Northland’s top cop to head Canterbury police

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
May 10, 2023 |

Acting Deputy Commissioner Sam Hoyle has today announced the provisional appointment of Superintendent Tony Hill to the position of District Commander Canterbury.

Superintendent Hill began his policing career in Whangarei in 1990, and for the last five years has been back in Northland as their District Commander.

Under his leadership, Northland was a Proof of Concept District for Police’s Tactical Response Model, which paved the way for other districts and brought about a significant change in the safety of frontline staff across New Zealand.

Prior to this, Superintendent Hill – who grew up in Mid Canterbury – worked in Canterbury District, most recently as District Prevention Manager.


He joined the CIB in Canterbury in 1996 where he stayed for almost 20 years.

As a Detective Inspector, he headed many homicide cases in the Canterbury region.

Hill policed through the devastating Christchurch earthquakes and worked with the Chinese families of those who had children killed in the CTV building.

He is looking forward to moving back home and working with the team in Canterbury, and continuing his focus on strong community relationships, particularly with iwi.

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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