Police officers who have died in the line of duty will be remembered at the annual Australasian and South Pacific Police Remembrance Day Service, being held at The Royal New Zealand Police College on Monday 29 September 2014 at 11am.
The official national service also remembers all members of police, serving, former and retired, who have died in the past year.
Many police districts also hold their own remembrance services under the guidance of their police chaplains.
New Zealand Police has been fortunate over the past year with no officers slain in the line of duty.
A total of 92 serving, former and retired staff members will be remembered at this year’s service.
Additionally, fellow officers who have been slain or died on duty from Australia and Papua New Guinea will be remembered.
Governor-General His Excellency Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, Commissioner Mike Bush, and members of the Police Executive, will be present along with representatives of High Commissions and Embassies from Europe and the South Pacific.
Remembering those who led the way
This year, Police will be remembering former Assistant Commissioner Graeme Dallow OBE and Deputy Assistant Commissioner George Twentyman OBE.
In 1968, Mr Twentyman, as Chief Inspector was the coordinating officer for the Wahine disaster in Wellington.
Having also been involved in the 1953 Tangiwai disaster where he observed the confusion and significant stress caused by having those involved in the rescue operation and those dealing with enquiries work from the same place, Mr Twentyman set out to establish separate base locations for the different groups involved.
Mr Twentyman also ensured that comprehensive and accurate details of the operation were kept – including every decision, communication and personal report – to help with the subsequent court of inquiry.
This was considered a first in regards to police procedure and is now standard practice for police officers today.
In 1972, Mr Dallow was promoted to Chief Superintendent and appointed to the newly created role of Director of Operations.
As Director of Operations, Mr Dallow established a unit known as the Task Force.
Although it was based in Auckland, where it spent a lot of time policing licenced premises, the Task Force had a number of national responsibilities. It was seen in many ways as the forerunner of the Team Policing Units that were set up throughout New Zealand.
In 1977, Mr Dallow was appointed the first ever Director of Public Affairs with the rank of Deputy Assistant Commissioner.
His tenure saw the creation of the Community Constable role, as well as roles for Community Liaison Officers who interfaced with communities in the various districts.
As part of his new role, Mr Dallow learned Te reo Maori and was a great champion of the Maori Wardens which led to him becoming an honorary member.
In 1980 Mr Dallow swapped roles with Assistant Commissioner Brian Gibson and became Director of Training and Personnel.
In this role, Mr Dallow is remembered for introducing early retirement at age 55 in 1985 and the introduction of martial arts into police training.
Huia feather pin
The Police chevron-embedded Huia feather Remembrance Day Pin will be worn by members of Police throughout the country.
Now lost to us, the Huia bird's tail plumage is something rare and special.
To wear it is considered by Maori to be a great honour.
By incorporating the police chevron into the Huia tail feather, the design of the pin symbolises the honouring of someone special, now lost to Police.
ENDS
Media intending to be present at the service should plan to be onsite by 10.40am.
Please direct all enquiries or intentions to attend to:
Nic Barkley
Communications Manager
The Royal New Zealand Police College
021 192 2813
Note: this release previously had 29 October 2014 as the date for Remembrance Day
