Niue now on air

NZ Police radio technician, Murray McKenzie from Hamilton, recently visited Niue to install a basic radio system for the island.

“There was no police radio system operating on the island but now fifty percent of the island is covered, which is where ninety percent of the police work occurs,” says Murray.

Part of the job included climbing a 40 metre mast to install equipment. Working on his own Murray says he’s pleased all he dropped from the mast was a bolt. “I didn’t fancy the idea of climbing up and down a 40 metre mast in the heat.”

Niue Police Commissioner, NZ Police’s Ross Adern, says Murray did a great job and the radio system has had its first workout. 

“It’s great to have some communications. Murray will be back in a few months to complete part two of the communications project.  That will give us a radio system that will cover most of the Island and will help both in terms of policing and for disaster management.”

Ross is also grateful for the donation of two surplus NZ Police vehicles.

“The first of them has arrived and is a welcome addition to our police department.

“Our old truck was well past its ‘use-by date’ – and was a testament to the ability of the Nissan Patrol to keep going despite the hammering it had. Whenever it rained the lights would come on of their own volition and the steering would have been more suited to a bumper boat!”

Friends and colleagues Ian Jenkins and Tony Leask helped get the first vehicle sent to Niue. 

“The vehicle came up on the hold of the ship and my prayers were answered as on delivery day the sea was calm and they were able to land the truck on the wharf without any damage caused,” says Ross.