New Zealand Police will join police services from throughout Australasia and the South Pacific tomorrow to remember staff who have been slain or killed on duty as well as staff who have died over the past year.
The New Zealand Police Remembrance Service is being held at The Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) on Thursday 29 September, 11am-12 noon.
The RNZPC is home to a national memorial to the 23 New Zealand police officers and three traffic officers who have been slain on duty since New Zealand Police was formed in 1886.
Among the staff who will be remembered this year are Queenstown Detective Travis Hughes, who was killed on 29 January with civilian pilot Chris Scott, when their light-plane crashed on a cannabis reconnaissance flight. Their families will be present at the service.
Also present will be Detective Constable Duncan Taylor's widow Melanie, who is attending to see a new plaque unveiled recognising the New Zealand Bravery Medal awarded to Duncan posthumously in January this year. Duncan was shot by an offender on 5 July 2002 while carrying out police duties near Feilding.
And among the retired staff who will be remembered is District Constable George Mason QSM, who served on Great Barrier Island between 1959-1978. He was the last District Constable in New Zealand. District Constables were appointed in places where there was insufficient police work for a permanent police officer, although he later became constable in charge of Great Barrier Island.
A total of eight serving staff and 63 former staff will be remembered at this year's service.
Her Excellency The Governor-General of New Zealand, The Honourable Dame Silvia Cartwright will be present along with High Commissioners from Australia and several South Pacific countries.
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For further information or to attend the Remembrance Service, please contact:
Toni Barlow, Communications Adviser
04 238 3413 / 0274 419 216