Cop Still Driven

By Aroha Awarau

Nick Tuitasi is swapping the force for the course. After 26 years as a police officer, he's handing in his badge to help troubled youngsters become the next Tiger Woods. "Golf involves a lot of discipline," the 43-year-old says. "There's a code of ethics to live by and hours of practice is required. Those teaching tools make good human beings. If you give some of these youths the skills and opportunity they could step up and hit the ball just like Tiger Woods." Mr Tuitasi has been working with youths in Mt Roskill for more than 12 years. He is planning a programme to help him reach the ambitious goal of having 10 Kiwi golfers in the US Open within 13 years. "Every time I see the US Open on TV I look out for the little New Zealand flag by the players' names. It's quite frustrating. My dream is in the year 2020, when you flick on the TV and watch the golf, you see lots of little New Zealand flags." The senior constable became a cop in 1981 and is surprised by the direction his career took. He says he "begrudgingly" accepted the role of youth aid officer a decade later. "I planned to become a serious crimefighter," he says. But the Mt Roskill community has benefited from his perseverance.

Photo: Jason Oxenham, used with permission

The Avondale resident quickly realised 80 percent of the area's youth offending was down to six families. So he started a community approach programme, working with the offenders and their relatives. The initiative was used as a blueprint by the New Zealand police and duplicated around the country.

Auckland mayor Dick Hubbard says Mr Tuitasi's programme has saved dozens of lives.
And last month he presented him with a mayor's living legends award. "I am glad to hear he will continue working with our youth, even though the methodology is different." Mr Tuitasi has a 17 handicap and is a member of Redwood Park Golf Club in Swanson. But the father-of-three has not always thought fondly of the sport. In fact he thought he it was a game for girls before catching the golfing bug six years ago. "I thought it was a wussy sport. But now it's going to become my main direction.

"If this can happen to me, it can happen to anybody." 

Mr Tuitasi wants sponsors and people involved with golf to get involved with the programme. 

If you can help contact the Promise Keepers office.
Used with permission, Central Leader.