New Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander appointed

Inspector Clifford Paxton has been appointed as the new Area Commander for the Western Bay of Plenty Police Area.

Inspector Paxton is currently the Northland Police District Road Policing Manager and he will take up his new appointment in Western Bay of Plenty on April 23.

Inspector Paxton joined New Zealand Police in late 1992, graduating from the Police College in April 1993. Since then he has worked in Auckland, North Shore, Dargaville, Greymouth and Northland, undertaking a range of frontline and management positions.

The Bay of Plenty Police District Commander, Superintendent Glenn Dunbier, says Inspector Paxton brings a wealth of relevant experience to the position of Area Commander in Western Bay of Plenty.

"The Western Bay of Plenty is one of the largest areas in the Bay of Plenty Police District, and it is also one of the fastest growing in terms of population size and development.

"Inspector Paxton has spent his policing career working in a diverse range of areas, from large cities to small rural communities and this also describes the makeup of the Western Bay of Plenty Police area.

"Due to its size and nature, the Western Bay of Plenty is a busy Policing area, particularly over the summer months when thousands of visitors flock to the region.

"Inspector Paxton has policed in a significant operational and planning experience in relation to significant events, and brings extensive experience and new ideas to the region. He will not only provide sound leadership for the Western Bay of Plenty Area, but will also make a significant contribution to the wider District and we look forward to welcoming him to the Bay of Plenty."

Superintendent Dunbier says he would like to acknowledge and thank Inspector Kevin Taylor and Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair who have both undertaken Acting Area Commander duties during the appointment process.

Inspector Paxton says he is looking forward to commencing in his new role as the Area Commander of Western Bay of Plenty.

He would like to acknowledge the policing efforts of the previous Area Commander, relieving Area Commanders, police members and the support of partners and communities in the Western Bay of Plenty.

He looks forward to continuing to work with police members, partners and communities in building on the efforts made to see a safer Western Bay of Plenty.

He also looks forward to working with the wider policing team and partners in the Bay of Plenty.

Inspector Paxton will move to Western Bay with his wife and two intermediate-age daughters.