Those of us close to policing know that great work and extraordinary outcomes are achieved every day right across the motu, in all facets of the job, and for thousands of Kiwis. Much of this work requires intense behind-the-scenes labour.

Late last month, the High Court ruled in favour of Police in such a case against Wayne Doyle, the boss of the Head Hunters. Doyle will have to forfeit about $15 million in assets accrued through decades of crime, including the gang’s prized pad in East Auckland.

This landmark result was achieved through incredibly arduous work over many years and strong co-operation with the Auckland Crown solicitors. I have a good idea of the difficulty involved in this operation. I led a team that struggled to make inroads into Doyle’s gang assets 15 years ago. I salute those involved, all of whom should be very proud of this result’s positive implications for the fight against organised crime in Aotearoa.

"The pivot that Police has made to more visible policing... does not come without personal and professional costs for the officers involved."

Just days after the Doyle ruling, police arrested every patched member of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros as well as some Auckland members and seized kilos of methamphetamine, several firearms and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash. Property worth $2m was restrained.

Again, results built on many months of hard work and dedication that deliver a positive flow-on effect on family harm and property crime in Canterbury.

The pivot that Police has made to more visible policing, most obviously showcased in increased beat patrols, is proving extremely popular with the public and business owners in all major cities.

But this response does not come without personal and professional costs for the officers involved. Many agreed to change roles at short notice, often disrupting their family life to deliver the old-style, reassuring policing. They are also mindful of the difficult trade-off required in taking the focus off other policing demands.

The recently released Understanding Policing Delivery report provoked a stream of negative headlines because, as we know so well, “if it bleeds, it leads”. Inevitably, the headlines stole the focus from the many positives within the research.

Police can always improve its approach to the challenging aspects of policing. The report noted that as well as what I have known for some time – NZ Police is world class, our response to minorities is taken seriously and, predominantly, Police staff deliver a professional, objective service.

So whether it is tackling the most difficult of crime investigations, delivering a baby in the back of your police car, calming the traumatised victim on the phone or showing your personality to the community as you meet the varied and challenging aspects of your job, you can hold your head high and be proud of the part you play in the team that delivers every day and night for New Zealanders.