Gerry Cunneen was a man who loved his family, his community and policing; an inspirational boss; a great communicator and a writer extraordinaire of letters to the editor.
Gerry Cunneen.
Old St Paul’s in Wellington was packed for the funeral of former Detective Superintendent Cunneen QPM, who died last week aged 74 after suffering a stroke.
The congregation reflected the respect Gerry inspired during a 36-year Police career – which included general duties, CIB, prosecutions, district commander roles and service overseas - and the love he inspired as a family man and friend.
As well as Gerry’s widow Colleen, children Matt and Angela, two grandchildren and other family and friends, those present included Commissioner Mike Bush and four of his predecessors – former Commissioners Marshall, Broad, Robinson and Thompson.
Former Police Minister George Hawkins was there, along with former members of the judiciary. Serving and retired Police staff stood shoulder to shoulder in the guard of honour.
Angela remembered a father who “gave us so much and asked for so little”. His brother Paul spoke of how proud people in their home city Christchurch were of Gerry’s success in Police.
His former colleague Quentin Doig spoke of an “outstanding boss who always had an interest in his staff and their welfare”.
There was laughter as speakers remembered his fascination with technology and the letters from ‘Gerry Cunneen, Khandallah’ which were a fixture in the Dominion Post.
Superintendent Brett Kane, speaking on behalf of Police, told of the sadness felt by those who had worked with or for Gerry.
“A common theme emerged,” said Brett. “He was a great leader, a visible leader; a real people person; someone who cared about his staff - no matter what the time of day or night turning out to support his staff at major incidents and serious crimes.”
He said Gerry was widely respected, a hands-on manager and great communicator with his staff and the wider community during very busy years.
On behalf of Wellington Retired Police Club, Jeff Taylor spoke of a keen and supportive member who had persuaded Police to provide a flag for use at members’ funerals. “We never thought it would be used for him just a few months later.”
Gerry was 19 when he joined Police in May 1963. He was posted to Lower Hutt then joined CIB in Wellington. As a Sergeant he worked the front line and as a prosecutor before moving to the Criminal Intelligence Section at Police National Headquarters.
In 1979, as an Inspector, Gerry travelled to Britain to help Lancashire Police investigate the murder of New Zealander Christopher Martin Johnstone – aka Mr Asia – and helped gather the evidence that saw nine people convicted.
In 1982 he was appointed a Detective Inspector and then to the Police Liaison Officer role in Sydney, where he spent four years.
Promotion to Detective Superintendent followed. His other roles included Director Drug Enforcement and Intelligence, Hutt District Commander, and Wellington District Commander, in which position he retired in 1999. He was awarded the Queen’s Policing Medal in 1987.
Retirement was not the end of his association with Police, as he spent two parliamentary terms as Police Advisor to Minister of Police Hawkins before joining the Independent Police Conduct Authority as a lead investigator.
“Thank you Gerry for your years of service to New Zealand Police and to the community,” said Brett. “Thank you especially to Colleen, Matt and Angela for sharing your husband and dad with us.
“We salute you Gerry.”