Six new New Zealand Police dog teams have graduated from the Dog Training Centre in Trentham and are preparing to begin operational duties across the country.
Among the graduates is patrol dog Phoenix, who was named after Wellington Phoenix FC’s women’s team. After completing his training, Phoenix will head to Whanganui with first-time handler Constable Matt Stevenson.
Matt said training Phoenix had been a rewarding experience.
“Phoenix has been an awesome dog to train. He has a great ‘on and off’ switch that makes handling him enjoyable.
“We’ve both been lucky enough to have had great support from Sergeant Maxwell Spedding, Taranaki Dog Section, and my colleagues from Whanganui.
“I picked up Phoenix as a puppy so it’s special and I’m lucky enough to graduate with him. It’s a full circle moment.”
Another newly qualified patrol dog, Striker, will begin duties in Wellington with first-time handler Constable Chelsea Warman.
The remaining graduates are Constable Mike Robertson and Kroc, who will be based in Whakatāne, Constable Corey Waite and Frost in Auckland, Constable Regan Wilson and Huxx in Dunedin, and Senior Constable Karl Hansen and Bruce in Christchurch.
Karl, who has spent 21 of his 29 years in Police as a dog handler, was recognised during the graduation for mentoring new handlers throughout the course.
His latest patrol dog, Bruce, was named in honour of former Canterbury Police dog handler Senior Constable Bruce Lamb, who died in 2023.
“I think it’s really great that this dog was named after Bruce Lamb, and it’s special to carry on that legacy, especially since we have Bruce’s son Michael working here as a dog handler in our unit,” Karl said.
Assistant Commissioner Jeanette Park congratulated the six new operational teams and highlighted the important role Police dogs play in supporting frontline staff.
“The dog teams are magnificent. You’re there when there’s a critical incident. You’re there when our staff are in danger and need your help and support,” she said.
“Frontline staff at an incident know that when Delta is on their way, things will be good. Dogs are coming, and they will have it under control.”
Inspector Todd Southall, National Coordinator Police Dogs, also acknowledged Wellington Phoenix FC head coaches Bev Priestman and Chris Greenacre, who attended the graduation to support Phoenix and his handler.
He said Phoenix was one of three puppies named after women’s sporting teams in the region, with fellow recruits Poua and Pulse still progressing through the Police dog programme.
Todd also praised the work of trainers, handlers and support staff involved in developing the new operational teams.
“These graduates have worked very hard to obtain this operational qualification and it’s a pleasure to see them graduate today,” he said.
