We remember

Metres from the Wellington quayside where New Zealand troops farewelled their loved ones and sailed off to fight in two world wars, members of Police paused to pay their own tribute to the Anzacs.

Wellington’s Maritime Unit is based in a heritage building on the city’s waterfront, where thousands of Kiwi troops embarked for service overseas.

The launch Lady Elizabeth IV and the unit’s 4x4 sported special RSA 'truck poppies' as OC Senior Sergeant Dave Houston, launch crew member Constable Paula Tanuvasa and Senior Launchmaster Constable Richard Kennedy paused for a moment’s reflection.

Dave says their position on the wharf and the time they spend on the water gives Maritime Unit members a sense of empathy with the young Kiwis who passed through the dockyard gates in previous generations.

Down the road Sergeant Andrew Heffey, of the Royal New Zealand Police College, was driving a replica World War One-era ambulance in the Anzac street parade through Wellington – and the need for realism meant he had to shave off his beard.

Meanwhile, at Police National Headquarters, members of the Police Infringement Bureau brought in their own family keepsakes and memorabilia to create an Anzac-themed memorial in the office.

In Rotorua Constable Tony O’Keeffe took a moment to pay his respects at the sculpture Gallipoli, by Logan Okiwi Shopgood, which is part of a commemorative WW1 sculpture trail.

Tony was in the Army for 20 years before joining Police and remains an Army Reservist. His grandfather was in the Army and two of his great uncles were in the Māori Battalion.

Police members will be fully involved in Anzac Day events and ceremonies over the weekend – both in New Zealand and in our overseas deployments.