We are certainly managing our Zoom meetings pretty well, becoming quite adept at making changes on the hoof so to speak. It is such a pleasure to see so many of our members linking in, a very nice surprise to see Harjit join us, and to finally get David Owens voice. I believe a new computer was causing a few issues for David, but hopefully sorted now.
It was lovely to see Geoff with us at the meeting. Our sincere sympathy Geoff for the loss of your brother. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
The focus of our meeting was our annual Police Officer of the Year Award, and it was real pleasure this year to present the award to Wendy Spiller. Owing to technical issues David Owen was unable to do his introduction and citation so you can access it by clicking the
Wendy link. It gives a real insight into Wendy and her career.
Wendy gave a very good summation of life on the front line during these very unsettled Covid times. She made the decision to stand down from her District Commander position for personal and family reasons, to have more time with her husband and daughter, and is currently redeployed to be in charge of Southern Border Control, Operation Romeo, (not as romantic as Ian Fox would have us believe with Juliet leaning over the Mercer Bridge over the motorway) It is not an easy task as many of us have seen on TV, those cold wet nights with the wind literally howling through the gap and our police out there patrolling and trying to keep the border safe. It is not always easy to follow the rules when they are dealing with people who are so genuine in just trying to get to families.
The police are very thorough and do indeed open and check car boots and on occasion have found people inside.
Given the size and shape of the border it is difficult to patrol and people do try all sorts of excuses and even different routes to get through the patrol.
Police are always on the alert for those trying to cross farm paddocks to avoid check points (Barry Nichols beware).
Wendy also touched on the unseen side effects of Covid and lockdowns with the rising numbers of family harm being reported (400+ per week) 5 homicides and mental health calls up 25%. This will undoubtably have long term impact on families and communities.
Reflecting on her time with Counties Manukau, she was full of praise for her colleagues and fellow officers and the commitment they bring to their role every day, sometimes making strategic decisions not always popular or understood by the public, but decisions that stay within the law and Government mandate, while avoiding escalating a problem. The recent demonstrations with a certain Church leader an example of that.
Wendy is still passionate about her work and on top of Operation Romeo she has also been appointed as The Director of the International Police Women’s Conference to be held in New Zealand in 2023.
As always Wendy provided us with a very entertaining and informative presentation.
Colin Monk updated us with confirmation that Bookarama will not take place as planned this year, he also noted that the Fun Run too may not be able to go ahead owing to restrictions that will possibly be in place.
Gavin Green is again selling Christmas Puddings. This year $20.00 each with the club getting $5.00 for each pudding sold. Look out for more information from Gavin.
Programme remains a work in progress, but the next meeting is our AGM on 9th November via Zoom. I am looking forward to seeing you all linked in again.
Finally, two items from the board
1. At the last board meeting, following feedback from members the issues of mandatory vaccinations were discussed. The Board is unanimous in it’s support of full vaccination for our members and the Membership Committee will prepare a statement to take to the board for inclusion in our Administration Guidelines.
2. The Membership Committee put a proposal to the Board, that given the on-going disruption of Covid particularly this year, but over the last 18 months, we should consider having the President and President Elect stay in place for further year, bringing some stability to the club and allowing some of our plans to be realised. Malcolm Pascoe and I agreed to this proposal which had the unanimous support of the board and will be ratified at the AGM.
Thank you all for supporting our Zoom meetings, and being in touch with each other. If you are not already, please get vaccinated , and encourage family and friends to do likewise.
Kia tupoto, kia noho haumaru
Take care, stay safe.
Madeleine East MNZM
President.
