The first Remembrance Day since the death of Senior Sergeant LYN FLEMING was tough for many in Nelson, but it also saw Lyn's living legacy take shape, writes Sergeant MAL YORK.
In Nelson, Police Remembrance Day 2025 hit harder than ever.
Monday 29 September was the first Remembrance Day since Nelson Bays and the wider Tasman District lost a devoted police officer and valued friend, Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming - the 34th New Zealand Police officer and first police woman killed in the line of duty.
It was a day when the ongoing pain of Lyn's loss was there for all to see, but also a day when her colleagues could celebrate her legacy in tangible ways.
Area Commander Inspector Steve Collins opened the remembrance service on Monday, addressing the friends, family, colleagues and others gathered outside Nelson Police Station.
"Today will be a difficult and emotional day for all of us," he said. "This year, unfortunately, this day is more meaningful than it has ever been after the tragic death of a loved and respected colleague, Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming, on 1 January."
Inspector Steve Collins paid tribute to 'a loved and respected colleague'.
The pulled-down forage caps and dark sunglasses couldn’t hide the raw emotions of many attendees as they reflected on a loss that continues to be deeply felt by Lyn's family, the Police family and the whole community.
But despite the sadness, there is goodness and strength that continues to shine. Steve summed it up.
"I know that the events of January have shaken you. I know you have felt real loss and pain. It felt that we were collectively brought to our knees.
"I remember when I stood in front of you a few days after the tragedy, seeing staff who were suffering, who were trying to make sense of a senseless act.
"I remember standing there and having the audacity to ask for more. Asking you to uphold your oath, to police your community without fear or favour.
"I have nothing but admiration and respect for you all because, without exception, you picked yourself up from your knees, stood up straight, to face what had to be faced.
"You showed dedication, coming to work when you probably didn't want to. You showed empathy and respect to victims. You showed professionalism with the offenders who gave no heed for your feelings.
"Most importantly, you supported each other. I'm truly humbled and the New Zealand Police and Nelson community is fortunate to have such dedicated staff."
'I had the audacity to ask for more...' Flashback to the community vigil for Lyn on Nelson Cathedral steps. Inspector Steve Collins is standing to the rear.
National support for Lyn's family and Tasman District was expressed in the presence of Commissioner Richard Chambers and Police Minister Mark Mitchell.
"Thank you for looking after each other," said Commissioner Chambers.
"You have 15,000 other colleagues serving across the country who are right alongside you. You have past members of Police. You have the Nelson Bays community, and you have a country right behind you.
"Thank you for the strength and the courage that you've shown through 2025."
Minister Mitchell spoke of Lyn’s legacy. “The way that she looked after and guided young constables that were under her care; the way she unwaveringly displayed both hers and the Police values, this will not be lost. She will never be forgotten”.
That legacy reflects Lyn's role as a cornerstone of Police in Nelson. To ensure she is recognised for years to come, Police staff were asked for ideas for the preservation of her legacy - and two of these ideas bore fruit on Remembrance Day.
A memorial kōhatu (stone) was unveiled by Lyn's children Aren and Rayna. It came from near St Arnaud, an area precious to Lyn and her family.
Archdeacon Emeritus Harvey Ruru explained that the blessing of the kōhatu was an ancient protocol observed by Māori and many other cultures. He invited all present to touch the stone and add their blessing to it, an invitation that remains open to all.
The memorial stone is unveiled.
Immediately after the service, the Nelson Bays award ceremony saw the first presentation of the Lyn Fleming Award of Excellence, presented by Aren.
The award acknowledges attributes matching Lyn’s own strengths and qualities: consistently performing to a high standard; dedication to Police; prepared to go the extra mile; mentors/coaches/helps others; a good team member; someone who gets on with the job, not seeking recognition.
The first recipient was Sergeant Micaela Rolton - fittingly a strong, reliable female leader, and someone that Lyn herself rated very highly.
She is reliable and never makes a fuss but supports and develops her staff. Her section is high-performing, and she frequently takes on work she doesn’t have to.
In the aftermath of 1 January, she showed outstanding leadership in Tasman, relieving in the Response Manager role.
"I feel deeply honoured to be the first of many to receive this award in Lyn's memory," she told Ten One.
"In 2019, I was fortunate to have Lyn present my stripes. She was truly one of a kind, with a genuine care and dedication to her staff – qualities she worked hard to instil in all of us."