Government of Niue Welcomes a New Chief of Police

The Government of Niue is pleased to welcome Inspector Richard Sami as the incoming new Chief of Police for the Niue Police Department.

Inspector Sami has served with the New Zealand Police for 25 years and is a graduate of the Royal New Zealand Police College in Porirua, Wellington. He brings with him extensive experience across a broad range of operational policing roles. Inspector Sami will officially take up his position as Chief of Police in October 2025.

His service includes working as a Detective Sergeant leading major serious crime investigations, serving as a Senior Sergeant Investigator overseeing complex cases, and holding Inspector-level management responsibilities. He has also led Youth and Community Partnership programmes, focusing on addressing risks affecting young people and delivering Alcohol Harm Prevention initiatives.

Inspector Sami was born in Niue before his family moved to NZ in 1972 and despite living abroad, he has maintained strong ties to Niue. He returned as part of a New Zealand Police contingent in 1995, 2007 and 2014, for the commemorations of Niuean soldiers who joined World War I, and for Niue Constitution celebrations. Inspector Sami is from the villages of Liku and Tamakautoga.

Inspector Sami arrived in Niue today, Monday 1st September for a familiarization visit ahead of formally commencing his role. On arrival, he met with the Prime Minister of Niue, Hon. Dalton Tagelagi, Minister of Finance and Infrastructure, Hon. Crossley Tatui and Member Assisting Minister, Mr. Ricky Makani. Over the coming days, Inspector Sami will meet with Cabinet Ministers, the Niue Public Service Commission, and the Niue Police Department as part of the familiarization process.

The Prime Minister of Niue and Minister for Police, Hon. Dalton Tagelagi formally welcomed Inspector Sami stating “It was good to meet Inspector Richard Sami upon his arrival this afternoon. His proven leadership and extensive experience in policing will support the ongoing work of strengthening law and order in Niue. I look forward to working with him during his tenure as Chief of Police.”

Download PDF Version