Colossal man with a colossal heart and mind

Described by friends, family and colleagues as a champion for fairness, Steve Hinds was known for his stellar work in Police, as Police Association president and for World Rugby.

Steve, 68, died of cancer in September.

His calm leadership and skills as a “consensus builder”, his lifelong love of rugby, and his tireless advocacy for the rights and welfare of police officers were remembered at his funeral in Paraparaumu on October 2.

“Steve was a Wellington man through and through,” his partner of 17 years, Cheryl Crooks, said.

He joined Police as a data files sorter before graduating from Police College in the 1970s. Within 10 years he rose to detective, sergeant and senior sergeant.

Lifelong friend and former association national secretary Graham Harding met Steve in 1985.

“Steve had a very well-developed sense of right and wrong,” Graham said. “He took on the role of ensuring things were fair and just, and he wasn't afraid to stand up for what he believed in.”

Graham believed Steve’s skills made him an obvious choice for the association’s presidency: wide police experience, known and respected among peers, prepared for a demanding role, an active interest in politics and industrial processes and the ability to build relationships.

In 1989, Steve, aged 33, was elected president, the youngest in the association’s history.

His six-year tenure oversaw the merger of the Traffic Safety Service with Police, the establishment of association field officer positions, development of the Police Welfare Fund and offering association membership to non-sworn staff and senior managers. “He also lobbied successfully for police to have beards,” Graham said.

“The steepest hill to climb came early in 1990, when police superannuation came under attack by the government of the day.”

Steve led 1200 association members in police uniform in a march on Parliament on March 30, 1990 – the first time police officers had marched in protest.

“The government seriously underestimated his and the association’s resolve,” Graham said. “The impact of this event will never be forgotten. Steve’s role that day was greatly admired.”

The government backed down, resulting in a positive result for members.

Steve’s significant contribution and outstanding service earned him association life membership in 2010. He retired from Police as a superintendent in 2012 but still had strong family connections within Police. His nephew, Senior Sergeant Mike Craig, works in Wellington and his stepbrother, Senior Constable Steve Rumney, is in Hawke’s Bay. In a tribute, Steve Rumney said he admired his stepbrother’s professionalism and he and his colleagues felt that, as association president, Steve always looked out for them.

Rugby had been a huge part of Steve’s life, best mate and former Police colleague Mike O’Leary said.

Steve was a formidable and mobile lock forward, playing more than 100 premier games for the Marist St Pats club, including a winning streak of 42 games for the Senior As. He also represented Wellington and was part of the team that won the NPC title in 1981.

Steve developed a reputation as a daunting presence on the rugby pitch, Mike said, earning the nickname “walloper” for his physical play and steadfast credos. He often offered “helpful assistance” to the referee, even scarring the odd opposing player he considered in the wrong.

Mike believes his mate’s unwavering sense of “fair play” coupled with police investigation skills, high-level performance and intolerance of foul play were a perfect fit for his appointment as citing commissioner for New Zealand Rugby and then World Rugby citing commissioner manager in 2015.

Tributes to Steve consistently praised his skills as a great listener, a calm leader and a unifying force.

“Steve had a gift with people,” Cheryl said. “He was able to form connections that made him so respected and loved by so many.”