'Policing New Zealand's underbelly,' Police Association Conference 14-16 October

The Police Association holds its annual conference this week, from Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 October, at the James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel, The Terrace, Wellington. The theme of this year’s conference is “Policing NZ’s Underbelly”. The theme will focus attention on New Zealand’s growing, and ever more complex and sophisticated organised crime problem.

Organised crime is no longer just an issue of traditional patched gangs and the violence and intimidation they visit on society. Neither is it only an issue of methamphetamine dealing. New Zealand now has a true organised crime problem, characterised not just by drug trafficking, but also by diverse and sophisticated crime including money laundering, large scale fraud and financial crime, through internationally networked crime groups, front-businesses, holding companies, offshore entities, and professional advisers. These networks are already present and entrenched, but New Zealand law enforcement agencies are only now beginning to recognise and grapple with the scale and level of their offending.

Media representatives are invited to attend the following sessions.

0930 Wednesday, 14 October
Conference opening – Hon John Key, Prime Minister
The Prime Minister will deliver an opening address of approximately 20 minutes, following welcome and introductory comments from Police Association President Greg O’Connor. The address will be followed by questions from Conference delegates.

0900 Thursday, 15 October
Keynote address – Detective Inspector Bernie Edwards, Victoria Police
Detective Inspector Bernie Edwards is head of Victoria’s Purana Taskforce. Purana was formed in 2003 to combat organised crime in Victoria following a series of bloody gangland killings, which highlighted the growing gulf between organised crime activity and police’s ability to fight it. Detective Inspector Edwards will deliver a 45-minute presentation highlighting the advanced and pervasive nature of organised crime in Victoria, including its direct and indirect links to New Zealand’s rapidly escalating organised crime problem.

1600 Thursday, 15 October
Keynote address – Hon Judith Collins, Minister of Police
The Minister will deliver an address of approximately 20 minutes, followed by questions from Conference delegates.

0900 Friday, 16 October
Keynote address – Hon Phil Goff, Leader of the Opposition
The Leader of the Opposition will deliver an address of approximately 20 minutes, followed by questions from Conference delegates.

All sessions will be held in The Resolution Room, James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel, The Terrace, Wellington.

Media wishing to attend any or all of these sessions should RSVP to luke.mcmahon@policeassn.org.nz by Tuesday 13 October, and must make themselves known to Police Association staff on arrival at the event.