Memorial : Traffic Officer Robin James Dudding - New Zealand Police

Traffic Officer Robin James Dudding

George Medal
Died: 7 April 1986

In Rotorua, was shot dead after he was taken hostage at Lake Rotoiti by Ross Kameta, 18, who fired shots at Police.

Kameta wanted to be taken to the Rotorua Police Station, but was instead driven away from the city by Traffic Officer Dudding.

Armed Police located Traffic Officer Dudding's patrol vehicle near Hamurana. After disabling Kameta, they located Traffic Officer Dudding's body in the vehicle.

Kameta was charged with murder of Traffic Officer Dudding and attempted murder of another Police Officer, but was found not guilty due to insanity, and detained in a mental institution.

For his bravery in preventing the gunman from carrying out his murderous intentions, Traffic Officer Dudding was posthumously awarded the George Medal.