Keeping up with the family dynasty

Police blood runs through the veins of Mere-A-Parau Ellis. Her mother, Rebecca Hosking-Ellis is an inspector with the Cook Islands Police Services. Rebecca’s father Archer Hosking Jr is a former cop. So it’s no surprise that Mere-A-Parau chose the profession. She has taken up the challenge to continue with her family dynasty of serving the people through the police force. Mere-A-Parau was one of the nine recruits, referred to as Papa Dan Kamana Recruits who graduated yesterday to join the Cook Islands Police Service as constables. “It was a choice that I made. I wanted to be a police officer,” an elated Mere-A-Parau told CI News. “My mum has been the motivating factor. Throughout the years, I have seen things she has been through, the contribution she made to the community and the country while carrying out her duties. “I was inspired by her work and that’s why I wanted to join the police force.” Mere-A-Parau said Rebecca was surprised when she learned her daughter was joining the police force. “She wanted me to make my own choice in the profession I wanted to join after school. She was shocked when she found out that I was joining the police. “She has given me heaps of support and now I’m looking forward to working alongside her and serving our people to the best of our abilities. “My mum is a strong woman, I want to be like her.” Congratulating the graduates, Police Commissioner Maara Tetava reminded them of their duties. He challenged the new constables to stand their ground and carry out their duties with honesty and diligence. Recruit patron Papa Dan Kamana told the recruits their job would be challenging, adding they had to stand firm on their ground in order to persevere. Quoting from Psalm 3:3 - “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high”, Kamana encouraged them not to lose hope and to continue working hard despite the circumstances. “Don’t forget, God helps those who help themselves. Work hard and you will reap the benefits,” he said while speaking to the recruits and the other invited guest in Maori language. “I’m proud to be the patron of the police recruits.” Deputy prime minister Teariki Heather, who is also the minister responsible for police, shared similar sentiments, and emphasised punctuality was the key. Senior Sergeant Maeva Kirikava said the new recruits would fill the void left by officers who had either retired or moved to other professions. He said the graduates had done well and had helped with a rescue mission during their training. “We usually run recruits based on our needs. We needed to run this group to increase our numbers and replace the officers who have left,” Kirikava said “I would like to encourage those who think they can take up the challenge to serve their people and the country to send in their applications.” Meanwhile, Peter Pureau was named the dux of the Papa Dan Kamana Recruit Wing 2017 while Daniel Taokia was named the fittest recruit.

Police blood runs through the veins of Mere-A-Parau Ellis. Her mother, Rebecca Hosking-Ellis is an inspector with the Cook Islands Police Services. Rebecca’s father Archer Hosking Jr is a former cop. So it’s no surprise that Mere-A-Parau chose the profession. She has taken up the challenge to continue with her family dynasty of serving the people through the police force. Mere-A-Parau was one of the nine recruits, referred to as Papa Dan Kamana Recruits who graduated yesterday to join the Cook Islands Police Service as constables. “It was a choice that I made. I wanted to be a police officer,” an elated Mere-A-Parau told CI News. “My mum has been the motivating factor. Throughout the years, I have seen things she has been through, the contribution she made to the community and the country while carrying out her duties. “I was inspired by her work and that’s why I wanted to join the police force.” Mere-A-Parau said Rebecca was surprised when she learned her daughter was joining the police force. “She wanted me to make my own choice in the profession I wanted to join after school. She was shocked when she found out that I was joining the police. “She has given me heaps of support and now I’m looking forward to working alongside her and serving our people to the best of our abilities. “My mum is a strong woman, I want to be like her.” Congratulating the graduates, Police Commissioner Maara Tetava reminded them of their duties. He challenged the new constables to stand their ground and carry out their duties with honesty and diligence. Recruit patron Papa Dan Kamana told the recruits their job would be challenging, adding they had to stand firm on their ground in order to persevere. Quoting from Psalm 3:3 - “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high”, Kamana encouraged them not to lose hope and to continue working hard despite the circumstances. “Don’t forget, God helps those who help themselves. Work hard and you will reap the benefits,” he said while speaking to the recruits and the other invited guest in Maori language. “I’m proud to be the patron of the police recruits.” Deputy prime minister Teariki Heather, who is also the minister responsible for police, shared similar sentiments, and emphasised punctuality was the key. Senior Sergeant Maeva Kirikava said the new recruits would fill the void left by officers who had either retired or moved to other professions. He said the graduates had done well and had helped with a rescue mission during their training. “We usually run recruits based on our needs. We needed to run this group to increase our numbers and replace the officers who have left,” Kirikava said “I would like to encourage those who think they can take up the challenge to serve their people and the country to send in their applications.” Meanwhile, Peter Pureau was named the dux of the Papa Dan Kamana Recruit Wing 2017 while Daniel Taokia was named the fittest recruit.