Puhikura, New Zealand Police’s new recruitment campaign is a candid documentary series championing the power of wāhine Māori through the gift of their stories as taonga.
With a shared compassion for people, the whenua, and the sustenance of communities, five wāhine reflect on what calls them forward and holds them back as they consider a career with the NZ Police.
This is Desiree's story.
Desiree (Kai Tahu) is living her promise to be a different sort of cop than the man who took her fingerprints as a teenager.
Police perceptions of offending and gang association by people she grew up with led to Desiree’s application to join the police being denied twice. But she refused to be seen as a higher risk than someone from any other culture. Desiree persisted. And she wants wāhine Māori to know they are needed and valued in this work.
Watch the full series here • Puhikura | Wāhine Māor...
Find out more at newcops.govt.nz/puhikura
About the production of the Puhikura series
Puhikura is possible first and foremost through the generosity, pono and aroha of the five wāhine Māori who shared their stories.
The creation of Puhikura was led by wāhine Māori in key roles of creative director, director, and editor. The series was commissioned by NZ Police, and supported by the creative and production agency Wrestler.
From inception to completion, production of Puhikura has embraced and followed kaupapa Māori, informed by tikanga and with the intent to elevate wāhine Māori through due respect and care for every person, and place, and for tirohanga Māori - Māori worldviews.