Ngā Mihi. The NZ Police family was very sad to learn of the tragic passing of Inspector Donna Howard on Tuesday night after a short illness. Our thoughts are with Donna’s family, colleagues and friends at this very sad time.
Sad passing of Inspector Donna Howard
The NZ Police family was very sad to learn of the tragic passing of Inspector Donna Howard on Tuesday night after a short illness.
Donna served in Police with passion, commitment and excellence for 27 years. She had a varied career at Police, serving as a general duties constable, in the Criminal Investigations Branch, Organised Crime Unit and Professional Standards. Donna also served in the Solomon Islands and Timor Leste (East Timor).
Donna took up the role as Wairarapa Area Commander in early 2016. She was so excited by this new leadership challenge and quickly earned the respect of her local community. She will be much missed. Our thoughts are with Donna’s family, colleagues and friends at this very sad time.
On the road in Canterbury District
Last week Canterbury District Commander John Price and I spent time with staff from Timaru, Temuka and Ashburton. It was great to meet such enthusiastic staff and hear about their work and passion for local policing.
On our road trip John and I did our bit to make the southern roads safer by pulling over a Porsche driver who was driving well in excess of the speed limit. When we were undertaking the 3T other drivers stopped as well and asked to make statements because the driver’s behaviour had caused such concern. It was heartening to see our community play their part as well.
Police pioneer retires
After 40 event-filled years with NZ Police, Superintendent Sandra Manderson has decided to retire.
Sandra’s career has seen her work across a wide range of operational police work and high profile events. Sandra has worked hard to improve NZ Police as a career option for women. As the first female superintendent, district commander and international liaison officer she was a role model for other women in police and made a real difference to the communities she’s served.
Sandra played a crucial role in the deportation of Nai Yin Xue from the USA, whose wife was found dead in Auckland and whose daughter Qian Xun Xue (Pumpkin) was abandoned in Melbourne. She was very involved in the Police response to the Canterbury earthquake in 2011.
In recent years Sandra has led several high profile national police operations such as the ICC Cricket World Cup, the World Masters Games and Lions tour.
I wish Sandra all the best for her well-deserved retirement.
Until next time, stay safe.
Mike Bush MNZM, Commissioner of Police
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