Dear Editor, Kia Orana, what a memorable and notable occasion at the Police National Headquarters on Wednesday, 9th April, 2025, to see the investiture of Tai Joseph as the new Police Commissioner … wonderful occasion.

A fine and honourable person to take on that very demanding role, but with many years of experience to back him up, and a good team, he should be ready to lead the country back onto a firmer track than it has been for several years.

While there were some wonderful speeches, and endorsements throughout the ceremony, the missing highlight was Police Minister Mark Brown actually promising a much bigger Police budget that the new commissioner can work with. No such references throughout the Minister’s entire speech … big and candy-coloured words to make the public feel as if they were actually getting a better Police system. However, the new Commissioner will be really struggling to attract new recruits, to bring up the numbers to a realistic level, to enable him to do his job, and make Rarotonga safer. Good luck Commissioner!

But the PM/Minister of Police and his mates could recently easily add almost a half million dollars to their travel budget, without even blinking. This is so obscene! It is clear where their priorities lie … self-indulgence! Aue te Aue.

(Name and address supplied)

Editor’s note – Speaking at the new Police Commissioner’s welcoming parade on Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Brown said the government is committed to resourcing the police service more effectively, ensuring fairer pay and career development pathways.