Off-duty officer Scott Quate’s actions on August 19, 2017, epitomise the essence of the Police Association Bravery Award – taking immediate action in a life-and-death situation when no one else was prepared to step up.

After months of negotiations, interim results show that 63 per cent of constabulary and 85 per cent of Police employee members have voted to accept the pay offer, and they have voted in strength.

The Police Association’s 83rd Annual Conference was taking place against the backdrop of an extraordinary time for policing in New Zealand, president Chris Cahill told delegates and invited guests gathered in Wellington last month.

Choosing the possible reform of cannabis law in New Zealand as a theme for the Police Association’s 2018 conference was a brave, but necessary decision, delegates were told.