Senior Constable John Karaka received a District Commander’s Commendation last month for his dealings with the Muslim community in Dunedin.
Snr Const Karaka, of Dunedin, said he thought he was just doing his job.
"I am grateful to have been nominated for and received the award, but really I’m a small cog in the big wheel in the response to what happened."
Following the attacks, Snr Const Karaka contacted local leaders in the Muslim community, including the President of the Otago Muslim Association.
A hui was organised at a Dunedin marae for the day following the attacks, where affected communities, members of parliament and the former Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull met.
"A lot of them were terrified and needed reassurance — we tried to provide that."
Snr Const Karaka, who has been a member of the police for 24 years, took on the role of ethnic liaison officer last year alongside his role as an investigator.
"My goal in starting the role was to get out and connect with ethnic communities in Dunedin.
"I didn’t realise how much making those connections and contacts would come to mean this year."
Snr Const Karaka said many members of the Muslim community withdrew and it took time and effort to see that reversed.
"I worked quite hard to build relationships with different ethnic communities and it wasn’t until after March 15 I realised how crucial those relationships would be."
