Saving face

If there’s one thing we learnt from the lockdown experience in Auckland this time round, it’s that face masks and hipster beards don’t always go together. I know officers showed willing when they were required to wear face masks when on duty and dealing with the public, but I hear it was a bit of a challenge for some of our members with long, full, lovingly groomed facial hair. I don’t know how many beards were sacrificed for the cause, but you know… fashions change.

Spa town

I see the team in Rotorua are in for some pampering. The word is that a spa resort is being set up in their station… Well, that’s probably an exaggeration, but they are getting to trial a new health and wellness treatment where you get wrapped in pressure pads and have infrared heat applied to various parts of your body. Sounds a bit like being involved in a takedown… Probably a bit New Age for the likes of me – I prefer a quick rub with the Deep Heat – but I might consider it if there was a free facial thrown in.

Top jobs

A few of the top jobs are up for grabs, with several deputy commissioner roles being advertised recently. It’s always interesting to see which of the high-fliers will take the next step, and there are certainly plenty of quality candidates. Might be time for a woman in one of those roles, perhaps?

FEO v retirement

It has been interesting talking to a few of my mates from around the country who are reaching the stage where they are thinking about retirement. The shock to their superannuation earlier in the year gave them a fright. It’s recovered for now, but they reckon those little part-time retirement jobs aren’t out there any more, so they might hang around instead. FEO could be just the ticket for them. I also bumped into a retired colleague who was happily singing the praises of his GSF pension. I think many of us wish it were still an option. No fretting over negative interest rates for him.

Kia kaha and stay safe.

Constable Iam Keen