Getting to know... Superintendent Tracey Thompson

Tracey Thompson, Tasman District Commander, is a leader deeply rooted in community and family values. Originally from Rotorua, she now calls Nelson home, finding balance between a demanding role and the simple joys of local life. Tracey’s focus on empathy and personal growth shapes her approach to policing, bringing warmth and humanity to her work.

As a child, I was really into... I grew up in Rotorua as the youngest of 10 children. Being the youngest I also had a large contingent of nieces and nephews of a similar age, so there was always a big group to muck around with on weekends and holidays. Those were the good old days of disappearing into the outdoors for the whole day and then turning up back at home exhausted and ready for tea. Parents knew we were safe and didn’t worry about us. Life was a lot simpler back then.

I am most passionate about... Helping our people grow is something I’m passionate about, and that’s important to me from a leadership perspective. My focus as Tasman District Commander is to always look after our people, and to develop our people so they become good, strong leaders. I am also a big believer in my own development. I am currently learning through Matike Mai with NMIT.

The world would be a better place with more... I think the world could always do with more laughter. One of the things I love about working in the police is the strong camaraderie with my teammates, which naturally comes with a lot of laughter. We deal with some pretty tough stuff, so keeping ourselves buoyant is important, and sharing a good laugh with others can help counterbalance the serious stuff.

At the weekend you’ll find me... Hopefully at home! The Tasman Policing District is one of the largest in New Zealand by geography, covering the Nelson Bays, Marlborough and West Coast policing areas. Work takes me across the rohe regularly and from time to time to Police National Headquarters in Wellington. So, staying still and having all the comforts of home is precious to me.

I wish more people knew… More about their whakapapa and their ancestral connections to people, places, and the environment. No matter where you’re from or what you believe, we all have a history. Not only does it ground you and give you a stronger sense of belonging, but it can also explain a lot about why you are who you are. I think we underestimate the value of this connection.

I hope in ten years I will be... In ten years’ time, I will have completed 40 years in the New Zealand Police, so I’d like to think I’d be retired and looking after some mokopuna! I’d also like to be healthy in body and mind so I can enjoy that phase of life. Police’s approach to wellbeing is to use Te Whare Tapa Whā, which is all about visualising our wellbeing as a house with four pillars – mental and emotional; family and social; spiritual; and physical wellbeing. It’s a great way to ensure you’re looking after all aspects of your wellbeing.