Merry Christmas! Keep safe out there - New Zealand … · Merry Christmas! Keep safe out there ... Something you tell to one person at a time. ... Bank is available on the Police

VOLUME 41 • NUMBER 11 • DECEMBER 2008

The Voice of Police

Merry Christmas!Keep safe out thereduring the holidays

■ ASSOCIATION HOSTS ICPRA CONFERENCE■ 74TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE COVERAGE■ NATIONAL’S 10-POINT ACTION PLAN UNVEILED

PoliceNews The Voice of Police

December 2008266

NZ Police Association Police News is the magazine of the New Zealand Police Association and incorporates the New Zealand Police Journal fi rst published in 1937.

Editor: Steve Plowman

December 2008, Vol. 41, No.11

ISSN 1175-9445

Deadline for next issue Thursday, January 15, 2009.

Published by the New Zealand Police Association P.O. Box 12344, Willbank House, 57 Willis Street, Wellington. Phone: (04) 496 6800, Facsmile: (04) 471 1309

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.policeassn.org.nz

Printed by City Print Communications, Wgtn.

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Association.

COPYRIGHT: NZPA Police News must not be reproduced in part or as a whole without the formal consent of the copyright holder - the New Zealand Police Association.

Changes to ratification proceduresfor Collective Agreements - p269

Contents

VOLUME 41 • NUMBER 11 • DECEMBER 2008VOLUMEVOLUMEVOLUMEVOLUME 444 4 NUMBNUMBER 11ER 11ER 11 •• • DECEMBDECEMBEREER 2008008 20084141 •41 • N N

The Voice of Police

THE 10-POINT ACTION PLAN MAN

278

FAREWELLING TUI – OUR OWN ACTION WOMAN

283

THE ACTION IS ALL DOWN HILL FROM HERE

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• Front page: Christmas time: The traditional Christmas tree has its ‘roots’ in Christianity. Almost a thousand years ago Saint Boniface, who converted the German people to Christianity, was said to have come across a group of pagans worshipping an oak tree. In anger, St Boniface is said to have cut down the oak tree and to his amazement a young fir tree sprung up from the roots of the oak tree. St Boniface took this as a sign of the Christian faith. But it was not until the 16th century that fir trees were brought indoors at Christmas time. Of course, for police officers, Christmas means a very busy and sometimes potentially dangerous time – so be careful out there and come home safe this holiday season.

From the President 267

The comedian in the Police 268

Sick Leave Bank 268

Changes to ratification procedures for Collective Agreements 269

Police Association hosts international policing conference 270-273

Police Health Plan compares favourably with other plans 273

Judith Collins named as new Police Minister 273

The 73rd Annual Conference of the Police Association 274/284

The Devils Are Here (Book review) 284

View from the bottom 285

Keen on Wine 285

Sports News 286/290

Holiday home availability 290

Memorial Wall 290

Home buying hints from The National Bank 291

Special offer – 6 months free home insurance 291

Letters to the Editor 292/293

Quotes of the month 293

Two new retailers for Member Discounts Scheme 294

Special accommodation offer for members 294

Fancy some free movie tickets? 294

Copper’s crossword 295

New Zealand Police Association

267December 2008

All the best to all of

you from all of us

The management, directors and staff of the Police Association and its subsidiaries extend to all readers, members and retired members and

their families their very best wishes for a safe and prosperous Christmas and New Year. Be careful out there…

Going the distancein the tough timesThese are volatile times: house prices are dropping, interest rates down, petrol prices fluctuating madly, unemployment up, and in the middle of it all a new Government.

Life will go on, the sun will still come up but it is important we constantly evaluate the consequences of these changes to our world. The economic ones are pretty much out of our control. Although the conservative manner in which we run our Association and other businesses means we are in good shape financially, and will be able to continue to do whatever is necessary to best represent members.

Politically it is another story. We not only can but must maintain our role as credible and well-informed commentators on all things policing to ensure the voice of police is heard when decisions are being made.

We welcome and congratulate the new Government and look forward to helping

them implement the policies and other promises made prior to the General Election.

We strictly maintain our political neutrality, being careful to support policies and not political parties.

We enjoyed a very good relationship with the previous Minister of Police who took up our suggestions to look at policing models outside the United Kingdom, a place with whose policing we seem to have developed an unhealthy obsession. Importantly, Annette King was highly ranked in Cabinet and in a position to push changes through Government.

We only really “fell out” over the banning of police from standing for council. Ron Mark and NZ First forced that on Labour. It would be nice to think the small percentage NZ First were short of their 5% threshold was a result of alienating police officers unnecessarily.

Other than that, we enjoyed mutual trust with a very capable Minister.

We look forward to having the same

relationship with the incoming Minister of Police, Judith Collins. We will be briefing her on the realities of policing today as seen by the members, such information not having been first put through the bureaucratic sieve.

We have noted the pre-election promises and will be monitoring and steering their progress, including extra staff for Auckland, but not at the expense of the rest of the country.

If we are to face tough economic times, people must feel physically reassured and it cannot be an opportunity for criminals. More, not less public policing becomes essential, especially as the funding reduces in society for private security. We may be about to discover how much of the policing shortfall has been taken up by the private sector.

I can’t help thinking that New Zealand is going to be a very good place to be over the next few years as the world adjusts to the new economic order. We as police can do our bit by keeping it safe. Our role is to ensure we have the tools to do it.

Have a great Christmas. Although most of us will be working at some stage, at least know that by keeping the idiots and criminals under control, you are making it better for everyone else.

“We have noted the pre-election promises and will be monitoring and steering their progress, including extra staff for Auckland, but not at the expense of the rest of the country.”

Some ‘interesting’ definitionsADULT: A person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle.BEAUTY PARLOUR: A place where women curl up and dye.CANNIBAL: Someone who is fed up with people. CHICKENS: The only animals you eat before they are born and after they are dead. COMMITTEE: A body that keeps minutes and wastes hours.

DUST: Mud with the juice squeezed out. EGOTIST: Someone who is usually me-deep in conversation. HANDKERCHIEF: Cold storage. INFLATION: Cutting money in half without damaging the paper. MOSQUITO: An insect that makes you like flies better. RAISIN: A grape with sunburn.

SECRET: Something you tell to one person at a time. SKELETON: A bunch of bones with the person scraped off. TOOTHACHE: The pain that drives you to extraction. TOMORROW: One of the greatest labour-saving devices of today. YAWN: An honest opinion openly expressed. WRINKLES: Something other people have, similar to my character lines.

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There are clearlypeople in Policewho are futurecomediansPicture if you would the scene…

Local Traffic Alcohol Group (TAG), Traffic Safety Unit (TSU) and Road Policing staff from Porirua near Wellington waiting at the Plimmerton Weigh Station to assist police recruits from the nearby Royal New Zealand Police College on a large check point.

This was to later prove particularly successful, including the apprehension of gang members who had just stolen a car in Petone, the discovery of drugs and the usual drink driver/disqualified driver who happened to chance their arm, along with numerous vehicle and driver licence offences.

The recruits from the nearby Police College would normally turn up in College vehicles but not so on this particular night as all the College vehicles were fully booked.

This necessitated the booking of several rental vans (one is pictured).

So a small convoy of marked police vehicles arrived shepherding a line of rental vans jammed full with enthusiastic new cops in hi-visibility jackets.

For one of the old cops witnessing the scene, the irony of the clearly displayed company logo on the rental vans did not escape him and had him grinning from ear to ear as to the unwitting comedian who chose the rental company.

Sick Leave Bank draw downA Sick Leave Bank for all sworn staff has been operating successfully for over 20 years.

All sworn members fund the Sick Leave Bank. Each member contributes a half or full days annual leave from time to time. The bank allows sworn members to apply to an Approval Committee for additional paid sick leave when their own sick leave entitlement has been exhausted. The Sick Leave Bank can also be used to support a family member who through illness becomes dependent on the member.

Approval CommitteeThe Sick Leave Bank Approval Committee (SLBAC) is made up of representatives from:

• Manager, Police Wellness (Chair);

• Police Human Resources;

• Finance/Salaries Section; and

• The Police Service Organisations (currently Peter Hayes, the Manager of the Police Welfare Fund).

Applications to the Sick Leave Bank should be made in the first instance to your local District HR Administration. Further information on the Sick Leave Bank is available on the Police Intranet.

ApplicationsEach application is considered by the SLBAC on its merits and takes into account the member’s diagnosis, prognosis, rehabilitation plan (if applicable), and his or her likelihood to return to work. The committee may also take into account the nature of the staff member’s previous sick leave usage and other current leave totals.

Specifically, where an application is made to support a sick dependant, the committee will consider the circumstances and contribution made by the member’s partner or other family members before considering approving sick leave from the Sick Leave Bank.

June 2006 for last draw downThe last drawn down for the Sick Leave Bank was in June 2006, and that allocation has now been exhausted.

A further draw down of half a day of leave from all sworn members leave balances will take place on February 18, 2009.

Based on current usage, it is expected this draw down will be sufficient to meet applications approved by the committee for at least two years.

If you have any queries about the Sick Leave Bank please direct them to your local HR administration, or a Police Association representative.

Have you moved recently?If you have moved or perhaps are about to, please let us know so we can update your records.You can do this by:• writing to us at PO Box 12344;• calling us on free phone 0800 500 122;• faxing us on (04) 496 6819; or• Emailing us at:

[email protected] NEED TO LET US KNOW YOUR

MEMBERSHIP NUMBER, NEW ADDRESS AND IF YOU’RE A SERVING MEMBER

- YOUR NEW STATION.


269December 2008

Changes to ratificationprocedures for theCollective AgreementsCurrent ratification procedures for Collective Agreements are provided for in the Association Rules, where a series of ratification meetings are held followed by voting by a show of hands. Where the majority of the members (50% plus one) who attend these meetings agree to accept, the new Collective Agreement is ratified.

Members must attend a meeting to vote. There are no special votes, proxy votes or absentee votes.

The NZPA Annual Conference - the ultimate decision making authority of the Association - has from time to time reviewed ratification procedures, especially whether electronic voting should be introduced. These reviews culminated with the 2007 Conference directing the Association Executive”…to review the pay ratification system, with the view of making a recommendation on appropriate options to the Board of Directors by 31 March 2008. The recommendation could be for change or status quo, as long as it is researched and assessed properly”.

Options discussedTo give effect to this direction, a group of member activists met and discussed options. These ranged from retaining the status quo, to changing to complete electronic voting, as well as other alternatives. This group made a number of recommendations to the Board, which were endorsed, and then, as required by the Association Rules, considered and generally endorsed by members at Annual General Meetings in June to July 2008.

Subsequently, Conference considered these recommendations this year and has approved the following process to ratify Collective Agreements and variations to the collectives.

(a) As a general principle, members need to attend a ratification meeting to vote.

(b) However, it was also accepted that for some members there are major difficulties in attending a ratification meeting and there

should be provision for two classes of special votes.

(c) The two classes of special votes should be:

• Members who can reasonably anticipate they will be absent on the notified date of their meetings.

• Members who at short notice are unable to attend a meeting and no alternative meeting can be reasonably attended.

Shift work and days off were considered by Conference to NOT be reason enough for a special vote.

(d) All requests for a special vote are by way of an application form. This is to be completed by the member and submitted to the National Secretary or an alternative person approved by the Board, who will consider each application on its merits.

(e) Voting at ratification meetings will change from a show of hands to a secret ballot.

(f) All votes, including special votes, will be counted at National Office, and the result will not be declared until all votes, including special votes, are counted. Only then will the result be known and declared. Therefore, the vote at each meeting will not be declared at the meeting.

(g) The majority required to ratify will remain 50% plus one of the total votes cast, including special votes.

RegistrationThe necessary specific rule changes required to give effect to the above changes and to make a slight amendment to Standing Orders, have been approved by Conference and have been submitted to the Registrar of Incorporated Societies for registration.

The rule changes will take effect once registered and will be used for the first time for the ratification of the Collective Agreement currently being negotiated covering inspectors and non-sworn equivalents.

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Police Association hosts internationalpolicing conferenceThe New Zealand Police Association recently hosted the biennial conference of the International Council of Police Representative Associations (ICPRA) in Wellington from 19-22 October.

NZ Police Association President Greg O’Connor was re-elected chairman of ICPRA, the first time a chairman has been re-elected to the position. Traditionally, the chairman’s position is rolled over to another member country every two years.

ICPRA is an international organisation representing the interests of more than 1.5 million law enforcement officers around the world. Delegates from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, North America, Australasia and South Africa attended the Wellington conference.

Internationalisation“Policing has an increasingly international element. Serious crime such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and child pornography is often trans-national. Threats to national security frequently have international roots. International co-operation and co-ordination is now a basic requirement of policing these kinds of crimes,” Mr O’Connor said.

“At the same time, developed nations like New Zealand are increasingly called on to contribute policing experience and expertise offshore, through United Nations (UN) and other multilateral missions, to places like Afghanistan, the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor). European ICPRA members are now expected to deploy civilian police into the disputed Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia following the recent withdrawal of Russian troops.

Foreign aid“International requirements are shaping the development of police forces around the world, including in New Zealand, in ways that are only now beginning to be fully understood,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Many of the decisions driving internationalisation are made by politicians and career diplomats, for whom police are rapidly becoming simply another tool of foreign policy. ICPRA aims to give police officers an effective voice, to ensure their unique knowledge of policing is taken into account and their interests are protected.

The theme at this year’s conference was ‘Advancing ICPRA’.

Sessions explored the drivers of the internationalisation of policing, global trends in restructuring of police forces, and how police associations can respond to such future challenges.

Mr O’Connor said the conference was very successful. “As well as building stronger foundations for international co-operation between police asscoiations in future, the conference provided an opportunity for police associations from around the world to compare experiences on many of the common issues we face, such as Tasers and the increasing civilianisation of police,” he said.

• Terry Spence (Police Federation of Northern Ireland)

• Armando Ferreira (Portuguese National Police Union)

• John Hosking (Cooks Islands Police Association) addresses the conference.

• Mpho Kwinika (South African Police Union) informs delegates at the 2008 ICPRA conference about the issues faced by South African Police.

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• Abbey Witbooi (Police & Prisons Civil Rights Union of South Africa) • Jan Schonkeren (European Confederation of Police).

• Vince Kelly (Police Federation of Australia). • Charles Momy (Canadian Police Association).

• Norrie Flowers (Scottish Police Federation).

• Peter Ibsen (Police Union of Denmark).

• Alex Robertson (British Transport Police Federation).

• Steve Smith (Police Federation of England & Wales).

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Mayoral reception for ICPRA repsDelegates attending the 2008 ICPRA (International Council of Police Representative Associations) conference, hosted by the NZ Police Association in Wellington, were invited to attend a mayoral reception in the Wellington City Council chambers, hosted by Mayor Kerry Prendergast. Ms Prendergast took the time to welcome the international visitors and provided them with a brief history of the council chamber building and the mayors who had preceded her, referring to each of their portraits on the wall.

• Chris Pentecost (CEO, NZ Police Association), Vince Kelly (Police Federation of Australia), Mark Burgess (Police Federation of Australia) and Charles Momy (Canadian Police Association).

• NZ Police Association President Greg O’Connor with her worship the Mayor of Wellington, Kerry Prendergast.

• Cameron Pope (Police Federation of Australia) and Steve Smith (Police Federation of England & Wales).

• Ian Leavers (Police Federation of Australia), Stu Mills (NZ Police Association) and Cameron Pope (Police Federation of Australia).

• Abbey Witbooi (Police & Prisons Civil Rights Union of South Africa) and John Hosking (Cook Islands Police Association).

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Police Health Plan comparesfavourably with other plans Every couple of years Consumer NZ does an exercise assessing both the value of individual premiums charged by providers of health insurance.

After summarising 10 “need to knows” points about health insurance, consistent with previous years Consumer identified the advantages of health insurance as including:

• Having cover available when needed;

• Thereby not having to go on a waiting list;

• Choosing your own specialist; and

• Scheduling the time and date of a procedure to suit you;

Included among the negatives of health insurance were:

• Premiums can be expensive;

• And escalate with age;

• Pre-existing conditions may not be covered; and

• Benefits do not always cover the full cost of treatment.

HSO policiesConsumer also assessed hospital and surgical only (HSO) policies, and an HSO policy with additional benefits from eight different providers across a number of different consumer profiles. With different premium and benefit structures, exclusions and excesses such comparisons can be difficult. Notwithstanding the differences, Consumer identified and recommended specific providers for each of the member profiles. As membership of the Police Health Plan is closed to the general public, Consumer do not include us in the comparisons, so we do our own comparisons based on the Consumer recommendations.

The various member profiles used were:

• A couple both aged 54;

• A retiree aged 65;

• A solo parent aged 48 with two children (14 and 17);

• A couple, both aged 41 with two children (eight and 10 years); and

• A single adult aged 30.

PHP significantly cheaperWhen compared against the recommended HSO policy premiums with no excess, the Police Health Plan Surgical Only policy, due to our premium structure, was significantly cheaper for the first three member categories (couple aged 54, retiree aged 65 and solo parent with two children). Our premiums for the family were very similar to the recommended product and more expensive for the 30-year-old single adult member (with the comparison improving in our favour as the member ages).

We have consistently stated we believe Police Health Plan provides the most economic long-term health insurance available. From the information in this Consumer report, we feel this remains unchanged.

Judith Collins namedas new Police MinisterJudith Collins is the new Minister of Police, replacing Labour’s Annette King, who had been in the role for three and a half years.

Prime Minister John Key announced on 17 November that Mrs Collins would be taking on the role.

Ms Collins is a highly qualified and experienced lawyer. She was previously a company director prior to being elected to the constituency seat of Clevedon in 2002.

She holds Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws (with Honours) and Master of Taxation degrees by the University of Auckland. Ms Collins, who has over 20 years experience as a lawyer, had been Chair of the Casino Control Authority, President of the Auckland District Law Society, Vice-President of the New Zealand Law Society and a public company director and chairperson before becoming an MP.

Ranked at No. 7She is ranked at number seven in the new Cabinet and while National were in Opposition had responsibility for four portfolios, Social Welfare, Veterans’ Affairs, Families and Pacific Island Affairs. She was also Deputy Chair of the Social Services Select Committee. The Police Association has congratulated Ms Collins on her appointment.

“The Police Association has enjoyed positive, constructive relationships with past Police Ministers and also with the National Party’s spokespeople on Law and Order and Police, Simon Power and Chester Borrows. We look forward to building a similarly constructive relationship with Ms Collins in her new role,” said Police Association Vice-President Chris Cahill.

Practical experience to impart“The practical policing experience and expertise the Police Association can access can be extremely valuable to a Police Minister who is willing to listen. In considering any new idea, the first question should always be ‘will this actually work’? Frontline police officers are best placed to answer that question,” he added.

Mr Cahill noted Ms Collins’ senior Cabinet ranking, saying it recognises the importance of the role and reflects the seriousness of the challenges facing police.

“High-ranking Cabinet Ministers are in a strong position to argue for resources during budget rounds. Tougher economic conditions are likely to increase demands on police at the very time public sector budgets are being squeezed. Police will be counting on Ms Collins to put their case very strongly,” he said.

• Judith Collins

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The 73nd Annual Conference of the NZ Police Association was held in Wellington from 29-31 October. International guest speakers joined with the Leader of the Opposition John Key, Police Minister Annette King and Commissioner of Police Howard Broad for the conference. The following articles capture the flavour of the conference’s three days.

President emphasises importance of Police engagement with their communities By Bex Shannon, Association Communications Assistant

Police Association President, Greg O’Connor, addressed conference delegates, international guests and other dignitaries about the issues surrounding “Police as Community” – the conference theme.

Mr O’Connor said that New Zealand police officers are “in danger of losing their connection to New Zealand society in a very fundamental way” due to the erosion of public trust in policing over recent years.

Principles of policingHe started by referring to the “Peel Principles” – nine principles of effective and ethical policing laid out by Sir Robert Peel, the forefather of modern policing – and said that the cornerstone of these principles is the idea of policing ‘by consent’.

“In other words, we are only able to act effectively as police because society acknowledges the need for us to do so. The community consents to be policed, because they trust and respect us to do the job fairly and impartially.”

However, Mr O’Connor said that criticisms from the public and armchair critics via coverage in the media, politics and talkback radio programmes are damaging and driving a wedge between police and the public.

Public criticisms“A running commentary of negativity and sniping has become standard whenever there is police use of force – long before the facts are known. Mistakes or misconduct by an individual officer are immediately generalised to tar all police as corrupt or incompetent.”

The Waitara shooting, the Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct and the recent Whakatane cellblock case, were all examples of situations when police had been unfairly lambasted for their actions and their name dragged through the media circus.

“It is no wonder that police are facing more abuse, taunts and violent assaults at work than ever before.”

Affecting youthMr O’Connor said that in recent years the media has sent a number of negative messages to New Zealand’s young people that undermine respect and trust in police, and respect for police authority. Messages like:

• If you drive fast enough, police have to let you go;

• You can swear and spit at police and they have to put up with it;

• If you’re under 16, they can’t touch you;

• If a police officer arrests you, it’s okay to get in as many punches as you can before they manage to cuff you;

• If police have to use force, or – God forbid – pepper spray, that’s a breach of your human rights and you can sue; and

• If you get arrested, you can take revenge by prosecuting the police officer that arrested you.

Erosion of respectMr O’Connor said that nothing has been done to stop this erosion of respect:

“These messages are being reinforced, because the default position now is, that spurious allegations against police are taken seriously despite the evidence.

Allegations are aired in the media, regardless of their merits. The names and reputations of good cops are dragged through the mud and the Police administration says and does nothing in their defence.”

Mr O’Connor acknowledged that because of the negative public perception of police, many officers were reluctant to tell their neighbours what they do for a living.

Reluctance to integrate“Police don’t want to go for an off-duty drink at their local pub because we are actually more vulnerable than anyone else. Not only is it more likely that some drunken idiot will have a go but if we stand up for ourselves, it’s likely to be career threatening.”

• Police Association President Greg O’Connor, who addressed delegates with a speech on the conference theme of “Police as Community”. He emphasised the importance of re-integrating police officers into their communities, both on and off-duty, in order to gain the respect needed to police ‘by consent’.

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He said that police must consciously move to re-engage their communities or they risk losing the ability to police ‘by consent’. That means police must become part of the community in which they live, work, and play. It also means ensuring they are properly trained, paid and equipped to do their job with pride.

“It is about a society and the Police administration, whose leaders show they trust and respect police officers, and value the work they do in the community – on and off-duty.”

Supportive Police administration requiredMr O’Connor said the recent move to ban police officers from serving on local councils is a prime example of police officers being separated from

society with unfair and unnecessary restrictions on their personal rights.

He said Police needs an administration and policies that support and empower police officers to deal with attacks of varying nature: physical, verbal, in the media or through vexatious litigation.

In closing, Mr O’Connor sent a potent message to those members of the public and the armchair critics who are so quick to second-guess police actions: “You weren’t called out to do your duty at 3 a.m. You didn’t have to make the decision, right then, right there, in the heat of the moment. You weren’t there. If you had been, you’d probably have called the Police.”

“You weren’t called out to do your duty at 3 a.m. You didn’t

have to make the decision, right then, right there, in

the heat of the moment. You weren’t there. If you had been, you’d probably have called the

Police.”

- Police Association President Greg O’Connor’s message to those members

of the public and the armchair critics who are so quick to second-guess

police actions.

Police Commissioner is optimistic about the future of policing, despite future challengesBy Bex Shannon, Association Communications Assistant

Police Commissioner, Howard Broad, told Conference delegates that policing has progressed significantly over the course of his 33-year career and he believes it will continue to do so, even in the face of an increasing number of challenges.

Improvements to PoliceCommissioner Broad said he believed there is a “fair degree of optimism and positivity in the Police at this point in time”. He cited a number of improvements that had occurred in recent years, including an increase in staff numbers and improvements in the terms and conditions for Police employees.

“We continue to improve our call answering, our responses to call for services improves, our clearance rate in some key crime areas are also holding up and the road toll is trending the right way for now.”

He also acknowledged that while Police are never completely off the media radar, there has been less negativity in stories printed recently.

A time of great changeCommissionerr Broad said NZ Police is going through a time of great change. The population growth in Auckland places increasing pressure on Police, especially in the Counties-Manukau area, and significant time and resources will be devoted to the development of Police capability to deal with more serious crimes and criminal enterprises.

He said that work from the Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct is progressing steadily and that the new Policing Act, the revision of Regulations under the Act, the Code of Conduct and the employment of Employment Relations Managers now provide “a more healthy approach to dealing with performance and conduct issues within the Police”.

Financial challengesHowever, with the current financial crisis, Commissioner Broad told conference that he anticipated considerable pressure will come onto Police costs. In the past, staff wage rises were funded out of economic growth, but in the future they may instead come from reprioritised expenditure or efficiencies in other areas.

He said demand for Police services was also likely to increase in times of economic downturn: “With greater pressure there will be more conflict and violence, and more burglaries, thefts and robberies amongst other things. We can anticipate being asked to do more with less, again”. However, Commissioner Broad also said he feels the Police are quite “well-placed” to meet these challenges.

Backbone of PoliceReflecting on the nature of policing in his early career, Commissioner Broad said he had seen a huge amount of “very” positive change in the organisation - the office of constable was now an “important position with critical discretionary powers”. He said the office of constable provides the backbone of “an organisation that will increasingly need to respond to changing circumstances flexibly and rapidly”, and will step up in two key areas:

• Those roles in which there is a need for a wide assessment of the problem that is being presented, i.e. response/incident staff; and

• Where the role of a police officer is as incident, investigation or operation tactician - planning and executing Police operations with an eye on the most appropriate outcome i.e. detectives.

Relationships key to successCommissioner Broad also cited ‘relationships’ – both internal and external - as being pertinent to the future success of policing in New Zealand. He said that most issues, disciplinary or public issues affecting police officers, could be avoided if relationships are well managed.

Mr Broad said one relationship he wished to strengthen was that between the Police and the Police Association: “In my view we require a deeper understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities and commitments to work not collegially but in a more integrated way. For this to occur we must both find a way for this to work.”

• Commissioner of Police, Howard Broad, addresses conference about significant changes to NZ Police, including the new Policing Act, and what challenges the organisation will face in the coming years.

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Long-term influencesCommissioner Broad told conference that there are three key influences that will impact on policing in the longer term:

• Technology and how it will enable a member of the public to have more say in what Police are doing for them. For example, it is possible that speed enforcement could go entirely electronic and if this is the case, are police the best people to be managing this function “given the angst we generate around the use of officer discretion in the speed enforcement area?”;

• Public expectations will continue to rise. The public will demand seamless performance of business processes such as crime reporting, vetting, and the administration of victims’ services required under statute, as well as ‘highly-customised’ treatment in any personal dealings with the Police. “Attempting to meet these expectations through the ‘one size fits all’ approach to policing that we have traditionally operated, carries immense risk to the Police and also to individual police staff.”; and

• The ability of the public to contract a security company or private investigator to have a quasi-Police function

performed. “The relationship between the private and public Police models in New Zealand is an uneasy one – in the longer term I think this area will be the subject of fairly rigorous debate – and I don’t think the Police ought to shrink from that debate.”

surrounding the Act, including the provision for a new category of Police employee – the ‘authorised officer’ - as outlined in Policing Act Part 2, Section 24. The Act limits the authorised officer to four roles within Police: jailer or escort; police guard; specialist crime investigator; and police transport enforcement officer.

Expert employeesCommissioner Broad said the legislation enables the Police to employ the experts it needs and allows the organisation to pool the many talents needed to face future challenges: “We would be very lucky to find people with these skills – or even these interests – coming through the regular Police College route. Those fields are developing faster than we could train recruits to become experts in them.”

He said work was being done on designing a unique but distinctly ‘Police’ uniform for authorised officers to wear while on duty, that would be clearly distinguishable from a constable’s uniform. Commissioner Broad said the new Act also “strengthens the independence and impartiality of the constable”.

He closed by acknowledging all the good work that is being done by people in the Police. “I look forward to more in the future.”

“With greater pressure there will be more conflict and violence,

and more burglaries, thefts and robberies amongst other things. We can anticipate being asked to

do more with less, again”.

New Act facilitates changeMr Broad told conference that the introduction of the new Policing Act was this year’s biggest change for the Police organisation. The Act, which should cover Police for the next 20 to 30 years, will have “significant and positive repercussions for many years to come”.

“This is a long time in today’s world so the legislation is flexible, it is progressive and most importantly it offers some protection against the risks which may confront us during that significant period of time.”

There has been some controversy

International guests address NZPA Annual ConferenceTo conclude the 73rd Police Association Annual Conference, representatives from several Australian police jurisdictions spoke about a range of issues currently affecting them. Below is a brief rundown of some issues of interest that arose.

Employment difficultiesMick Standing, Treasurer of the Police Association of South Australia, told Conference that while police numbers are higher than ever before, police are still finding it difficult to fill positions in remote areas, despite offering lucrative remuneration packages. Police housing in remote areas is also a problem, with a number of houses built as early as 1901, being completely run down. The South Australian Police Force is currently trialling Tasers, which the Association is fighting “tooth and nail” to have deployed.

Commissioner suspendedAngela Smith, Assistant General Secretary of

the Police Association of Tasmania, said that the Tasmania Police Commissioner was recently suspended on full pay. He was arrested four weeks prior to Conference and charged with disclosing official secrets to the Minister and Premier regarding an investigation that was being conducted by Police, on matters directly relating to them. The Commissioner has pleaded not guilty and opted to go directly to the Supreme Court. The matter has been adjourned until February 2009 for arraignment.

Standards of recruitmentTony King, Executive Member of the Police Association of New South Wales, told Conference that Police are having problems with their recruitment academy. The standard of recruits coming out of the academy has been steadily declining, so Police have implemented curfews to curb late night antics amongst recruits. The former marine who was running the

academy has also been replaced. New South Wales Police were recently issued with Tasers, but only 229 for more than 15,000 police. Duty officers and sergeants will be the only members of Police trained to use the device. Queensland Police have also decided to issue staff with Tasers and are currently waiting on 4,000 of the devices to be issued to operational police.

Tasers issuedPeter Potthoff, Director of the Police Association of Western Australia, said that to accommodate a growing number of tactical devices, including recently issued Tasers, police officers have been issued with thigh holsters. Western Australian Police tend - unlike other Australasian Police jurisdictions - not to ‘trial’ new gear but instead just go ahead and get it. They have all manner of protection devices and uniforms available to staff including, cargo pants, duty pants, caps, and formal hats, and are planning on installing vehicle systems that contain

• Peter Potthoff (Director, Police Association of Western Australia).

• Mick Standing (Treasurer, Police Association of South Australia).

• Angela Smith (Assistant General Secretary, Police Association of Tasmania).

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December 2008

Police need to be ‘part’ of their community, says Waitakere Mayor

• Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey speaks to conference about the importance of encouraging police to be part of their community – standing on councils, playing in local sports teams, and being visible in the local community.

A man described by Police Association President Greg O’Connor as the “kaumatua of metropolitan mayors”, spoke to Conference delegates about the importance of encouraging police officers to be part of the communities they live in.

Waitakere Mayor, Bob Harvey, who has been leader of his city for 16 years, said that integrating police into the community had helped Waitakere to change from a ‘Wild West’ – an “unsafe and unpleasant place to go” - into a prospering, and relatively peaceful place to live.

Council and police relationshipPresenting a series of photos depicting police ‘in their communities’ – marching in street parades, interacting with local people, playing in local sports teams, and being generally visible – Mr Harvey demonstrated the links between the council and the Police and the impact the relationship has had on Waitakere city.

When he was first elected mayor in October 1992, Mr Harvey went straight to the police station to talk to the Area Commander about what the important “issues” were and how they could “get it right” in Waitakere. He said that since that first meeting with the commander, the council had a relationship which was “second to none” - “a community relationship, between Police and a city”.

“At all times police were invited to be part of the council procedure. Coming to council, doing submissions and being consulted.”

Improvement initiativesDuring his time as mayor, Mr Harvey has helped to implement a range of initiatives that improve the lives of Waitakere citizens and improve their relationship with police.

These include, welcoming members of migrant communities onto an ‘ethnic’ board within the city council, creating a Memorandum of Understanding for Pacific people, creating the first Maori standing

Honesty and trust“At the top, the mayor has got to relate to the Police commander and there has to be an honesty and an absolute trust between the Police system and the civvies. Councils cannot stay in their little box doing roads, rates and rubbish, we have to get out there and understand the world that you [police] exist in.”

Mr Harvey told conference he is disappointed that police officers have been banned from standing on local government bodies, due to newly passed legislation, and said they are vital representatives of the wider community.

Police on local government“I’ve got no issues with police being involved, and in fact if I can’t have them elected on to the council, I would appoint them to the council…I think it’s bizarre and just plain stupid. I think any council that is disadvantaged by a member of their Police Force not being allowed to be on council, should appoint them to their committees.”

Mr Harvey said that he is frustrated that many communities in New Zealand still don’t link with their police, and are stuck in a world of roads, rates and rubbish.

“So many mayors think it’s their job to bag police…not a lot is wrong with the Police, never has been. If you don’t work with the Police and the courts, and you don’t put in the social services, and you don’t in fact support police officers, then you’re not going to achieve what you need to,” he added.

committee, and starting a new domestic violence campaign – based on the ‘It’s not ok’ ads aired on television – featuring local celebrities and role models.

Police lift the pride and mana of a city, and that is of the utmost importance for council personnel. Members of the public needed to understand the world police live and work in, Mr Harvey said.

2009 Membership cardsCurrent membership cards, that, among other things, confirm entitlement to many of the great discounts through the Member Discounts Programme, expire on 31 December 2008.

Replacement cards for 2009 are being issued this month.

If you have not received your card by the end of December, please contact our Member Services Centre via the Police Network 44446 or (Wellington members 4966-800) or 0800 500 122, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday or you can Email them on: [email protected].

pictures and extensive details of people with previous convictions. Attrition is a problem in Western Australia and sits at around 7.5%. Currently, 47% of detectives are only in their first two years of experience.

Continuing the international theme, Jon White, from NZ Police gave a presentation on overseas deployments. Jon said that sending staff on deployments is an important function of the NZ Police and will remain so in the foreseeable future.

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December 2008

John Key unveils National’s Action Plan for Violent CrimeBy Steve Plowman, Editor, Police News

Just nine days out from a

General Election, the Leader

of the Opposition and Prime

Minister-in-waiting, John Key,

told Conference delegates

about National’s Action Plan for

Violent Crime.He said National are committed to a vision of the future where the “real issues that matter” - the economy, health services, education, and law and order – were given a strong focus.

Mr Key said that he shared “the real frustration of the vast majority of the public” that every day so many law-abiding New Zealanders have their lives and the lives of their friends and families, destroyed by violent criminals.

Clear viewsMembers of the public had quite a clear view on law and order issues. “They understand concepts like: Who is the offender? Who is the victim? Who is the law enforcement authority?”

”I sense that many New Zealanders are frustrated to see offenders treated with considerable care by our judicial system, victims treated so very poorly and law enforcement officers subjected to the most minute level of scrutiny for the actions they have taken, often under the most unbelievable pressure,” Mr Key said.

Mr Key said that he was grateful to police officers for having made the choice of career they had. “The solution partly rests with you as the frontline law enforcement officers in the New Zealand Police. You have within your hands a real ability to make a difference.” He said the other part of the solution rested with him and his parliamentary colleagues who made New Zealand’s laws.

He pledged a National Government would work hard to support Police making communities safer. He said a 47% increase in violent crime in the last nine years was

unacceptable and neither was a record level of assaults on police officers or the doubling of grievous assaults.

10-point planMr Key outlined the “10 urgent steps” National would take to turn policy into reality:

• The immediate introduction of legislation to clamp down on criminal gangs and the 'P' trade they support;

• Tackling increasing violent youth crime by immediately bolstering the Youth Court with a range of new interventions and sentences including extending its jurisdiction so it can deal with 12 and 13-year-olds accused of serious offences; allowing it to issue new orders requiring offenders to attend compulsory mentoring or drug and alcohol rehabilitation programmes, and requiring offenders' parents, together with their children, to attend parenting programmes. National would also introduce a new option of electronic monitoring for youth offenders released on supervision and introduce a 12-month 'supervision with activity' sentence called "Fresh Start". The Fresh Start programme will incorporate up to three months residential training at army-type facilities. Fresh Start will be

followed up with intensive mentoring to ensure offenders can put the lessons they've learned into action.

Mr Key promised to make the new laws “a matter of priority”. Additional funding for Youth Justice and Child, Youth and Family would be in the first Budget;

• A toughening of the bail laws to make it harder for criminals awaiting trial to get bail;

• Removal of the right of the worst repeat violent offenders to be released on parole including: Any offender who has been convicted twice for a violent offence and sentenced to five years or more will not be eligible for parole. The courts would be given an option to sentence an offender to life without parole;

• Training an additional 600 sworn frontline police from January next year. Ensuring that by the end of National’s first term of government that there is one police officer to every 500 New Zealanders. A “priority-boost” would be deployed in Counties-Manukau;

• Making it easier for police to catch and prosecute criminals by giving them the power to take DNA from every person arrested for an imprisonable offence;

• National Party Leader John Key addresses Conference while Law and Order spokesperson Chester Borrows listens intently.

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December 2008

DNA records would be required to be destroyed where charges are dropped or where suspects are found not guilty;

• Giving police officers the power to issue time-bound on-the-spot protection orders to help protect victims of domestic violence;

• An immediate introduction of a Victims’ Compensation Scheme funded by a levy on criminals;

• An increase in maximum sentences for offenders who commit acts of violence and abuse against children. This will involve an amendment to the Crimes and Sentencing Acts to increase sentences for assaulting a child, for manslaughter following a history of child abuse, for failure to provide the necessities of life, for child cruelty, and for wilful neglect of a child; and

• An increase in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and compulsory work programmes for prisoners.

No work, no paroleMr Key gave a commitment that in its first year in office a National Government would “make it absolutely explicit” that those prisoners who are able to work and refuse to do so would not be eligible for parole.

Mr Key said that by 31 December 2011, National would boost the number of

prisoners learning industry-based skills through Corrections Inmate Employment by at least 1,000. It would also double the number of prisoners who are able to receive intensive drug and alcohol treatment to 1,000 by the same year.

He said that as a country New Zealand had “failed to do enough to intercept young kids who are running off the rails and put them back on the rails.”

”When offenders are placed in our prisons, we fail to make any meaningful progress with rehabilitation or even to keep them free from the drugs that play a major part in much of their behaviour,” he added.

Failures compoundedHe said that failure was compounded by bail, sentencing and parole laws, which allowed hardened criminals back into communities when it is “abundantly obvious” that they will re-offend.

He said National’s Action Plan for Violent Crime would take “the practical steps necessary to start addressing these failures and to squarely face the challenge of escalating violent crime.”

Mr Key said he was keen to acknowledge “the very real and unique view that police officers have of their communities”. He added that National supported retaining police

officers being able to serve their communities in an elected position at local levels.

Mr Key said that his party “intended to back the people who wear the Police uniform.”

Expectations of professionalismIn tandem with that backing he would expect high standards of conduct and professionalism, an enforcement of the law without fear or favour and total political neutrality.

He also said that where police found the laws passed by Parliament to be deficient for these purposes, he wanted to hear “frankly and clearly what changes need to be made so we can make them work”.

He said it was time to bring common sense to attacking the way law and order problems “so seriously worry our communities”.

In closing Mr Key said that he “greatly valued and admired” the work that is done daily by police officers and that he would continue to value their input and would back them to do the job well.

“If I am elected by New Zealand to be Prime Minister, you, the New Zealand Police, will enjoy my strong personal support. And I most sincerely hope that with our combined attention to good law making and good policing we will be able to make a real difference,” he told the conference in closing.

• WE ARE AMUSED: National Party Law and Order spokesman Chester Borrows, National Party Leader John Key, Association President Greg O’Connor and Police Association Vice-President Stu Mills share a light-hearted moment after Mr Key suggested that a delegate should solve the concerns he had raised by “joining the National Party”.

280


December 2008

Association hopes new National Governmentwill institute Commission ofInquiry into Organised Criminal Gangs

By Steve Plowman, Editor, Police News

Then Police Minister Annette King announced to Conference that a Labour Government, if returned for a fourth term, would set up a Commission of Inquiry into Organised Criminal Gangs, something that has been on the Police Association’s wish list for several years.

Unless the incoming National Government decides to run with the idea the chances of such an inquiry coming to fruition may well have died with the General Election, which put Labour out of office nine days after the Minister’s announcement.

Police Association President Greg O’Connor welcomed the idea and said he hoped that an incoming National Government would see fit to implement it, as the problem remained no matter who held sway in Parliament.

Extent of organised crime unknown“We simply don’t know the full extent of organised crime penetration in New Zealand. But we do know we have a serious and growing problem with a violent street gang culture, especially amongst Maori and Pacific youth. We also know that traditional gangs such as the motorcycle gangs, ethnic gangs, and now the Asian organised crime influence, have extended their influence beyond the ‘poorer end of town’ on the back of the ‘P’ trade, and traditional rivalries are being replaced by syndication and franchising.”

“Gangs are getting smarter, richer, their sphere of influence is growing by the day, and the threat they pose is becoming ever more insidious.”

“Police are very good at investigating specific cases and have made some real inroads into specific gangs recently. But what we have lacked is the ability to build a real picture of the depth and breadth of the organised crime problem.

The big picture“A properly empowered inquiry, with commissioners empowered to compel evidence from the key players in organised crime – under shield of indemnity or anonymity, if necessary – will give us that big picture,” Mr O’Connor said.

“It will allow us to consider evidence on ways to tackle the threat, including drawing on experience from Australia and elsewhere, and produce meaningful recommendations to tackle the problem in a co-ordinated way.”

Ms King had promised a Commission that would be “a means of establishing the extent of gang involvement in organised crime and ways to stamp these out.” The proposed Commission would have drawn on both local and overseas expertise in relation to dealing with the gang problem.

Commission’s briefThe proposed Commission’s brief was to include a commitment to following the progress of South Australian gang legislation to determine if it is applicable in a New Zealand context. Under current South Australian legislation a gang can be outlawed by being “declared” as a criminal organisation by a court if the court feels an application by the Police has merit.

Control orders can then be made against individual members, making it illegal for them to associate or communicate with other members and from being in designated places.

Ms King said she had very much enjoyed her three years as Minister of Police. “It is not always easy for you or me but I appreciate and highly value the work done by the men and women who make up the New Zealand Police. I have been protective of your reputation, particularly against those who use our police officers to make political capital,” she said.

Community safetyMs King then spoke to the conference’s theme of “Police as Community”, saying it was “particularly apt” as the enhancement of community safety depended upon “an effective, well-equipped and highly-motivated Police organisation” adding that “equally the Police depend upon a motivated, caring and helpful community”.

“If ever a human relationship could be called symbiotic, then it is certainly the relationship between Police and the community,” she said.

Ms King said that people felt reassured when they saw police in their community. “They register the police presence and they feel safer,” she said. “Unfortunately, however, too often policing in the community is reduced to over-simplified solutions.”

Community policingThe Minister said she viewed ‘community policing’ as “our general duties staff, our CIB staff, our road policing staff and our community police, our organised crime investigators, our Maori, Pacific and other ethnic liaison staff, and our youth aid staff.”

Ms King said she was proud of Labour’s successful “home-grown” pilot programme in Counties-Manukau aimed at dealing with youth gangs and hoped that this would be extended to other districts. The Labour Government had funded a youth gang initiative involving youth workers, an integrated case management model and reception centres. The initiative involves Police, Justice, Education, Ministry of Social Development, Child Youth and Family, and local government.

Association contributionMs King praised the “immense contribution” the Police Association made to policing in New Zealand. “That contribution was particularly notable in terms of the new Policing Act, which is a great tribute to the work of NZ Police, your Association and of Parliament,” she said.

In closing Ms King returned to the conference theme “Police as Community” saying that Governments cannot solve all the issues she had discussed but that by working together with local authorities, community organisations and individuals “we could make our neighbourhoods as safe as we possibly can”.

• “If ever a human relationship could be called symbiotic, then it is certainly the relationship between Police and the community.” – Then Minister of Police, Annette King, addressing Conference.

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December 2008

CONFERENCE MOTIONS 2008CONFERENCE MOTIONS - ASSOCIATION RULE CHANGESAssociation Rule Changes – Rule 106 & 110(b)

MOVED Mr Cornell seconded Mr Logan to retain the status quo, 50% + 1 in terms of the majority required to ratify a Collective Agreement or variation.

Poll VoteFor 145

Against 72

CARRIED

New Rule 106MOVED Mr Aberhart, seconded Mr Lochrie that a new Collective Agreement will be ratified and accepted where the proposed Agreement is supported by not less than 50% +1 of the votes cast by members of the Association covered by the proposed agreement.

CARRIED

New Rule 107MOVED Mr McCoy seconded Mr Cornell

(a) Except for special votes voting will generally be by way of a secret ballot of members covered by the proposed Agreement and cast at meetings called specifically for the purpose of ratifying the proposed Collective Agreement.

(b) Numbered ballot papers will be distributed at each meeting at the conclusion of any explanation of the proposed Collective Agreement.

(c) A ballot box will remain open at each meeting until all members who attended the meeting have voted or for 30 minutes after distribution of the ballot papers, whichever occurs first.

(d) Once the ballot is closed all votes will be sealed in an envelope. The result of the meeting will not be declared until all ratification meetings are completed and all votes, including special votes, are counted.

CARRIED

New Rule 108MOVED Ms Hayes seconded Mr Hampton

(a) Members should make every endeavour to attend a ratification meeting.

(b) A member who has a bona fide reason for not being able to attend a ratification meeting may apply to the National Secretary for a special vote.

(c) Special votes will only be considered for members who:

• Can reasonably anticipate they will be absent on the notified date of their relevant meeting(s) or

• At short notice are unable to attend a meeting and no alternative meeting can reasonably be attended.

Days off or shift work will not of itself be reason for a special vote.

(d) The National Secretary is the sole arbiter in approving special votes and his/her decision is final.

Provided however the National Secretary may authorise an alternative person, this person to be approved by the Board of Directors, to approve special votes on his/her behalf.

CARRIED

New Rule 109MOVED Mr Cornell seconded Mr Logan

(a) A member who can reasonably anticipate they will be absent on the notified date of the meeting they would normally expect to attend must submit an application for a special vote in the prescribed form to the National Secretary prior to the ratification meetings commencing. Where a special vote is approved the National Secretary will make available relevant information to the member and the special vote ballot paper. A special vote must be submitted prior to the conclusion of all the ratification meetings.

(b) A member who, at short notice, is unable to attend a ratification meeting must submit an application for a special vote in the prescribed form to the National Secretary within three working days of the date of the meeting the member would normally have expected to attend. Where a special vote is approved, the National Secretary will make available relevant information to the member and the special vote ballot paper. A special vote must be submitted within two working days of being approved.

CARRIED


(a) All votes by secret ballot at ratification meetings will be counted and collated along with all special votes.

(b) A Collective Agreement will be ratified where not less than 50 percent + 1 one of the total votes cast by members of the Association covered by the proposed agreement are in favour of accepting the settlement.

CARRIED


(a) The ratification procedure for a variation to a Collective Agreement will, for a matter affecting members generally, be the same procedure as in Rules 106-107-108-109-110.

Provided, however, where the variation will only affect one or more defined group(s) of members only the members directly affected will be entitled to vote to accept, or not accept, the variation. The ratification procedure will be that provided for in Rule 111(a) or an alternative ratification procedure, such as by postal vote or electronic vote, as determined by the Board of Directors.

CARRIED

Standing Order 5MOVED Mr Cornell seconded Mr Logan

Except for the ratification of Collective Agreements and Variations, voting shall be by a show of hands, and it shall be compulsory for all members present to vote on the question before the meeting.

Voting for the ratification of Collective Agreements and Variations shall be as prescribed in the Association Rules.

CARRIED

CONFERENCE MOTIONSPolice officers right to stand for local body officeMOVED Mr Aberhart seconded Mr Lochrie that Conference directs National Office to engage with key

politicians to revisit and have removed the part of the Policing Act, which prevents police officers standing for local body office.

CARRIED

Arrest of members for criminal mattersMOVED Mr Whitley seconded Mr Logan that Conference directs National Office to write to the Commissioner to express concern that some Districts unnecessarily arrest members for criminal matters, despite the fact such proceedings should be initiated by way of Summons (pursuant to s22 NZ Bill of Rights Act 1990) - no arbitrary arrest.

CARRIED

Auckland staffingMOVED Mr Logan, seconded Mr Cornell that this conference directs that National Office takes all practical steps to engage the incoming Police Minister to urgently address the Auckland staffing issues by obtaining Cabinet approval to fund an increase of staff-to-population ratio to that of the NZ national average by 2011.

CARRIED

MOVED Mr Thompson seconded Mr Hampton and further, that the national staff-to-population ratio of the NZ Police to be increased to the same ratio as the Queensland Police Service by 2015.

AMENDMENT IS CARRIED

Life MembershipMOVED Mr Cornell seconded Mr Aberhart that Conference does not endorse Life Membership nomination for (Retired Superintendent) Alec Waugh.

CARRIED

Driving Committee determination re police traffic accidents MOVED Mr Cuff seconded Mr Reid that this Conference directs that National Office engage with PNHQ to challenge the legality and/or current operation practises of District Professional Driving Committees; in particular with respect to processes and requirements now in force under the Code of Conduct.

CARRIED

Police Act /uniformsMOVED Mr Smith seconded Mr Rowe that National office takes all actions to ensure that there is sufficient differentiation (in the uniforms) between the office of constable and authorised officers so that the public is not confused in any way as to the powers of the officer.

CARRIED

Study leave for internal Police papersMOVED Ms Hayes seconded Mr Doocey that Conference directs National Office to actively seek an introduction of study leave for internal promotional papers commensurate with the amount of work required for those papers.

CARRIED

Study leave for internal Police papersMOVED Ms Hayes seconded Mr Doocey that Conference directs National Office to seek a review of the practical duties paper at all levels.

CARRIED

282


December 2008

Former Association Director awarded Life MembershipFormer Association Director Mark Leys is the recipient of this year’s

Life Membership award, which was presented to him at the Police

Association‘s Annual Conference dinner in October.

The award acknowledges his services to the NZ Police Association and its members, over many years. Police Association President, Greg O’Connor, presented the award to Mr Leys, who he described as “one of nature’s characters”. Mr O’Connor recited a poem, featured below, that he wrote to mark Mr Leys’ achievement.

Old Grey BeardYou always knew he’d been, noticed the beard or the tie,the Mark Leys brand is a strong one, for golden arches-type recognition he’d vie.

Twas in South Auckland he made his name,although Manurewa boy he is not,his private school education,he used to improve society’s lot.

Smart bosses realised his value,his Association role helped to get the job done,Brion Duncan and Peter Marshall,were two who gave him his head to run.

Mark joined the Association from the start,he put Papakura on the map,any visitor from the Wellington office,was put to the sword by the bearded chap.

“More staff for South Auckland,and more cars for stations”, he roared.The reply was an invitation,to come and join the Board.

At the Board and the national stage, were where his talents were to become known,those gaudy but original ties, now to a bigger audience were shown.

Whenever he rose to speak,whether at Conference or the Board table,his appearance attracted attention,but his words conveyed a man very able.

Never first to speak, he left that for those more verbose,but after his contribution,the vote was rarely close.

Very soon after the merger,he took Road Policing in his stride,though Board members reckoned he wanted,a flash motorbike to ride.

But he had to stick to the farmbike,down on his Pukekohe farm,where the continuous ringing of his cellphone,shattered the rural calm.

There was a problem with that,as at his members’ beck and call he would be,he only had decent cellphone coverage,half way up a macrocarpa tree.

We at National Office learned,that if we wanted to contact him fast,to avoid him catching pneumonia,you’d check the weather forecast.

He hated spending members’ money,and would always book the cheapest flight,then by the time he arrived home from Board meetings,it would be the middle of the night.

And when it came to dressing,not only the ties were a hoot,he once fronted up to a funeral,in a genuine safari suit.

He’s been retired nearly a year,no doubt his energy has found an outlet,but tonight it’s the Association’s chance,to ensure Mark Leys will never forget.

You’re a man dedicated to service,to your members on life’s trip,there could be no better candidate,for Association Life Membership.

It’s good Anne could be here,a good woman to up your back,mind you, she didn’t keep him clean for long,I see that trademark beard is back.

It’s my honour to present this award, not an easy one to attain,one thing we know for certain,we’ll never see ties like yours again.

This presentation has to be different,verse was the best way I could find,to celebrate the contributions,of a man who would always be one of a kind.

• Former Police Association Director Mark Leys (the bearded one) with Association President Greg O’Connor and Mark’s Life Membership certificate, after being presented with it at the Annual Conference dinner recently. - Photo courtesy of Lance Lawson Photography.

Had a few beers celebrating Christmas and wondering whether you are sober enough to drive home? While this won’t beat the time-honoured and safe method of taking a taxi home and leaving your car at work, courtesy of Police News you have the opportunity to have an impromptu and simple test of your sobriety by keeping this issue on your desk opened at this page for future reference. Follow the instructions on the photo below and if the woman in the photo looks okay and in focus to you – don’t drive home!

283


December 2008

Long-serving Association staff member Tui Hunter receives President’s Award for long and loyal serviceTui Hunter, Executive Assistant to the Police Association Industrial team, was presented with the ‘President’s Award’ for long service, at this year’s Annual Conference dinner.

The award acknowledges Tui’s mammoth 25-year run working for the Association in a number of different roles. She will retire at the end of December, so that she can pursue other interests. It is only the second time that the award has been presented, with Membership Co-ordinator Diann Stephen having received the award last year after 32 years service.

Well deservedPolice Association President, Greg O’Connor, presented Tui with the award and said it was extremely well deserved. A short speech told of her playing witness to the history of one third of the life of the organisation. When she started back in 1985, Tui was one of just six to eight staff working for the organisation at the time. The Association now employs more than 50 staff.

Testament to the longevity of her career with the Association is a certificate, dated 1983, for proficiency on the ‘Wang’ - a very large, early model computer. The certificate was re-produced from her original job application, and gained great amusement from those attending Conference dinner.

Organised 25 Annual ConferencesDuring the course of her employment, Tui was responsible for organising more than 25 conferences, and Mr O’Connor said it was “apt that your farewell is also during one of our conferences”.

Tui graciously accepted the award and said

it had been her pleasure to work under each of three different Presidents during her career with the Association. They all worked towards one common goal, she said, which was to “enhance the lives of police officers and their families and I would like to think that in some small way I have helped to do the same thing”.

• ‘25 YEARS TO LIFE’: Tui Hunter with the ‘President’s Award’ (marking her distinguished 25 years of service to the Police Association and its membership) after receiving her certificate from Association President Greg O’Connor at the Annual Conference dinner.

Photo courtesy of Lance Lawson Photography.

• A WEALTH OF SERVICE: From left to right: Life Members Mark Leys and J J (Jeff) Taylor, first President’s Award recipient and 32-year staffer Diann Stephen, President Greg O’Connor, Tui Hunter, a 25-year staffer and only the second ever recipient of the President’s Award, and Life Member Stuart Mangnall. Photo courtesy of Lance Lawson Photography.

December 2008


284

• Tui Hunter receives a bouquet of flowers from Desley O’Connor, the wife of Association President Greg O’Connor, to thank her for her 25 years service to the Police Association.

- Photo courtesy of Lance Lawson Photography.

More musings from the far side…There is one nice thing about egotists: they don’t talk about other people.

I went to San Francisco. I found someone’s heart. Now what?

Protons have mass? I didn’t even know they were Catholic.

If the world were a logical place, men would be the ones who ride side-saddle.

What is a ‘free’ gift? Aren’t all gifts free?

Experience is the thing you have left when everything else is gone.

My weight is perfect for my height - which varies.

I used to be indecisive. Now I’m not sure.

The high cost of living hasn’t affected its popularity.

How can there be self-help ‘groups’?

If swimming is so good for your figure, how do you explain whales?

Is it just me - or do buffalo wings really taste like chicken?

Book review: “The Devils Are Here”.Author: Cam Stokes.Published by: Cape Hatley Ltd.Recommended retail price: $29.95.Reviewed by: Steve PlowmanAvailable from: All good books stores including Whitcoulls and Paper Plus or is available direct from the author at $25 (including postage) by writing to P.O. Box 60453 Titirangi, Waitakere City, 0642, Auckland.

The Devils Are Here – one for the Christmas stocking Former Auckland Drug Squad and Organised Crime Unit member Cam Stokes has turned his hand to writing and his first book “The Devils Are Here” follows the fortunes of gang prospect Richard “Rotten” Cook who is as keen as mustard to become a patched member of the Devil’s Motorcycle Club.The novel is an easy read and takes the reader inside the world of gangs – warts and all. Here we learn of Rotten’s rampant drug habit, his dealing, his broken relationships, all unravelling before our eyes as Rotten’s ‘P’ habit leads him down what one suspects is an inevitable road to destruction.Rotten is basically a lost cause but his character is engrossing rather than engaging. Rotten by name and rotten by nature. He ranges from laid back Harley rider to raging standover merchant and through all the characters in between that inhabit his addictive personality.His “brothers”, who we are left in no doubt he would die for, are mostly no better but they live by a code, which ensures their empire is as safe from the prying eyes of the law, despised narks or other gangs.The tale, told in the first person, is by nature a little repetitious – a reflection perhaps of the more mundane and less appealing nature of gang life – but it also captures well the

interaction between gang members and prospects, between members and of course with the local constabulary, all of whom are despised with a vengeance.

Rotten’s biggest let down is, of course, himself. But this is something that escapes him time and again; such is his descent into the hellish and all-enveloping world of P addiction.

He is continually frustrated by the fact that he is a long and loyal servant to the club and yet keeps missing out on his colours. There are challenges to his addiction along the way – his live-in partner and her daughter leave and the club bans the ‘burn’ (smoking P) but Rotten is already on the roller-coaster ride of his life and with each turn of the page you find yourself imagining what might become of the loose unit that is the book’s main character.

When released the book spent four weeks in the top five fiction books in New Zealand, a great start for a new writer such as Stokes.

Stokes has drawn upon his years of dealing with gangs and organised crime to write a book, which appeals as a good stocking filler when looking for that easy read over the Christmas-New Year period.

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by Ricky Collins

This column is written by a frontline police officer. It does not represent the

views or policies of the Police Association.

Blue ThunderWell, Uncle’s John and Bill are here on the wave of a mighty blue storm that swept a country that clearly wanted to see change. Not unlike the Americans in some ways but not quite the same razzamatazz or hoo-hah that the U.S. are (in) famous for. A fresh face to lead us in a time of financial doom and gloom. Please don’t look at the Police Superannuation Scheme figures!

So Mr Key and Mr English you have three years to show us you are made of the ‘right stuff’. You were loud on law and order so now let’s see you follow it up with some first class action!

HalloweenForget about the goblins and gremlins that came to your front door in October. If you really want to see horror just read or visit any of our media forums that have been keeping us up to date with some individuals that, in my humble opinion, should be going to the gallows.

Firstly, the mighty Feds from the Garden City nailed one very bad man who had the audacity to take the stand and refute piece of evidence after piece of evidence that indicated his guilt in some offending that could only be described as pathological. If it weren’t so tragic it would have been almost laughable. Perhaps he was auditioning for that world-famous fantasy tale Pinocchio.

Well done my southern men and women.

And then off to the City of Geysers in the middle north where it was a struggle to keep a dry eye while you watched the damn news. How could human beings born and bred in God’s Own be so cruel to such a sweet wee poppet? I have no answer or words for this one.

Again, well done team. A stark reminder to the rest of the community that this is a bloody hard job at times and we have great people doing incredible things from Cape Reinga to the Bluff.

Christmas bellsIt’s that time again folks as we juggle the silly season and the effect of the alcohol fairies. Let’s hope we (the royal we that is) have learnt a lesson or two from the Ghosts of Christmas past. With the amount of media coverage and a change in policy, to more early intervention, I hope and pray our domestic violence and drink-driving stats are down so that we can all remember Christmas for the right reasons rather than some of the carnage that comes with these issues.

I have only two wishes for this festive season and I shall share them both with you. The first is that our Men in Black have returned unbeaten from the Northern Hemisphere tour (a gimme). The second is that we have no more holes created in the Thin Blue Line with acts of violence that leave us all wondering how and why it happened.

Keep safe this Christmas team and look after each other and the many that rely on us to be there for them 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Also hug the wife and kids and take a moment to reflect when you get the chance. She’s a great job in a great country and the cup is half full!

See Ya!

Christmas CheerPernod Ricard is one of the world’s largest wine importers and distributors and sparkling wine is one of their flagship wine styles. Here in New Zealand they have had great success in growing the Lindauer label to the point where it is now the largest selling wine brand in the country.

Just recently, I went along to a tasting of Pernod Ricard’s current range of sparkling wines and discovered that there’s quite a diversity of bubbly styles. With Christmas just around the corner, there may be something here that sounds like you.

Montana Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut Cuvee RRP $20

This is a refined delicate style of wine, with an even blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fruit. There is a hint of shortbread and some yeastiness on the nose, with citrus and stone-fruit flavours on the palate. The wine has a lovely mousse and acids that are nicely balanced. I found this wine really appealing and great value for money.

Orlando Trilogy Pinot Noir Chardonnay Pinot Meunier RRP $19

This was a real contrast to the Montana. During the primary fermentation a portion of the fruit was aged in old oak barrels, giving

the wine a distinctive Chardonnay nose. This wine has some similarities to French Champagne with Marmite characteristics, and a dry, slightly bitter finish. This is a wine with depth of flavour and some weight on the palate. It’s a distinctive style that appealed to many at the tasting.

Lindauer Special Reserve Brut Cuvee RRP $19

This is a luscious style of bubbly that has a pink blush to it, similar to a rosé. The dominant Pinot Noir fruit gives the wine a fragrant nose and a flavour profile that includes strawberry and black cherry, and a touch of lemon zest. There is some tannic grip to this wine and at the back of the palate you’ll find some balanced bitterness.

Deutz Marlborough Cuvee Brut RRP $32

The Deutz label has been part of the New Zealand sparkling wine scene for around 20 years, and represents a combination of vibrant fresh Marlborough fruit and traditional French Champagne-making techniques. It has a beautiful creamy mouth-feel on the palate and there is a balance between lemon, sweet cherry and chocolate flavours and toasty yeast notes that you’d expect in quality bubbly, plus good persistent length.

Deutz Marlborough Cuvee Blanc de Blancs RRP $36

This is a stylish wine made from 100% Chardonnay fruit. It’s lean and fresh with a fine bead, good mousse and a crisp acidic mouth-feel. For me it showed lovely citrus fruit flavours with a hint of cashew nut that stayed on in the mouth for some time. This is quite a step up in quality from the previous wines, and has so far been awarded four gold medals and one trophy in wine shows to date.

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To contact the Police Council of Sport, call Alison Murray at the RNZPC. Ph: (04) 238-3139

POLICE COUNCIL OF SPORT

Visit www.policeassn.org.nz for updated contact details for the Police Council of Sport management committee,

District Sports Offi cers and the latest schedule of events.

Australasian Police and Emergency Games:

No lack of medals for Deidre

• Deidre Lack.

By Steve Plowman, Editor, Police News

Te Puke-based police officer Deirdre Lack might have been in danger of exceeding the weight allowance for her bags on returning from the recent Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games – she bagged 12 medals.

The senior sergeant in charge of Te Puke Station ran up a great tally of a dozen medals in the Games, which were held at Coffs Harbour, New South Wales.

Biennial competitionThe Games, which are held every two years, are like a mini Olympics of the emergency services with sports as diverse as triathlon to darts.

Ms Lack won five gold, two silver and five bronze medals in swimming (aquathon, pool swimming and an open water swim) and running events, including a triathlon gold.

“That’s what I train for all winter,” she said. “I had a good race and was really pleased with the result,” Deidre told Police News. Deidre said that the triathlon was very well organised

and provided a flat, fast cycle course with a fast undulating run course. “The roads were very smooth for cycling,” she said.

The early morning start ensured that triathletes were not out in the warmer conditions, which came later in the day, something that Deidre appreciated very much. “With the event over for me in about 1 hour and 4 minutes it meant that I avoided any potential problems with the heat,” she said.

Her performance gave her a comfortable two minutes to spare over the second placegetter in the triathlon and resulted in her not only winning her age group but also capturing the overall title.

Tough Aussie swimmersDeidre said the competition from the Australian women in the swimming events was fierce. In one event she faced an ex-Olympian, so her results were even more impressive when you think of the overall quality of Australia in swimming generally.

Deidre said the event was a great experience but competing for five days across a range

of sports meant that she came home “pretty exhausted”. “I think I need another week off just to recover from it all,” she joked upon getting back to home base at Te Puke Police Station.

John Clare Memorial Run/Walk celebrates its 30th yearThe 30th anniversary of the John Clare Memorial Fun Run/Walk was held in Orewa in mid-October.

John Clare was a Counties-Manukau police officer who took his own life back in 1978. His work colleagues started the run in his memory and it has since become an annual event.

The event is open to all Police employees and is supported by the Auckland District Commanders. It aims to raise awareness of job-related stress and also to enhance staff morale through physical activity and a fun day out. Both the Auckland Board of Management

and District Council of Sports acknowledge the significance of this event and in doing so provide the funding required for it to exist.

Something for everyoneCategories included both team and individual races and 5km walking and running disciplines. A ‘Golden Oldies’ category, prizes for the best-dressed team and over 50 spot prizes were included, the latter courtesy of the NZ Police Association.

Seamus O’Loan made it back-to-back victories by repeating his 2007 victory in a fast 17.40, with a long gap back to second placegetter Patrick Wells who clocked a

respectable 19.08 nevertheless. Gavin Keane took third place in 19.32. O’Loan retained the John Hughes Shield as a result.

Women’s raceIn the women’s race things were a good deal closer with Megan Walton having 19 seconds to spare over nearest rival Nadine Richardson with a winning time of 22.37. Kylie McIvor took third place in 23.29.

In the individual walk Sonelia Carstens cut out the 5k in 37.21, with Danny Morice a close second only nine seconds further back.

In a repeat performance of their effort last year the Orewa team ‘Late Starters’ again

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took home the John Clare Memorial Trophy in the team event. There was, however, a new winner for the ‘Mark Leys Team Walk Trophy’ donated by the Police Association. It was a close race but ‘Sonelia’s Snails’ managed to just hold out last year’s champions, the ‘Rewa Tortoises’.

Results were:5k run (women):

1st Megan Dalton. 2nd Nadine Richardson. 3rd Kylie McIvor

5k run (men):

1st Seamus O’Loan. 2nd Patrick Wells. 3rd Gavin Keane.

Individual 5k Walk:

1st Sonelia Carstens. 2nd Danny Morice.

Team Walk:

1st Sonelia’s Snails (Counties-Manukau HR Team): Sonelia Carstens, Joan Clarkson, Judy Cope, Ying Wang. 2nd ): Rewa Tortoises.

Team Run:

1st ‘Late Starters’ (Orewa staff): Greg Foster, Simon Hooker, Steve Hunt, Graham Bennett). 2nd Team Alpha (Simon Walker, Matt Hooper, Andrew Tangney, Mike Boston).

John Clare Memorial Run/Walk

• They’re off: And early on it looks a bit like the charge of the Light Brigade in the John Clare Memorial Run. Eventual winner Seamus O’Loan soon had a stranglehold on proceedings however and left the others in his wake, winning in a good time of 17.40 for the 5k run.

• Spencer Matthews presents the Mark Leys Cup to the winning walking team: Sonelia Carstens (holding cup), Joan Clarkson, Ying Wang, Judy Cope.

• The winning team from Orewa, the Late Starters: Greg Foster (holding the cup), Graham Bennett, Steve Hunt, Simon Hooker, Andrew McGregor and Marle Ovington.

Officer Fitness Reports – worse than the PCT!

Best dressed Team:

‘Don’t Hassle the Hoff’ (Waitakere Team Policing).

Golden Oldies:

1st Mike Morgan. 2nd Chris Batey.

The British military writes Officer Fitness Reports (OFRs) about its officers. These are actual excerpts from some historical OFRs (Royal Navy and Royal Marines):• His men would follow him anywhere but only out of curiosity.

• I would not breed from this officer.

• When she opens her mouth, it seems that this is only to change whichever foot was previously there.

• He would be out of his depth in a car park puddle.

• He reminds me very much of a gyroscope – always spinning around at a frantic pace but not really going anywhere.

• This young lady has delusions of adequacy.

• When he joined my ship, this officer was something of a granny; since then he has aged considerably.

• Since my last report he has reached rock bottom, and has started to dig.

• She sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them.

• He has the wisdom of youth and the energy of old age.

• This officer should go far – and the sooner he starts the better.

• In my opinion this pilot should not be authorised to fly below 250 feet.

• The only ship I would recommend this man for is citizenship.

• Works well under constant supervision and when cornered like a rat in a trap.

• This man is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.

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Good courses and good competitionat Police Cycling ChampionshipsThe Police Cycling Champs were held on 28-29 October. The event was opened to other services and there were a small number of competitors from the Air Force and Fire Service.

The event is open to all levels of cycling competitor. There are categories for serious riders in both age category and open divisions, with a recreational category for those that just want to be involved and enjoy the event/course, atmosphere and of course a road trip.

On the first morning’s competition 17 competitors had a staggered start for the hill climb event at the base of the Waitakere Ranges, which challenged the riders with a solid climb (with slight variations of incline between steep and very steep) for just over two kilometres.

Road raceIn the afternoon, 36 competitors lined up for the road race, which was run around an 11km circuit set on the country roads around Kumeu /Taupaki. The open men’s competitors did six laps while all other competitors raced over four. The course started with a flat section that progressed into a very slight climb before a slight decline back on to the flat for the start/finish.

The Air Force hosted the road event prize giving at the Whenuapai Airbase.

Cross-countryWednesday morning saw 34 competitors gather for the cross-country mountain-bike event at Woodhill Bikepark. The event

was over 11 kilometres. The course was manageable for all levels of rider. It was interesting and challenging with some fast sweeping sections, some small climbs and some slightly technical sections.

The downhill race was run at Riverhead Forest in the early afternoon. Gareth Davis and fellow Auckland Downhill Club members built the course especially for the champs and as recognition of this the track has been named “The Baconator”.

Tough descentTwenty-one riders took their lives in their hands and descended this particularly death-defying piece of terra firma. Although medical staff were on standby as a precaution, they were only required to attend to a few scratches and grazes.

The final prizegiving was held at the Police bar with plenty of war stories on offer amidst a good feed and a few quiet ales.

Results were:Hill climb:

Men: Vaughan Smith 1, Dan Walyszewski 2, Tony Brownrigg 3.

Women: Paula Morice 1. Lisa Hogan 2.

Veterans: Eddie Sutherland 1, Julian Millar 2, Todd Hewett 3.

Super-vets: Steve Wilson 1, Paul Macky 2, Matt Prendergast 3.

Road race:

Non-Police: Todd Hewlett 1, Julian Millar 2, Graham Russell 3.

Recreational: Nathan Prendergast 1, Natalie Rapira 2, Vivian Clark 3.

Men: Dan Walyszewski 1, Ryan Blair 2, Vaughan Smith 3.

Women: Brigid Anderson 1, Paula Morice 2. Megan D’Olivera 3.

Veterans: George White 1, Chris Best 2, Dave Martin 3.

Super-vets: Steve Wilson 1, Paul Macky 2, Matt Prendergast 3.

Cross-country:

Non-Police: Joshua Taylor 1, Julian Millar 2, Aroha Hyland 3.

Women: Paula Morice 1, Lisa Hogan 3, Michelle Bentley 3.

Men: Tony Brownrigg 1, Jake Rowse 2, Vaughan Smith 3.

Recreational: Gareth Davis 1, Cyrus Robinson 2, Greg Norton 3.

Veterans: Andrew Skelton 1, Eddie Sutherland 2, Dave Martin 3.

Super-vets: Richie Williams 1, Stephen Peat 2, Paul Macky 3.

Downhill:

Men: Lewis Hamilton 1 (non Police), David Hamilton 2, Gareth Davis 3.

Women: Misty Lee 1, Rachel Taylor 2, Lisa Hogan 3.

Veterans: Tony Edmonds (RNZAF) 1, Julian Miller (RNZAF) 2, Craig Hammond 3.

Super-vets: Dermot Ford 1, Andy Gilbert 2, Paul Macky 3.

• Dave Martin prepares to launch off a piece of downhill terrain.

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• Gareth Davis gets a taste of the challenging downhill course he helped design.

• Riders in the road race start to attack one of the undulations on the course.

Wellington/Kaikohe composite teamtakes NI bowls titleThe N.Z. Police Association North Island Lawn Bowls Championsips were held in Taupo on the 5th and 6th of November.

The weather played its part but only 30 minutes of play was lost on both days to rain, which at one stage threatened to become hail.

For the maximum field of 14 teams who braved the elements, there was some outstanding bowls played with a composite team from Wellington/Kaikohe of Dan and Phil Dickison, Brendon Gibson and Rob Veale taking out the title.

Taupo team runners-upThe Taupo team, skipped by Andy Campbell, was runner-up and Brian Guy’s team from Tauranga came a very close third on points differential.

The event will once again be held in Taupo on the 4th and 5th of November 2009, so get those all-important holiday homes/motels booked early to avoid disappointment.

The Taupo Bowling Club has kindly offered to host next year’s tournament and is congratulated for the quality of the greens and the meals offered on both days.

Use of 0800 Ten Nine phone lineAssociation representatives maintain this telephone line (0800 8366 463) on a 24-hour basis.

It is to be used ONLY for matters that cannot be deferred, such as Police shootings, fatal pursuits or deaths in custody.

Important and immediate industrial and legal advice can then be arranged through the Association networks.

Please do not phone this line for non-urgent matters.

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We remember… Who passed away…

LEASK Thomas Bernard 15-Oct-08 Retired member Napier

LESLIE Alexander James 24-Oct-08 Retired member Wellington

MARRIOTT Ester Mary 29-Oct-08 Widow of member Levin

LOVEGROVE Russell Frederick 5-Nov-08 Retired member Hastings

STEBBINGS James Harold Dodson 8-Nov-08 Retired member Brisbane

• The winning team in the N.Z. Police Association North Island Lawn Bowls Championships held in Taupo in November. Left to right, Rob Veale (Wellington), Phil Dickison (Wellington), Dan Dickison (Kaikohe) and Brendon Gibson (Wellington).

December January FebruaryWAIHEKE ISLAND ........................... Fully booked ..................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................Fully bookedPAIHIA............................................ Fully booked ..................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................4,8STANMORE BAY ............................. 7-11,16,26 ....................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................8-13,17-19,22-27AUCKLAND .................................... Fully booked ..................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................4,10,18WHANGAMATA ............................... 11,15,17-20,24 .............................................Christmas ballot .......................................................10MT MAUNGANUI ............................ 8 ....................................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................2OHOPE ........................................... 7,11,14-15,19 ...............................................Christmas ballot .......................................................8-11,17-18ROTORUA ...................................... 8-11,14-18,21 ...............................................Christmas ballot .......................................................5,8-12,16-19,22-25TAUPO ........................................... 7-8,10,15-16,19, ...........................................Christmas ballot .......................................................10,17,19,23-26TURANGI ........................................ 7-11,14-19,23 ...............................................Christmas ballot .......................................................4-5,8-12,14-22NAPIER .......................................... 9 ....................................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................1-5,11-12,16,24PARAPARAUMU .............................. 8 ....................................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................16-19GREYTOWN .................................... 7-10,14,16,21 ...............................................Christmas ballot .......................................................1,3,9-12,16-19,22-25WELLINGTON ................................. Fully booked ..................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................18NELSON ......................................... Fully booked ..................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................6-7HANMER SPRINGS ......................... 10 ..................................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................1-2,8,12,16CHRISTCHURCH ............................. 26 ..................................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................12,17,20,24TEKAPO ......................................... 10-11,15 .......................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................12,23,25WANAKA ........................................ 14-17 ............................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................25-26CROMWELL ................................... 18,22,26 ........................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................21QUEENSTOWN ............................... Fully booked ..................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................11,24TE ANAU ........................................ 12,14-15,21-26 .............................................Christmas ballot .......................................................10-12,15,17-18,27DUNEDIN ....................................... 8-9,14 ...........................................................Christmas ballot .......................................................5,18,23-26


291December 2008

OUR LENDING CRITERIA, TERMS, CONDITIONS AND FEES APPLY. A COPY OF OUR DISCLOSURE STATEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED THROUGH ANY BRANCH OF THE NATIONAL BANK OF NEW ZEALAND (PART OF ANZ NATIONAL BANK LIMITED). FOR BORROWING OVER 80% OF A PROPERTY’S VALUE, A LOW EQUITY PREMIUM ON A GRADUATED SCALE WILL APPLY AND A REGISTERED VALUER’S REPORT IS REQUIRED. THIS MATERIAL IS PROVIDED AS A COMPLIMENTARY SERVICE OF THE NATIONAL BANK. IT IS PREPARED BASED ON INFORMATION AND SOURCES THE BANK BELIEVES TO BE RELIABLE. ITS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR COMMERCIAL JUDGEMENT OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, WHICH SHOULD BE SOUGHT PRIOR TO ENTERING INTO ANY TRANSACTIONS. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW THE NATIONAL BANK DISCLAIMS LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO ANY PERSON FOR ANY DIRECT OR INDIRECT LOSS OR DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT FROM ANY ACT OR OMISSION BY ANY PERSON IN RELATION TO THE MATERIAL.

Home buying hints from The National Bank

Managing your mortgageWith rising prices and the weakening economy, many households are starting to feel the pinch. High food and (until recently) high petrol prices have put pressure on budgets. With the Christmas and holiday season approaching many people are reviewing their fi nancial commitments like home loans and other debt, to make sure they are positioned to manage through the current environment. Here are some tips to help.

ignore it. Your bank can help you understand what your options are and suggest ways to address the issues. Everyone’s circumstances are different so there’s no ‘one-size fi ts all’ solution. Here are some of the options that may be available if you’re under fi nancial pressure:

• Consolidating your debt – if you have other debts like credit cards, hire purchase or personal loans, it may be possible to consolidate them all into one loan and save money on interest costs (as well as making them easier to manage);

• Interest-only payments – it may be possible to change your home loan to interest-only repayments in the short term. This will free up some cash as you’re not repaying any principal. However a downside will be that you will not be reducing the amount you owe on your home loan.

It’s always a good idea to regularly review your fi nances, so the key is not to wait until things get out of control. Your bank is willing to help you so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance or to talk things over.

If you’d like more information about Police Home Loans from The National Bank, call: 0800 800 808, or contact your local branch or Mobile Mortgage Manager.

1. The importance of budgeting

In the last issue of Police News we discussed the value of having a household budget. It’s vital as it gives you control over your spending. By knowing exactly where your money goes, you can make choices about how you spend it. For example, can you really afford that overseas holiday – or would you have just as good a time enjoying some of the fantastic holiday destinations New Zealand has to offer? What else could you do with the money you spend on your daily cup of coffee? You may still choose to take a holiday or buy the coffee but at least you can see what impact it will have on your other commitments. To help you put a budget together, check out our online budget planner at: www.nationalbank.co.nz

2. Think carefully before going into debt

It’s tempting to buy things with a credit card or on hire purchase. But remember, (a) you have to pay it back and (b) you also have to pay interest – so it could end up costing you a lot more than you think. Used wisely, credit cards and hire purchase can be a convenient way of getting the things you need – but make sure you understand the true costs involved.

3. If you’re under fi nancial pressure, talk to your bank

If you’re having trouble making repayments on your mortgage, the worst thing you can do is

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Signed letters are preferred, but in all cases the writer’s name and address must be supplied. Names will be published unless there is a good reason for anonymity. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or decline letters without explanation. Email to: [email protected] or write it to the Editor at PO Box 12344, Wellington. Letters under 400 words are preferred.

Write it here! Letters to the Editor are welcome.

It’s hard finding the perfect hatI read Callum Young’s letter “There is no I in team” in the last issue of Police News.I too was taken aback little when I saw the article as I have been trying for about 2 years to get a decent cap to wear in cold weather stations. There is nothing in our uniform that would be of use. I work out of Turangi and cover the Desert Road. When it is blowing a gale up there and the snow or rain is falling, the Beanie I have would have to be the coldest bit of head-dress I own. The wind goes straight through it and it has no protection from the rain. The Acubra is the hardest thing to keep on in strong wind. The forage cap is the next best thing for keeping the rain out but also blows off the head with ease. No doubt, at some stage, every staff member has had the misfortune to have to chase their cap down the road.I came across a cap in a store in Taupo that was made of a waterproof fabric and had possum fur as a lining. It had a peak on the front of it and sides that folded down, also with possum fur, to cover the ears. Hills Hats make the possum hat and I note they are also the makers of our forage caps. A phonecall to them and I was told: “No problems, we can make them in the same colour as the uniform”. I contacted the O/C Senior Sergeant in Invercargill and was told: “ We have about 120 staff here and it is called a cold weather station, we would love to have something like that”. These guys are just a few that meet the criteria.So off I went to those that approve uniforms and was told: “It’s not on our priority list at the moment, we are too busy rolling out the new shirts”. What’s wrong with this group, can they only do one thing at a time? So like Callum, I was really surprised to see they could work on a single turban for one member (I have no problem with him having it by the way) and not look after those that suffer from the cold.Steve McLardy(Turangi)

Stinking hot in overallsIt’s been 12 months since I was issued with my Stab Resistant Body Armour (SRBA) and now into a second summer wearing it with my overalls.Yes, that’s right, overalls.Over this time, I have read about various problems that have arisen since the introduction and I can only say that maybe the testing and issuing of the SRBA is not as successful as many people may think.Of note, I now read that there has been a successful rollout of the new frontline shirts to be worn with the SRBA. If it is so successful, why am I, along with other handlers around the country still wearing overalls under the

SRBA? Why have we been left out of the loop? Are we not frontline staff as well?Perhaps someone in Police can please explain to me why I have to purchase my own breathable shirts to wear underneath and why I still have to put up with changing my uniform twice daily due to it being soaking wet with sweat? Very hygienic indeed.I have been told to wear shorts during the day, but, hello, it is also hot and very muggy here in Hawke’s Bay during the night as well. The overalls offer the protection we need and I don’t fancy my white legs becoming a beacon but I guess it would mean that I wouldn’t have to wear my reflectorised jacket when stopping cars.I don’t see anyone dealing with this issue and have been told that due to a lack of money it is being put on the back burner. It may be OK for people who sit in air conditioned offices thinking that there isn’t a problem, but try putting on a pair of Police issue overalls, donning the SRBA and running around for a while. Then you may see it.The Police have been very good in providing a 10-point charter on how to stay cool and even put something on the bullyboard to tell us how to prevent the velcro from maybe getting caught when putting on the SRBA; but so far, have given little thought to this dilemma.The answer to this problem is simple. Give us the shirts along with the cargo pants that are issued for overseas deployment. These pants look no different from the overalls. Why are we trying to invent the wheel when we may have sufficient items in stock to do the job?Can someone please deal with this issue and get it sorted, rather than let it roll over to a third summer? The issue was jumped on and resolved quickly for General Duties Branch staff, why is taking so long for handlers?Andrew Knox(Hawke’s Bay)

We approached Police about this issue and they said they were still working on resolving it. – Editor

What about a “no risk” scheme?NZ Police employs many people who are over the age of 50, with a reasonable percentage of them being 55 and above.At the beginning of this year, I asked the Police Association if any consideration had been given to allowing a fourth category of investment in PSS that would be closer to “no risk”. This could appeal to members in the final years of their service.I was informed this was already being looked at. Is there an update on this situation, please?Although recent events have precluded any benefit to “retiring members”, should such a

scheme emerge, over the next few months, it may be of assistance in the next decade.We may now be in a situation where staff remain in our job for longer than is good for them, or us, simply because the Police Superannuation Scheme has not covered generational needs.A familiar saying of the last few weeks is that history shows the world economies will bounce back and markets will re-establish, giving a good return over length of service. There are many employees currently in Police who don’t have that period of service remaining.Lynne Turner(New Plymouth)

PSS Chairman Malcolm Johnson replies: “The Trustees have taken a decision to introduce a cash option into the Scheme. They are now taking the necessary administrative steps to implement this option and members can reasonably expect such an option to be available by mid-2009.

A heartfelt thanks to all of youIt’s been over four months since my partner Derek Wootton was killed while on duty. It has been an incredibly tough time for me and there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think of him and miss him dearly.It has taken this long to put pen to paper, but the time has come to thank those of you who have made the huge void in my life a little bit easier to cope with.Firstly, thanks to the New Zealand Police for the huge amount of support they have given to my family, Derek’s family and me. The large number of cards, flowers, text messages and Emails I received from all over the country and overseas was overwhelming, and the sheer size of Derek’s funeral showed me how much he was respected and liked.I would also like to thank John Spence, the Area Commander for Kapiti Mana and the staff at Porirua Station for your support at the time and the ongoing support you still give me.To Mike Oxnam and the CIB team who are working on Derek’s case, thank you for your honesty, professionalism and on going updates. I know this can’t be easy for you.To the staff at Upper Hutt Station and especially Billy Slight and section four, thank you for your continual support. Thanks to the staff at all three Communication Centres. Especially the staff at Central Communications and in particular PJ, Marc, Hector and my entire group. You are a great team and you all rallied around me and helped make my return to work that much easier. Thanks to all the Hutt Valley staff for your patience when I did return to dispatching.To Commissioner Howard Broad and


293December 2008

Superintendent Pieri Munro thanks for your kind words. To Greg O’Connor, the Police Association and Welfare Fund thank you.Tony Smith - what can I say? You were a rock through those first few days, arranging Derek’s funeral and just anything and everything that needed to be sorted. You went beyond the call of duty and I will never forget all that you have done for me.I also want to give a special thanks to Shaun and Huxy - you have both been amazing and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.To Derek’s Section, Sean, Mike, Paul, Gareth, Jen, Johno and also Amy and Justin thank you for the support you have given me. No one knows better than me how Derek felt about you all - you kept him young, you kept him going. Last but not least, a special thanks to Sue for everything you did for Derek on that morning, you have my deepest heart felt appreciation. I will never forget.Bronwyn Hewitt(Wellington)

An open letter to the Police CommissionerMy husband has served in the New Zealand Police for 17 years. I am also writing not only in my capacity as his wife but as a journalist and media specialist eith 23 years experience.Almost weekly I watch in despair as yet another story hits the headlines referring to Police incompetence. Whether or not it is true, the headline has been published and the public will have already pronounced its verdict. Yet time and time again it can be days before we hear anything from Police HQ.Obviously police need time to investigate, however for every hour and every day of silence, that is another day the public is convinced that the Police are covering something up. That is another day their confidence in the Police, who are sworn to preserve life and protect property, is shaken.As you well know, we are a society that kicks a dog when it’s down, and everyone gets in on it. I am ashamed to say that my profession relies on those headlines to sell papers and fill bulletins. At a time when police morale appears to be at an all time low (public opinion rates police officers just below Trade Me in

the trusted professions) I am astounded at the lack of pro-activity by police leaders. The damage done by the likes of Clint Rickards is hard to recover from. What Police leadership should be doing is getting the public back onside, and doing it quickly.In mid-June, for the first time in a long while, we got to see a positive police story; Ray Malesala, Campbell Live. There needs to be more of those stories out there in the media. There are some amazing officers doing amazing things but also there are officers facing the daily grind, the routine that no one has any idea about.Your staff are out there putting their lives on the line, being spat at, abused, tormented, ridiculed, but they are also there comforting a distraught parent whose child has just committed suicide, picking up the pieces after a fatal car accident, witnessing child abuse through parent neglect. The public needs to hear these stories. To my mind a few dollars spent on some decent PR, a strategy to win back the trust of the public, by experts who know what they are doing, will begin to restore public confidence.I see my husband come home from his shift, recount the day or night’s events, and try and live normally, while feeling the world is against him and his colleagues. I see a man who only ever wanted to be a police officer, despite the very best private school education, an IQ which would be considered too high in today’s recruiting programme, become a disillusioned, cynical man, angry with the incompetence of his leaders and feeling absolutely powerless. And nowhere can I see the hierarchy doing anything about improving the morale, or being pro-active in improving the organisation’s public image.I speak as a wife and a journalist. The public needs to start hearing some real stories about the good job our police officers do. Above all, our police officers need strong leadership to give them a reason for turning up every day. They need to have their pride restored. The Police can’t afford to lose any more officers like my husband. They are becoming few and far between. Anna Thomas(Auckland)

“ Whatever course you decide upon, there is someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising, which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end

requires courage “ ` – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

“I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long

calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on

other journeys.” – Charles Dickens.

“A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.” - George Bernard Shaw.

294


December 2008

Special accommodation offer for members visiting Wellington over holiday period

Come to the Capital and take advantage of the great accommodation rate we have negotiated for our members.

Stay in comfort and style at the West Plaza Hotel and the Bay Plaza Hotel, which have once again offered their “Special Summer” room rate to members of the NZ Police Association/Welfare Fund and their families.

Special Summer Room Rate

$60.00 + GST per room, per night

Validity

12th December 2008 to 25th January 2009

Booking reference - POL/SUMMER/08-09

Conditions: All rooms requested are subject to availability. Reservations must be made prior to arrival.

For reservations:

West Plaza Hotel Address: 110 – 116 Wakefield Street, Wellington Freephone: 0800 731 444 Phone: 04 473 1440 Fax: 04 474 1454 Email: [email protected]

The Bay Plaza Hotel Address: 40 – 44 Oriental Parade, Wellington Freephone: 0800 857 799 Phone: 04 385 7799 Fax: 04 385 2936 Email: [email protected]

NEW RETAILERPolice Association

Member Discounts Programme

Kiwigreen and the Kingsgate Hotel Brydone, in Oamaru have joined our Member Discounts Programme.

Kiwigreen provide a full range of high quality eco-friendly cleaning products and offer members a 20% discount on their range of MARINE products and a 12.5% discount on ALL OTHER products.

Members receive a 20% discount on food and beverage purchases over $15 at the Kingsgate Hotel Brydone, in Oamaru. Conditions apply.

To find out about this and other discounts through the Member Discounts Programme - go online to the ‘Members Only’ section of our website www.policeassn.org.nz. Sign-on then click on “Member Discounts” from the menu on the left-hand side of the screen to go through to view all the discounts available.

295


December 2008

Police Pistol Biathlon on in MarchThe Police Pistol Biathlon is a popular international event that combines two great sports, cross-country running and pistol shooting.

Run too fast and you lose your ability to shoot accurately, spend too long shooting (or getting your breath back) and add to your overall time. Competitors are graded by age.

Ever wish there was someone who could step into your world,

take your whole fi nancial reality and organise it to your best

advantage to fast track your goals? Goals like home ownership,

buying a new boat or investing for retirement?

Are you wanting to better manage your cash resource and

put it to work more effectively, looking to identify the best

savings or investment strategy to meet your objectives, to

borrow funds for a residential or commercial property, to fund

a business? Do you need help to identify how your insurance

protection fi ts with your overall fi nancial set-up, are your

family and your assets adequately protected? - effective

structures help you take control of your fi nancial future and

can deliver a greater sense of fi nancial security.

Call the Police Financial Planning Enquiry Line 0800 ON BEAT

(0800 662 328) to meet with one of our expert fi nancial

advisers in a complimentary no-obligation consultation about

long-term fi nancial planning or for specifi c advice on cash

management, investment strategies, debt (mortgages and

other loans), insurance protection, tax, fi nancial structures,

estate planning, specialist advice on your GSF and PSS

membership and other benefi ts.

Making the most of your hard work.

SP1230 Police CS v2.indd 1 15/5/07 4:26:43 PM

Clues:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

9 10

11

12

13 14 15

16

17 18

19

20 21

22 23

November answersAcross1. Adjusts5. Album8. Today9. Asp10. Nod11. Railing13. Icons

Across:1. Broken alps complete the circuits (4) 3. Safe guards? (8) 9. To fault is then to go your fastest (4.3) 10. New tactical options weapon (5) 11. Comedic (5.7) 13. Nose (slang) (6) 15. Liquid holder (6) 17. Declaration (12) 20. Angered (5) 21. Manage staff (7) 22. An ailment or disorder (8) 23. Employs (4)

Down:1. Motionless (8) 2. Dent. Crash (5) 4. Honour (6) 5. Heartened nut remained without predators (12) 6. Rather than (7) 7. Area behind house? (4) 8. To be introduced against gang member (7.5) 12. Tidiness (8) 14. Revolver (7) 16. Tell on (6) 18. Limbs (4) 19. Razor clams (5)

14. Degree15. Mayday17. Medal19. Natural21. Gut22. Set23. Occur

24. Dares25. DefusesDown1. Alter2. Judging3. Say4. Slang

5. Applicant6. Bingo7. Modesty12. Idealises14. Damages16. Directs18. Deter

19. Noted20. Lures23. Off

The 2009 Biathlon will be held in the scenic surrounds of Riverhead Forest–West Auckland on Saturday 7th March 2009. An A-category firearms license is required by all competitors - apply for yours today! (a pistol licence is not required). Guns are provided for the event along with a BBQ and there will also be a fun shotgun side match for competitors and spectators.

Contact the organiser [email protected] for an information pack on the biathlon and on obtaining your licence.

Police Network 44446 Website www.policeassn.org.nzFreephone 0800 500 122 Police Home Loans 0800 800 808Police Health Plan/Police Fire and General Insurance Police Credit Union 0800 429 000Quotes & information 0800 500 122 or (04) 472 9645or Fax (04) 496 6819 Credit Union www.policecu.org.nzPolice Fire and General Insurance claims 0800 110 088 GSF information 0800 654 731All enquiries (04) 496 6800 PSS information 0800 777 243

Vice PresidentsStuart Mills (027) 268 9416

Chris Cahill (027) 268 9411

Field Offi cers Auckland District: Stewart Mills (027) 268 9407

Waitemata and Northland Districts: Steve Hawkins (027) 268 9406

Waikato, BOP and Eastern Districts: Graeme McKay (027) 268 9408

Central and Wellington Districts: JJ Taylor (027) 268 9409

Tasman and Canterbury Districts: Dave McKirdy (027) 268 9410

Southern District Dave Steel (027) 268 9427

New Zealand Police Association:

For immediate industrial & legal advice

(on matters that cannot be deferred such as Police

shootings, fatal pursuits or deaths in custody)

ring 0800 TEN NINE (0800 836 6463)

– 24 hour/seven days service

Regional DirectorsRegion One Jug Price Whangaparaoa (027) 268 9419

Region Two Dave Pizzini Counties-Manukau (027) 493 0524

Region Three Mel Ridley Tauranga (027) 268 9414

Region Four Luke Shadbolt Hastings (027) 478 9001

Region Five Ron Lek Wellington (027) 268 9417

Region Six Craig Prior Sydenham (027) 268 9412

Region Seven Tracey Maclennan Invercargill (027) 268 9418

Useful Information & Contacts

Whether you’re refi nancing, buying your fi rst home, selling, investing in property, building or looking for ways to manage your current home loan – a Police Home Loan through The National Bank may be able to help.

The Police Home Loan package provides attractive benefi ts to Police Welfare Fund members and their immediate family, like:• No Home Loan application fee • 0.50% p.a. off the standard National Bank Floating and Flexible Home Loan interest rates • The lowest possible rate on fi xed interest rate loans without having to negotiate and regardless of your loan size• A contribution of $500 towards legal fees• A small fee of $100 for a top-up on an existing loan• Discount on Low Equity Premium fees if your loan is between 80% to 95% of the property value.

OUR POLICE HOME LOAN PACKAGE IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AND FLEXIBLE.

THIS IS A SUMMARY ONLY, FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY FOR THE POLICE HOME LOAN PACKAGE VISIT WWW.POLICEASSN.ORG.NZ, CALL THE NATIONAL BANK LENDING SPECIALISTS ON 0800 800 808, EMAIL [email protected] OR VISIT ANY BRANCH OF THE NATIONAL BANK.

New Police Home Loan Package

Special Offer Six months free Home Insurance

Police Welfare Fund members drawing down a new Police Home Loan will be eligible for six months free Home Insurance* with Police Fire & General Insurance, through the Police Welfare Fund.

SP li W lf

11-08

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Merry Christmas! Keep safe out there - New Zealand … · Merry Christmas! Keep safe out there ... Something you tell to one person at a time. ... Bank is available on the Police