihau-Nehemia Napara

_“The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion, speed bumps called friends, red lights called enemies and caution lights called family. But if you have a spare tyre called determination, an engine called perseverance, insurance called faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called success._”

What is your current role and what does that involve?

I’m a Constable working in the Combined Investigation Unit in Counties Manukau. I work with a team of officers investigating a range of serious crime offences.

What role were you doing when Women in Blue was filmed in 2015?

I was a Constable with the Tactical Crime Unit working to investigate burglaries, drugs and other offending.

When did you join NZ Police?

I joined as an 18-year-old in September 2006, graduating in February 2007, and have always worked in Counties Manukau.

What are your hobbies and interests?

Sport, music, dancing – Cook Island style as this is my heritage, spending time with my family including young daughter, and friends.

Why did you become a cop?

I was born in the Cook Islands and my grandfather was a police officer. I came to New Zealand as a child with my parents and my siblings and we settled in Mangere. I’ve always wanted to be a cop and to live and work in Counties Manukau.

My first roles in police were as a first responder on the Public Safety Team and then I worked as part of the Mangere South Neighbourhood Policing Team. Our job there was to work with the Mangere community to create a safe and secure neighbourhood. We worked collectively with people to identify problems, find solutions and encourage a strong sense of community pride.

Transferring into the Tactical Crime Unit and then into the Combined Investigation Unit is part of my development as a police officer. I believe the work I do helps make a difference in people’s lives. You can be part of this too.

> About the Job > Recruitment Process

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