Counties Manukau Police are pleased to be able to inform the public that Sergeant Simon Tate has been released from hospital today to continue to recover from his injuries at home.
After undergoing surgery this week on the most serious of his injuries, medical staff at Auckland Hospital have advised Sergeant Tate that he can continue to recover at home from this weekend. Sergeant Tate will be treated as an outpatient to complete his recovery.
Further operations in regard to his facial fractures may still take place pending how they heal in coming weeks.
Police are very pleased with the speed at which he has recovered from his brutal injuries sustained in the weekend and news of his discharge from hospital was met with relief by friends and colleagues.
Walter Tauatevalu, charged with attempted murder following the incident, will reappear in the Auckland High Court to face the charges later this month. He entered no plea at his appearance in the Manukau District Court on Monday.
Sergeant Simon Tate and partner Constable Lisa Ross would like to thank the public, the Police and hospital staff for their support this week. Simon has had messages of support and visits from a wide range of people from the Police family including the Sheriff's department in Waushara County, Wisconsin, local politicians and the Commissioner of Police Peter Marshall.
"We've been well supported by everyone this week and we're really thankful that Simon is recovering well," says Constable Lisa Ross.
The family understand the media interest in the case and in Simon's recovery but would like to continue their request for privacy at this time.
Issued by Kimberley Mathews/Communications Manager
0274 342 218