Prestigious new award presented to first Police recipients

Wednesday, 12 March 2014 - 4:19pm

National News

Six New Zealand Police staff have been honoured today with a new award for outstanding service and commitment to Police and communities throughout New Zealand.

Police Commissioner Peter Marshall presented the new Meritorious Service Medals (MSM) to Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Hamilton, Sergeant Terrance (Terry) Johnson, Sergeant Wayne Panapa and Mrs Anne Routledge in a ceremony at Police National Headquarters this morning. Medals were also posthumously awarded to Superintendent Mike Wilson and Sergeant Patrick (Paddy) Whiu for extraordinary achievements during their service to Police.

Today marks the first presentation of the MSM, which gained Royal approval in October last year. The medal fills a gap between existing internal awards, and higher Royal Honours including the New Zealand Bravery Awards.

“This is a prestigious new medal and the culmination of many years of research and consultation,” said Commissioner Marshall. “Only a small number of these medals will be awarded each year to reflect the special value they hold within Police. I’m delighted to present the first medals which are richly deserved by all recipients.”

The MSM features an image of the Queen, the Police crest, and is inscribed with the recipient’s name, rank (where appropriate) and award date. The ribbon incorporates two crimson stripes representing long service and good conduct, a blue stripe representing police, and four gold stripes signifying excellence and achievement. All Police staff (irrespective of rank or role) are eligible for the award, but must show notable dedication, innovation and commitment to Police and the communities they serve.

In keeping with the protocol of a new award, example medals have been given to the New Zealand Herald of Arms Extraordinary, Phillip O'Shea, and medal specialist John Wills, who both contributed to the design. Example medals have also been provided to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet for the Royal Collection; and to the Police Museum.

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Award Recipients

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Hamilton

Detective Senior Sergeant Hamilton is recognised for outstanding leadership in the development and use of asset recovery against organised crime. He worked on the creation of the Criminal Proceeds Recovery Act, and was instrumental in establishing Asset Recovery Units nationwide. Detective Senior Sergeant Hamilton has contributed to over $10 million in assets being forfeit to the Crown. He is currently the Officer in Charge of the Northern Asset Recovery Unit, based in Hamilton.

Sergeant Terrance (Terry) Johnson

For professionalism, commitment and outstanding contribution to Police and communities in New Plymouth. Sergeant Johnson is committed to continuous improvement and is constantly promoting initiatives to prevent crime and reduce harm. He is a leader in fields as diverse as internet crime, second-hand dealers, Neighbourhood Support and the reduction of harm caused by psychoactive substances.

Sergeant Wayne Panapa

For dedication and inspirational leadership in the role of National Manager, Maori Wardens. Through the Maori Wardens project he has inspired wardens to play valuable roles in their communities. Sergeant Panapa has also been involved in and led several high-level projects to which he has given exceptional service. He is based at Police National Headquarters.

Mrs Anne Routledge

Honoured for her professionalism, high ethical standards, reliability and outstanding contribution to Police. Over 23 years, Mrs Routledge has provided a Personal Assistant service to a Region Commander, Five District Commanders and a number of relieving commanders. She is a greatly valued member of the Southern District Headquarters in Dunedin.

Sergeant Patrick (Paddy) Whiu (Posthumous)

Sergeant Whiu gave many years of exceptional service and is regarded as a taonga by both New Zealand Police and Maori communities throughout New Zealand. His legacy is the profound effect he had on Police-Maori relationships through his work in training police staff and Maori Wardens, and in forging lasting relationships with Iwi. Paddy was based in Northland.

Superintendent Mike Wilson (Posthumous)

For 26 years’ exceptional service to the Police and people of New Zealand. Superintendent Wilson pioneered and championed the use of crime sciences in New Zealand, helping forge Police’s reputation as a world leader in the field. As National Manager Training and Development, based at the Royal New Zealand Police College, he oversaw changes in the way officers are trained, introducing an approach aligned with modern, international practice.

ENDS

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