When Warwick Morehu left Police College more than three decades ago, he was initially posted to Rotorua as a young constable.

This week he was welcomed back, but as Superintendent Morehu, the new Director of Training at The Royal New Zealand Police College.

After six years as Taupō Area Commander, Warwick says the move out of the Bay of Plenty area is a tough one, but with wife Leanne taking up a national role for the Department of Corrections in Wellington, he knows it is the right move and is excited about the opportunities it presents.

'When I look at the Police College, it's the opportunity to effect change for the whole motu,” says Warwick.

'It's working with our newest members to give them what they really need to do the best job in districts – the opportunity there is huge.

'I feel like this new role at the RNZPC is running the 13th district for the motu.”

Warwick was welcomed to the role on Wednesday with a powhiri which included the Commissioner and Minister of Police, members of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Police Executive, Horouta Marae kaumātua, and Department of Corrections representatives among others.

Warwick has worked in a variety of roles across the Bay – from frontline to CIB, AOS to OC station for both Ōpōtiki and Kawerau – as well as a stint as prevention manager in Counties Manukau.

He affiliates to many iwi of Te Arawa, however through his father's side he affiliates to Ngati Tahu and Ngati Whaoa, from kuia Whata Henare, daughter of Herapeka.

Warwick and his wife Leeanne. Photo. NZ Police.

It's all experience he'll take into the new role.

He's known for his successes in Ngati Rangiwewehi, a kapa haka group derived from the federated tribes of Te Arawa where he often performed as the male lead.

He is a former top rugby player, appeared in the Once Were Warriors movie sequel and was the face of the 1999 World Cup Rugby campaign.

In one highlight from his police career, he was praised for his calm demeanour and mana while as Taupō police area commander he brought an end to a 22-hour siege in Onepu, a small Bay of Plenty town. The siege took place during a drug operation in 2016 where four police officers were shot and injured.

'Warwick, thank you for taking on this role,” says Police Commissioner Andrew Coster.

'Leaders are the enablers, making sure their people have what they need in their environment to be great at what they do.

'You have my full support as you stand at the stern of the Police College waka.

'And while you're on that journey I ask you to keep filling the waka huia with things of value to Police, iwi Māori and all our communities.”

While one of his favourite roles in Police was as a frontline sergeant, Warwick says working as Taupō Area Commander was a role that defined him.

'Being an Area Commander was always something I quietly aspired to,” he explains.

'It probably took a bit longer than it should have, more by my design than anything else.

'I felt like I had completed my journey and I was happy to be in this role, but then relieving in the District Commander role opened my eyes again.”

Reflecting on his time as Taupō Area Commander, Warwick says some of the greatest highlights have been watching staff grow, develop and 'being able to support them through to leadership roles”.

He acknowledges the amazing staff in the Taupō area and the difference they've made to the community.