Skills gained from tramping and time spent outdoors could be just the ticket to a career with New Zealand Police.

Stuart Newton is the Sole Charge Senior Constable on Rakiura Stewart Island. It’s one of the most remote police jobs in the country, and for Newton, it’s a chance to not only serve his community, but also spend time in the outdoors.

He travels all over the island – by land and sea – and has been involved in search and rescue operations, wildlife rescues and the general hustle and bustle of police work. It requires self-autonomy, outdoor skills and an ability to get along with everyone – from the 400 locals to the many domestic and international tourists who visit the island each year. Fortunately, he loves the bush that is so accessible to him, as well as the charismatic and unique wildlife found on Rakiura. “Bush-walking instantly resets you,” he says. “To feel the ferns brush against you… it’s so good for your mental health. You feel so connected to nature here.”

Tramping the island’s many tracks has helped Newton hone his investigation skills. “I often get tips when I’m out walking. We share information on the routes, which is something you need, especially when starting out as a new officer – you need to learn how to gather information.”

He’s had some memorable moments. There was the time when a group of hikers became lost, and Stuart’s intimate knowledge of the terrain from previous tramps helped to locate them. He once used his boat to rescue a tramper who had dislocated his leg. With the aid of a local nurse, they put it back into place before taking the tramper to Oban. And then, there’s those jobs you just wouldn’t get anywhere else, like chasing sea lions from the beach.

“This job (on Rakiura) has allowed me to see a beautiful part of the country,” Newton says. “And certainly do things I never expected.”

New Zealand Police is seeking recruits with different backgrounds, experiences and interests. It’s a different and fulfilling job where an outdoors person’s active approach to life and fitness can help with specialist work such as contributing to search and rescue missions or, as with Newton, being based in rural parts of the country where the backcountry is easily reached.

Above all is a willingness to serve the community and make the tough calls when needed, build community networks, and instil trust and confidence in the locals. Such characteristics don’t seem a million miles from what many experienced outdoors people already possess.

“Everyone knows me in the community, they see me as a normal person, out and about, and we can be on a level field,” says Newton.

Find out more at www.newcops.co.nz