Greetings to you all.

 

We're three weeks into the Rugby World Cup and I am being inundated with complimentary remarks about the personable and engaging police officers encountered by visitors and New Zealanders alike as they travel the country. Politicians who see our work first-hand are also very positive. This is exactly what we wanted to see.

 

Given all the positives, it's disappointing to see emotional and unbalanced media reports about the search of an overseas journalist in Taupo early last Sunday. The term 'racist' has been bandied around - and solidly refuted. Well done, Superintendent Glenn Dunbier. Here's a more typical story, but one which is less likely to be reported: I salute Senior Sergeant Matt Broderick, of the North Shore Policing Centre, for going out of his way to assist a stranded American visitor who found himself in the wrong place. Matt ensured he was transported back to his address and spared a long walk. That visitor has written to PNHQ, waxing lyrical about the service. A small example - but one which reflects the excellent work of our officers to ensure visitors' experiences here are memorable for all the right reasons.

 

In the past week I have continued my travels around the country to talk to staff, visiting 10 police stations in Northland and Waitematä districts. I was particularly impressed with volunteers I met who give their time because they absolutely believe in what we do and enjoy working with our staff.

 

I spent three hours at a marae in Ruakaka discussing issues with the Northland Mäori Focus Forum, whose members were very enlightening. At the weekend Deputy Commissioner Mike Bush and I represented Police at Waahi Marae in Huntly after the death of Whatumoana Paki, the Mäori King's father.

 

This week I was to visit personnel in Wellington District, but at short notice took the opportunity to present evidence to the Parliamentary Select Committee considering the Video Camera Surveillance Bill. This is an extremely important committee which will influence how we conduct covert operations in the future and it was vital to represent Police interests there.

 

Finally, today is Remembrance Day for Police services throughout Australasia and the South Pacific. This date - 29 September - is the feast day of the Archangel Michael, who is considered the patron saint of Police. New Zealand Police has marked this day since 1989, but it is a tradition which spans the whole region. As an illustration, last year I attended a very formal ceremony, in the presence of the Prime Minister and Governor General of the Solomon Islands, in a beautiful park overlooking Iron Bottom Sound, Guadalcanal. We speak of the 'Police family' but today we remember it is very much an extended family, with ties reinforced by the many New Zealand staff who serve in various capacities in our neighbour states.

 

On Remembrance Day Police staff wear a badge modelled on a huia feather to denote the loss of somebody special; we honour the 29 New Zealand officers slain by criminal action in the course of their duty. Today Deputy Commissioners Mike Bush and Viv Rickard and Police Minister Judith Collins join me in laying wreaths for these 29 at the memorial wall at the Royal New Zealand Police College at Porirua. Ceremonies here and around the country also remember serving and former staff who have died in the past 12 months.

 

No New Zealand Police officer has been slain in the course of duty since 2009 - though it has been a close call in the case of some disgraceful attacks on staff. As always, the list of serving and former staff includes many notable and familiar faces. Among them this year are Pam Brien, the member of Christchurch Child Protection Team who died in the earthquake of 22 February, and Margaret Donnelly QSM, who in 1941 was among New Zealand's first intake of police women.

 

It is poignant attending the service at the College, where next month I will attend the graduation of young constables with decades of service ahead of them. Such is the rich culture of the Police family - we look to the future but will not forget those who have served New Zealand in the past. With this in mind, I note with sadness the death yesterday of a second SAS officer in Afghanistan.

 

Stay safe and look after each other.