Tour de Buka

Above: Obviously inspired by the Tour de France, Constable James Campbell, OC Waihi Beach, takes on the local kids in a bike race on the runway at Bougainville during downtime on his rotation.

Affectionately known as the Tour De Buka Airstrip, James reports he won the race “by a front wheel” - but as this picture shows, he had some catching up to do.

His every move was watched closely by his competitor’s passenger. The only thing missing is the yellow jersey - or any jersey for that matter.

NZ Police has provided bicycles for the Bougainville Community Auxiliary Police (CAPS) since becoming involved in the programme in 1999 and financed by NZ Aid.

Good quality Giant bikes and spare parts are ordered from New Zealand. The bikes are used by the CAPS to get from village to village to carry out their duties.