Former cop and Muay Thai fighter Haimona Tamati-Te Paki stripped of sportsperson award after stealing from pensioner
Haimona Tamati-Te Paki, a former police officer and award-winning martial artist, has had his 'Sportsperson of the Year' award revoked following his conviction for stealing from a pensioner. The Police Sport National Committee stated that his actions were inconsistent with the organization's values.
Why it matters
This case underscores the importance of institutional integrity and the consequences for public servants who violate the trust of the community.
A Waikato police officer who stole $68,000 from a pensioner has had his "sportsperson of the year" award revoked.
Haimona Keelim Tamati-Te Paki, who can now be named after losing his hard-fought bid for permanent name suppression last week, has had his New Zealand Police Sportsperson of the Year 2022 rescinded.
He is originally from Whanganui and won the award after being selected to represent New Zealand at the World Kickboxing and Karate Association World Championships.
Tamati-Te Paki was a constable stationed in Ngāruawāhia, working as a community liaison officer, when he was assigned to help the vulnerable pensioner - but instead stole from her.
The Police Sport National Committee on Thursday announced the decision to retract his award.
"This is disappointing for our community, and Police Sport wants to be clear that conduct of this nature is not consistent with the values our members uphold.
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