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EIT graduate finds dream job as police officer

July 7, 2022

EIT graduate Te Roa Takie (left) has graduated from Police College and acknowledged the support of people like his EIT Services Pathway Tutor Andrew McCrory (right). They are pictured at a Mihi Whakatau at the Hastings Police Station where Constable Takie was welcomed into the Eastern District Policing Team.

Te Roa Takie (Ngāti Kahungunu) has studied a variety of programmes at EIT over the years, but after completing the NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Services Pathway)  in 2017, he has finally found his calling as a Police Officer.

Te Roa, 35, is born and bred in Hawke’s Bay and attended Napier Boys’ High School. After school he worked at cool stores for many years before deciding to study at EIT.

“In 2013 I enrolled in the NZ Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise at EIT and that’s what started my journey.”

“From when I left high school, I was passionate about sport and fitness. I was a regular gym goer and played rugby for Napier Pirates.”

The Diploma enabled Te Roa to get a job at City Fitness as a personal trainer, while also coaching rugby. This led to him being offered a role as a teacher’s aide at Flaxmere College. It was here that he decided to enrol in the NZ Certificate in Te Reo Māori [Level 2] at EIT in 2015 and 2016..

“Working in a Māori community, reminded me of my schooling in Maraenui. I wanted to improve my Te Reo Māori, which is why I enrolled in the night classes. I endeavour to make Māori culture an important cornerstone in my life and this programme helped maintain that area of focus.”

Te Roa decided to try out for the NZ Police Service, but he was unsuccessful in his first attempt.

Not deterred and to aid his chances of getting accepted in the Royal New Zealand Police College, Te Roa enrolled in the NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Services Pathway) at EIT in 2017.

Te Roa says he was keen to do the programme and determined to become a Police Officer.

“I like the variety and challenge being in the police gives you. Every day is not the same and your decision making, and judgement can make a huge difference in the community.”

His patience was finally rewarded in December last year when he received a letter saying he had been accepted in to Wing 353 at the Royal New Zealand Police College.

Te Roa and his partner Emma, alongside their children, Sqarlett, Bayleigh, Grace, Lewis & Esther, acknowledge the support of many people, including Andrew McCrory, his Services Pathway Tutor. Te Roa says all the programmes he did at EIT have contributed to getting him where he is today.

“I learnt the value of education and learning, EIT has provided me with valuable skills that have made significant changes in my life.”

Te Roa graduated from Police College in May and is now a constable based in Napier as part of the Public Safety Team.

“I just want to be a good constable and keep my feet on the ground.”

EIT Services Pathway Tutor Andrew McCrory says Te Roa was an excellent student and his drive and passion to be in the Police stood out.

“It has been exciting watching his progress through the recruitment process and finally attending a Mihi Whakatau with his whānau at the Hastings Police Station where Constable Takie was welcomed into the Eastern District Policing Team.”

“EIT is extremely proud of his achievement, and I am positive Te Roa will make an excellent Police Officer,” says Andrew.