Police Ten 7 is coming to an end after two decades

One of New Zealand’s longest-running reality TV series, Ten 7 Aotearoa, is coming to an end.

In a post to Facebook this afternoon, TVNZ announced that Ten 7 Aotearoa (formerly Police Ten 7) “will end in April after 20 years of exclusive and unprecedented access to New Zealand Police on the job”.

Deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming went on to call the show “iconic” and acknowledged its lengthy two decades of running, which included 750 episodes.

“It’s part of New Zealand television history and, as one of the most frequently viewed shows, it’s served as a vital investigative tool.

“Almost 1000 crimes, including serious assaults and homicides, have been resolved thanks to information from Ten 7 viewers.

“We’re incredibly proud that the programme was fronted by our very own Police officers. But successful policing is not done in isolation; it requires the trust and support of the public. Thank you to our loyal viewers and to everyone who helped hold serious offenders to account.”

Police Ten 7 first began in 2002.  Over the course of its 20-year history, the show primarily focused on serious crime, however, there were lighter moments that captured the public’s imagination.

In the often-quoted words of then-Sergeant Guy Baldwin: “Always blow on the pie. Safer Communities Together.”

However, the show also garnered backlash with many alleging it was contributing to racism towards Māori and Pacific people featured in the show.

This article was first published on nzhearld.co.nz