Minister’s visit goes to the dogs

Mark Mitchell (right) chats to a police dog and Sergeant Logan Marsh. Photos: David Tauranga.

The unmissable ear-to-ear smile on National MP Mark Mitchell's face said it all.

With Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller as his guide, the newly appointed Minister of Defence and Rodney MP was in town to learn what makes us tick as part of a tour of the electorate on Friday.

During his tour the two MPs visited companies Dominion Salt and HR Concrete, with Mark saying he thoroughly enjoyed learning about each business, the successes they've achieved to date and what made them both leaders in their respective industries.

But it was plain to see a special meet and greet with members of the Tauranga Police Dog team which Todd had organised was something Mark had been especially looking forward to.

Prior to becoming a politician Mark was a member of the Armed Offender's Squad and a police dog handler who served in Rotorua, Taupo, Gisborne and Auckland during his 14 year career.

'I used to serve in Gisborne and actually had a lot to do with the Bay of Plenty division and some strong links to the region.

'There are times when I miss the job. I thoroughly enjoyed my policing career; the people you work with, the camaraderie, the challenges it provides, and of course the public service side of it. But while there are times I miss it, I'm thoroughly enjoying what I'm doing now.”

But the million dollar question is: Who's easier to deal with – canines or MPs?

'Canines, without a doubt,” Mark says laughing.

Earlier this month Commissioner Mike Bush announced details of the government's $503 million Safer Communities investment package which includes deploying 69 new frontline officers to the Bay and the creation of a specialised taskforce targeting organised crime to be based in Tauranga.

Mark says this latest investment into policing both here in the Bay and around the country is extremely pleasing.

'There's been huge investment over the last five or six years in terms of technology to allow police to do their job more efficiently and effectively, but there's also got to be investment in numbers as well.

'So it was a very welcome announcement, very positive, and I know the Bay is going to benefit from the 69 new officers.”

You may also like....

0 comments

Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.