On any given day, Police has staff who are engaging with our many diverse communities and building important networks.

On Sunday, I will be speaking at the 10th New Zealand Diversity Forum in Christchurch - an annual gathering organised by the Human Rights Commission. It brings together individuals and organisations from across the country to foster cultural diversity, promote racial equality and encourage positive race relations.

I'm looking forward to updating forum members on the work we're doing in Police in this important area. This includes drawing staff from all the communities we serve and initiatives such as the Race Unity Speech Awards, the New Zealand Communities Football Cup and the Community Safety Ambassadors.

There's also the work we're doing to update our values to ensure they accurately reflect the things that are important to Police. I'm sure this will promote discussion with forum members.

The importance of the forum is underlined by the events which led to its creation. It came together following widespread concern and condemnation when Jewish gravestones in two Wellington cemeteries were vandalised in 2004.

New Zealand Police has been a proud and enthusiastic participant in the forum since its founding, and we will continue to be closely involved in the important work it's doing to promote and celebrate diversity and harmony in our communities.

Catching up with Peter Marshall

Congratulations to former Commissioner, Peter Marshall, who was invested at a ceremony at Government House in Auckland yesterday. It was my pleasure to attend the ceremony to support Peter and his wife Pamela. Peter was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Peter would have served 42 years in Police this September. He was previously awarded a MNZM for his work as the O/C for APEC in 1999. He was the Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police force, an Assistant Commissioner for New Zealand Police and the Police Liaison Officer in Canberra and Washington.

Peter will continue his strong relationship and commitment to New Zealand Police. I am pleased to announce that he will be the Wing Patron for Wing 289, which commences on 29 September 2014.

That's all for this week. Until next time, stay safe.

Source: New Zealand Police.