Waikato police officer named after stealing $68,000 from pensioner
Saturday 26 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story NZME, New Zealand Police Association
Haimona Keelim Tamati-Te Paki, a constable based in Ngāruawāhia, has had his bid for permanent name suppression denied. The officer was assigned to assist a vulnerable pensioner from whom he stole $68,000. Tamati-Te Paki was previously recognised as the 2022 Police Sportsperson of the Year.
Key facts
4 facts
- Haimona Keelim Tamati-Te Paki sentenced to 11 months' home detention in March
- Theft amount was $68,000 from a pensioner in her 70s
- Tamati-Te Paki was a constable in Ngāruawāhia and a 2022 NZ Police Sportsperson of the Year
- Theft involved $4,000 withdrawal and $10,059.50 in Prezzy cards
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Haimona Keelim Tamati-Te Paki, a Waikato police officer, has lost a legal challenge to keep his name suppressed. The Ngāruawāhia-based constable was previously sentenced to 11 months' home detention in March for accessing a computer system for a dishonest purpose and obtaining by deception. He had spent six months attempting to secure name suppression through the Court of Appeal, arguing it would cause extreme hardship to his wife.
Justice Palmer dismissed the application for leave to appeal, stating the grounds fell "significantly below" the required thresholds. This follows a High Court decision by Justice MacGillivray, who noted a "strong and legitimate public interest in publication of Mr Tamati-Te Paki's name". The court also noted that the victim wanted the officer named and that suppression could cast suspicion on other officers.
Tamati-Te Paki, a father of six and former 2022 NZ Police Sportsperson of the Year, stole $68,000 from a vulnerable pensioner. The victim, a woman in her 70s with medical and mental health issues, was forced to withdraw large amounts of cash at various ANZ branches while the officer waited in his patrol car. A family spokesperson stated the victim has suffered PTSD and nightmares as a result of the incident.
The theft was discovered after the victim reported suspicious activity at an ANZ branch on 24 July last year. At that time, staff identified a $4,000 withdrawal and Prezzy cards worth $10,059.50 purchased at Pak'nSave Highland Park. Tamati-Te Paki was assigned the case file on 19 August and received CCTV footage related to the matter.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Otago Daily Times.