How this experience affected me ...

In the English class on the 4th of September 2023, we had a guest speaker from the Police; Hadleigh White, an ethnic liaison officer.

Hadleigh talked to us, approximately ten students mostly from Asian countries, about how and when we can call the Police. I learnt the difference between calling 111 and 105, how to minimise our safety risks, and the fact that the Police encourage us to ask for help when we feel at risk. I have never called the Police in my life and always thought it was daunting to do so, especially if I needed to speak English. This experience has made me feel a little more confident to call the Police when I really need to. Now I feel that it’s ok to report things that may not necessarily sound life-threatening, and that it’s ok if my English speaking is not too good. Another thing that affected me was, because Hadleigh was very nice and friendly, I found it easier to imagine approaching a Police officer than I had been thinking.

Finally, it was such a great opportunity to see and touch what the New Zealand Police officers wear. The vest is as heavy as 13kg to protect them from being stabbed and shot. I now have more respect for them.

Naoko Okuda - After 3 English for Study and the Workplace student