Detective Inspector Paul Basham relieving as Wairarapa Area Commander until permanent replacement found

Detective Inspector Paul Basham has taken up the role of Acting Wairarapa Police Area Commander, until a permanent replacement is found.

This follows the departure of Inspector John Johnston earlier this month, who has taken up a role as Director of Sport, based at the Royal New Zealand Police College in Porirua.

Detective Inspector Basham has been a member of the New Zealand Police since joining in 1985, at the age of 18 and began his career in South Auckland.

During his 25 year career, he has been seconded to various roles, including a five year stint in the Netherlands from 1998 to 2003 as a war crimes investigator with the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

Since February 2008, he has been the officer in charge of the Wellington City CIB.

"I'm enjoying the new challenge as the Acting Wairarapa Area Commander and have been made to feel very welcome. It's a pleasure to lead such a dedicated and committed team of staff and I'm looking forward to acting in this role over the coming months."