In 1998 he grew diversity leadership through training, mentorship, course design and facilitated workshops which strategically strengthened Police responsiveness to its Pacific communities. He saw the importance of having Pacific and Maori officers as not just a diverse talent pool but holding key leadership positions. Leadership as an enabler was his mantra, diverse leadership the cornerstone of a truly diverse and inclusive multicultural society. His strategy was to weave diversity throughout the entire organisation at all levels.
Diverse leadership provided the platform to influence decision makers on strategies impacting the ever-changing communities in Aotearoa. Vitale was appointed the first Police Pacific Liaison Officer in 2000 and wrote the first milestone document to Parliament in 2001. He wrote the first draft Police Pasifika Strategy in 2004. His work in the early years was acknowledged and celebrated at the launch of the Pasifika Strategy 2018 document in November last year.
Diversity & Inclusiveness
- Diverse Leadership
- Advocacy
- Strategy
Diversity, a Police mainstay
Vitale chaired the NZ Police Pacific Staff Forum, Pacific Senior Leadership Network, Auckland Women’s Leadership Forum and Pacific and Maori Advisory Boards for over 10 years. He wanted diversity to be the main stay of Police training and introduced the Annual Pasifika Fono at the Royal NZ Police College in 2002. The Pasifika and Ethnic courses are an important part of Diversity and Inclusiveness training at the Police College today.
”It was an honour to attend and support the annual Tamaki Makaurau Police Pasifika Fono. The theme for 2019 was O le Taeao Fou (Dawn of a New Day), based on the NZ Police Pasifika Strategy 2018.
NZ Police 2019
Acknowledgment to the organisers and all those past and present who supported the Fono’ over the years. Vitale VJ Lafaele, Rangatira we are very grateful and respectful for the outstanding leadership and service you provided and continue to provide. Few would know just how crucial you were in paving the way for many others to follow.
You will always be a legend and an inspiration to us. Never forgotten!