Life Membership is the highest honour that can be bestowed by the New Zealand Police Association. It recognises exceptional and distinguished service to the Association and its members at a national level, beyond what would normally be expected of a committee member, office holder, elected representative.

Assessment Principles

When considering a nomination, the following principles should be applied:

• Life Membership recognises distinguished and exceptional service, not simply long service.
• Holding elected office (Directors, VP, President) with the Association alone does not qualify an individual for Life Membership.
• Service should demonstrate a sustained commitment to improving the Association for the benefit of members throughout New Zealand.
• Contributions should have produced significant, measurable and enduring outcomes.
• The award should remain exclusive and only be recommended where a nominee clearly exceeds the normal expectations of voluntary or elected service.
• Consideration may also be given to the level of personal commitment and sacrifice made in serving the Association, while recognising that sacrifice alone is insufficient to justify the award.