Two Hawke's Bay police officers were among seven who reported to Government House last week, to be invested by the Governor-General, Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy, for their actions in saving lives or for their initiatives and service to youth and the community.
At the ceremony in Wellington, Eastern District police officers Sergeant Su Robinson and Senior Constable Sue Guy were invested as Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM), having been recognised in the New Year Honours List for their work in youth and prevention programmes aimed at youth.
Su and Sue devised and implemented Wahine Toa, a supportive holistic programme aimed at improving the wellbeing, education, safety and self esteem of young women who are abuse victims.
They've also been involved in a range of other youth- and prevention-related initiatives.
Two Waikato police dog handlers, Senior Constable Blair Spalding and Constable Ben Turner, were presented with the New Zealand Bravery Decoration and Sergeant Chris McDowell, Counties Manukau Police received the New Zealand Bravery Medal.
In Auckland three weeks ago Sergeant Ryan Lilleby, Counties Manukau, and Senior Constable Deane O'Connor (retired), Bay of Plenty, were presented with their New Zealand Bravery Medals.