Two long-serving Police leaders have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, with Inspector Ross Grantham made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) and Inspector Neru (Nu) Leifi appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM). 

The honours recognise decades of service, leadership in some of the country’s most significant operations and investigations and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. 

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers described both men as role models whose careers reflected “the highest level of service and care to others”. 

“They [have] made outstanding contributions within New Zealand and internationally. Their service has been both distinguished and exemplary.” 

‘Policing best job ever’

Recently retired Manawatū Area Commander Ross Grantham’s honour caps a remarkable policing career spanning almost 48 years. 

Over that time he helped shape investigative interviewing practices nationwide, championed new forensic techniques and contributed to some of New Zealand’s most significant criminal investigations. He served as national manager interviewing, national crime manager and represented Police internationally, including following the 2002 Bali bombings and during an exchange with South Australia Police. 

Among his many achievements was helping develop the Police Investigative Interviewing programme and driving the introduction of handheld video interviewing for family harm victims, an approach now widely used across the country. 

Ross says receiving the honour came as a complete surprise. “It has been huge, humbling and a privilege to be nominated for this award,” he says. “But I firmly believe I have achieved nothing by myself.” 

His reflections on nearly five decades in policing focus less on the cases and accolades than on the people he worked alongside. “Policing has been the best job ever because of all the great people I worked with inside and outside Police,” he says. 

Asked what lessons he would pass on to future generations of officers, Ross points to three values.

“Positivity, we must always be positive. It keeps us focused, it sustains our mental wellbeing and it is infectious. Respect, we need to respect everyone, no matter what we think or know about what they have done. Kindness, we all need to share kindness. It will create relationships and better outcomes.” 

He also paid tribute to his wife, Steph, and family for supporting him throughout his career and acknowledged his late brother, Sergeant Gordon Grantham, QSM, for inspiring him to join Police. 

The King’s Birthday Honours citation notes Ross’ influence on investigative interviewing, forensic-led investigations and mentoring of generations of Police Association members. 

‘Pathway to leadership is service’

For Canterbury Inspector Neru “Nu” Leifi, the honour recognises not only more than 40 years of policing but also an enduring commitment to serving Māori, Pacific and ethnic communities. 

Nu is Canterbury District’s Māori, Pacific and Ethnic Services manager and remains a member of the armed offenders squad. Throughout his career he has led family violence prevention initiatives, built partnerships at home and across the Pacific and played key roles during major events, including the Canterbury earthquakes and international peacekeeping efforts. 

Nu was initially convinced that the notification that he was to be honoured was not genuine. “When I first got the email, I genuinely thought it was a prank,” he says. “Once I realised it was real, I was completely taken aback… I feel both humbled and grateful by the recognition.” 

Leifi says the recognition belongs as much to the people around him as it does to him.

“While my name may be attached to the award, I see it as reflecting the many people who have supported, guided, encouraged and challenged me throughout my life and policing career.

“Over my almost 40 years in Police, I have been privileged to serve alongside outstanding colleagues, work with communities across Aotearoa and the Pacific, mentor young staff and help build stronger relationships between Police and the people we serve.

“The greatest privilege of policing has been serving others. If, through that service, a young person found some hope, a family found support or a community felt heard and respected, then that is reward enough for me.”

Central to his approach is a Samoan proverb he has carried throughout his career. “In Samoan, we say ‘o le ala i le pule o le tautua’, which means ‘the pathway to leadership is through service’ – and that’s something I’ve tried to live by throughout my career.” 

He credits his wife, children and faith for keeping him grounded and says his Ngāti Porou and Samoan heritage helped shape the values that have guided his career.

The King’s Birthday Honours citation highlights Nu’s work strengthening Police relationships with Pacific communities, mentoring officers across the Pacific region, supporting peacekeeping operations and coaching and mentoring young people in Christchurch. 

Together, the honours bestowed on Ross and Nu recognise two careers built on service, leadership and a commitment to leaving Police stronger than they found it.