Law and order ball’s up

“Private thoughts, public voice”, “foot in mouth”, “OMG!” Yep, some of the reactions to our esteemed ex-police minister Mr Nash’s departure and being sent packing to his room without any dinner. Nuff said. The “police minister revolving door” continues its churn with a new kid on the block. Let’s see how long Ms Andersen lasts with the election looming and political parties kicking the law-and-order ball up and around.

Voice of reason

The shooting incident in Henderson again showed the calibre of New Zealand police officers in critical situations. Nice to see their district commander getting in front of the camera ASAP and telling it how it is and was. Some of our bosses get this right, and some still bury their heads in the sand. But in this case, high five, ma’am, well done.

President-setting visit

I hear “El Presidente” Cahill got around Hawke’s Bay a couple of weeks ago to see the troops and the devastation up there. Mates have told me it was great to see him and, better still, it wasn’t a public relations stint like some others from another big building in Wellington. Maybe some from that big building are hoping they’ll qualify for a small, stripey badge that gets handed out during these national incidents these days. Anyway, good on you, Mr President, an appreciated and understated visit.

Gold standard event

Our members who competed at the recent APES Games in Rotovegas had a blast and collected their share of medals. Even when the world seems to be cracking, we can still hold a class event and enjoy some emergency services competition with our brothers and sisters across the creek. I was told the next games are in Tassie in 2025. Not a bad place to have it. Could be worth a trip, what do you reckon? There will be the usual sports involved, but if you have a great idea for a “new” sport to include, email me.

Fighting tooth and clause

Pay round, yep, kind of mentioned this last month, but I want to give a shout out to our sworn and non-sworn pay round advisers. They are from all over the country, and so they should be. We all need “local” input at the discussion table. Now, I’m no financial or employment expert, (God forbid I become an adviser – I’d just vote for free beer and unlimited mince and cheese pies) but it seems to me that our advisers are carrying a fair amount of weight on their shoulders each and every time they go into bat for us. Remember that. They deserve our support, especially if we can sneak in the mince and cheese pies clause.

Where less is more

Just read an article on Stuff about Timaru being the best place to live in New Zealand, just edging out Marlborough for the top spot. There’s something to be said for provincial policing – living and working in these areas must have its advantages. Rush hour comes to mind. So, to the men and women of Timaru Police, congratulations, I’m confident you had something to do with that win.

Stay safe out there...
Constable Iam Keen

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