Service to the community is a key life purpose for Constable Shonit Chandra after joining the police in Rotorua, a district he’s proud to call his forever home.
Residing in Rotorua for the past 13 years, he’s a familiar face in Whakarewarewa. Constable Chandra, an Ethnic Liaison officer, joined the local force four years ago and loves it.
“Rotorua is an amazing place with good weather and beautiful landscapes. I love everything about Rotorua. I’ve had nothing but great experiences here. Because of that, I want to continue doing my best to serve the community,” he says.
Moving to Aotearoa from India in 2011, Constable Chandra has continued to exercise his homeland's cultural values, which he says aligns with tikanga Māori.
“Tangata whenua including Te Arawa are a welcoming people who think about the needs and wellbeing of everyone. They are a respectful and inclusive people. In my four years of policing, I’ve maintained my cultural traditions, which have served me well, including working with whānau Māori. Because if you really want to build relationships with anyone you have to give respect. Everything starts with respect. Reciprocity is a core value I’ve retained since childhood,” he says.
Constable Chandra’s ambitions are to build trust in the community and transform the lives of people he crosses paths with on a day-to-day basis.
“As long as I can make a positive change for one family - I’m happy. For example, I have just started my current role as an Ethnic Liaison officer after being a family harm specialist for 18 months where I actively worked with ethnic communities. Each day the goal is straightforward and that’s to enhance the lives of our citizens whose homes we’re called out to. So, I don’t have to walk into their house again.”
Amongst his duties, the Ethnic Liaison Officer also helps educate migrant communities about the role of the police and support networks that can help them. He enjoys what he does and being a member of the multicultural community of Rotorua.
Constable Chandra encourages Rotorua locals who want to learn a little more about his culture to join him at this year’s Te Ahurei Tūrama | The Rotorua Diwali Festival tomorrow (Saturday, 15 Nov) from 3pm at the Village Green. (Rotorua Lakefront)
“It’s one of the most important festivals we celebrate outdoors. In previous years, it was held in the inner city of Rotorua but this year because the number of people attending has grown, it’s taking place at the Village Green. So nau mai haere mai. There will be kai and cultural stalls and performances by all age groups,” he says.
Diwali or Divali is celebrated around the world and is a festival of lights ushering in a time for family to reunite, celebrate and acknowledge Lakshmi – the goddess of prosperity.
- Te Tatau o Te Arawa is dedicated to fostering inclusive and vibrant communities via the Welcoming Communities Project, a programme it delivers in collaboration with the Rotorua Lakes Council and the Rotorua Multicultural Council.