Sole-charge Constable Olivia Winbush, from Waikouaiti, in Southern District, is finally eight years old.
She’s currently at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) on the Police Negotiators two-week training course, but took time out of her busy day to celebrate this milestone.
In reality Olivia now just turned 32 – but having been born on 29 February in leap year 1988, last weekend saw her eighth actual birthday.
Olivia graduated from the RNZPC with Wing 311 in 2018 at the tender age of seven and a half, and has enjoyed all her policing in Southern District so far.
Highlights of her career have been too many to list but has thoroughly enjoyed working sole-charge. She also lists being part of the 105 advertising campaign as a bit of a highlight.
She is especially keen to become part of the negotiating team (PNT) and believes it’s a huge honour to be considered for a role in the national team.
“I usually celebrate my birthday on 28 February because my folks asked if I wanted my birthday on 28 February or 1 March, and as I kid I figured I would get presents sooner if I chose 28 February,” she says.
It has certainly not affected her life. “It’s quite unique and fun being born on a leap year,” she says. “In fact it’s pretty cool to have a bigger birthday celebration every four years on the leap years as they are more official.”