Media Releases
Police Association media releases are posted below soon after being issued.
Download images of key spokespeople here.
Operation Eight IPCA report
The release of the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s report into Operation Eight confirms that the operation was justified, but that mistakes were made in the termination, Police Association Vice-President Luke Shadbolt said today.
No relief for Police in 2013 Budget
Today’s Budget confirms funding for Police remains frozen, which means Police will face continued pressure to make savings to meet rising costs for the foreseeable future, Police Association Vice-President Stuart Mills said today.
Fleeing drivers, not police, cause crashes
A fatal crash involving a fleeing driver overnight once again highlights that it is the fleeing driver, and not police, who are responsible for such tragedies, Police Association President Greg O'Connor said today.
Report confirms fleeing driver to blame
The IPCA report released yesterday into the tragic deaths in Gisborne last year of passengers Peter Bunyan and Holly Gunn, and fleeing driver Dylan Kingi, clearly shows the fleeing driver alone is responsible for such deaths, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said.
Warnings from departing police officers must not go unheeded
Comments from departing Taranaki police officer Grant Coward that budget cuts were disheartening police, and could lead to crime increases, echo the sorts of warnings that went unheeded in the late 1990s with disastrous consequences, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said today.
Crime drop reflects excellent police work
Big drops in recorded crime reflect the hard work and dedication of police officers and non-constabulary support staff, even at a time when they are under pressure from restructuring, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said today.
PITT training changes a necessary evil
Changes to Police Integrated Tactical Training (PITT) mean more than a third of constabulary police will not be trained to use firearms or Tasers, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said today.
Budget constraints underpin staff cuts, stations closures
Cuts to budgets and non-constabulary support positions underpin station closure or hours/service reduction proposals not only in Auckland and the Hutt Valley, but around New Zealand, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said today.
IPCA Taser report shows context is key
An Independent Police Conduct Authority Report, released today, which finds Police Taser use against a man in Christchurch in 2010 was justified, should serve as a reminder that media and the public need to be wary about jumping to conclusions before the full circumstances and context of an incident are understood, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said today.
Mobile technology rollout welcome
The rollout of mobile technology will boost effectiveness of frontline police, Police Association President Greg O'Connor said today.
Alleged party assault: await outcome of inquiries
Inquiries will establish how a 15-year old girl was injured at an out-of-control party in Howick, and speculation in the meantime is unhelpful, Police Association President Greg O'Connor said today.
WOF changes will require more police
The decision to reduce warrant of fitness frequency for newer vehicles is welcome, but increased police roadside enforcement will require more staff – not just more money, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said today.
Protest violence unacceptable
The use of violence by a small minority of protesters in Auckland yesterday to attract media attention is a predictable, but completely unacceptable tactic, Police Association President Greg O'Connor said today.
Star-Times sensationalism ‘headline-grabbing at its worst’
The Sunday Star-Times’ story Cops’ mistake may have cost P-maker’s life (2 December 2012) is an example of sensationalist headline-grabbing at its very worst.
Throwing out charges punishes public, not Police
The High Court’s decision to stay prosecution of 21 alleged serious organised criminals is disproportionate and unjustified, and the public will be the real losers from the decision, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said today.
Police trust survey lacks credibility
The Police Association will not be commenting on the Horizon Research poll on trust in police, due to its apparent links to a campaign being run by a Wellington PR consultant, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said today.
Cutting staff doesn't make work go away
Cutting another 45 non-constabulary Police jobs will just add to the mounting pressure on the organisation – pressure which ultimately risks driving Police back to the crises of the late 1990s, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said today.
Crime drop shows investment in Police works
The fall in the crime rate to record lows shows what can be achieved through investment in Police, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said today.
Police Remembrance Day
This week, Police staff and others have been wearing the distinctive huia feather-shaped Police Remembrance Pin as they reflect on those who have lost their lives in service to the society they swore to protect.
Police Association Police Sportsperson of the Year awarded
Rugby world champion Black Fern Fiao'o Faamausili has taken out the 2011 NZ Police Association Police Sportsperson of the Year award.
Correction to Radio NZ story of 13 July 2012
The host of the 'Panel' segment of Radio New Zealand's 'Afternoons' show on 13 July 2012 incorrectly attributed criticism of retiring Whangarei Area Commander Paul Dimery to the Police Association. In fact, the criticism came from the Police Managers' Guild. The Police Association, in direct contrast, has been highly supportive of Mr Dimery speaking out.
Cutting staff doesn't make work go away
Police Association President Greg O’Connor reacted with dismay to the Commissioner’s announcement today that non-sworn support staff would be cut from Police as part of efforts to meet savings targets over the next year.
Association welcomes new Police Minister
The Police Association today congratulated Hon Anne Tolley on her appointment as Minister of Police.
Courage under fire honoured with awards
The outstanding bravery of two Christchurch police officers, who likely saved the life of a shot and wounded colleague, will be honoured today, as the Police Association presents New Zealand Police Association Bravery Awards to Constable Mike Wardle and former constable Marty Stiles.
RWC fan zones not target of major event cost recovery
Police should consider cost recovery for providing a police presence at future commercial events which are run on a ‘for profit’ basis, because diverting police to such events reduces police availability to serve the wider community, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said.
Police Association launches 2011 law and order policies
The Police Association today released its 2011 policy document, Towards a Safer New Zealand, at a launch function hosted by the Minister of Police at Parliament.
Select committee has already considered surveillance law change
Those expressing concern that video surveillance law might be passed without appropriate public scrutiny need to understand that the Justice and Electoral Select Committee has already examined the issue and heard numerous public and expert submissions on it, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said today.
Urgent surveillance law change welcomed
The Police Association today welcomed Prime Minister John Key’s announcement that the Government will pass urgent law to authorise Police use of covert video surveillance.
Supreme Court ruling means urgent law change needed
The Supreme Court’s ruling that Police have no legal authority to use video surveillance to gather evidence, which led to the withdrawal of several charges laid in relation to Operation Eight, means an urgent law change is needed to allow Police to continue to act against drug dealers and organised crime, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said.
UN report confirms ‘P’ problem is now an organised crime problem
The United Nations 2011 Global ATS (amphetamine-type stimulant) Assessment report confirms that New Zealand’s ‘P’ problem is now an organised crime problem, Police Association President Greg O’Connor said.
