Local News
Kiwis welcomed to Teesside
Cleveland Police welcomed visitors from the other side of the world on Friday and helped a New Zealand man celebrate his 50th birthday.
Brett Gordon and his wife Julie are visiting the UK for Brett’s birthday and he has long been interested in how the British police operates.
Brett wanted to join the police in New Zealand many years ago but was prevented from doing so due to a sight issue. He went on to work as a bank manager but eventually fulfilled his dream and now works for police in Wellington in an intelligence role.
As Brett has been researching Cleveland Police his mother-in-law, Teresa Higgins who lives in Cleveland, contacted PCC Barry Coppinger to ask if Brett could meet him and other key personnel from the force.
PCC Barry Coppinger said: “When Teresa asked if she could set up a visit, I was only too pleased to help. It was great to showcase some of our successes and tell our visitors about the work we do as a force.”
Deputy Chief Constable Iain Spittal added: “I enjoyed welcoming Brett and his family to Cleveland Police and hope they enjoyed seeing how we operate. From a personal point of view, it was very interesting to compare and contrast policing in the UK with law enforcement in New Zealand.”
Brett kindly presented both Mr Coppinger and Mr Spittal with a plaque bearing the New Zealand Police crest.
Julie and Brett also met Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald in London a few days before their visit to Teesside, where they received a personal tour of the Houses of Parliament.