Changing of the guard in Mangawhai

The new face seen in the Mangawhai constabulary is that of Constable Garth Mackay.

Though living in Wellsford, Constable Mackay has a good broad knowledge of the district having been stationed there for the past five years furthering an interest in general intelligence and a term in government services.

While Mangawhai is a smaller station, Mackay sees this move as a step up the promotional ladder working in a two-man situation with more responsibility under Senior Sergeant Graeme Gough, though all local forces pull together when the need arises.

“Policing is also about the community,” says Mackay, so apart from pounding the beat he recognises the importance in education as a part of his brief.

And with two young daughters of his own his events calendar is filling fast with visits to schools, pre-schools and  community groups educating on road safety, bike safety and generally looking out for each other.

Through his Bay of Plenty home life he has a strong affinity with water and enjoys scuba diving and surfcasting, and is a regular at the Kaiwaka squash courts.

With another change of hats he is also a drummer in the Auckland Police Highland Pipe band. This position took him on a momentous trip to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2007, seeing first hand the Queen’s Regent Mounted Guards and other pipe bands of note.

“A great experience to be in such an atmosphere,” he says.

Give Garth a friendly wave or stop and say hello when you see him!

- Rob Pooley