Police Commissioner Steven Caldwell’s position is largely paid for by New Zealand.
The Tongan government pays a relatively small portion of the costs.
If the Police Minister goes ahead with his threat to stop Mr Caldwell’s pay it is unclear whether he means the Tongan contribution to his pay or whether he intends to block the New Zealand component as well.
The Tongan Government has already told New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern that it no longer wants Mr Caldwell, but it is unclear how Wellington would react if the Police Minister carried out his threat.
It is believed that Mr Caldwell is receiving substantially the same package as his predecessor, Grant O’Fee, who left his position six months early.
Total annual costs for salary and administration were NZ$270,000.
Under this contract Tonga paid about NZ$33,000.
Miscellaneous travel, medical and other costs were also funded by New Zealand.
During his term in Tonga, O’Fee sacked, jailed or investigated 10 percent of the police force for dishonesty, brutality or bribery.
When he was leaving he warned: “We still have, let’s not fool ourselves, a long way to go.”
The main points
- Police Commissioner Steven Caldwell’s position is largely paid for by New Zealand.
- The Tongan government pays a relatively small portion of the costs.
- It is believed that Mr Caldwell is receiving substantially the same package as his predecessor, Grant O’Fee, who left his position six months early.
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