Dixon case officers rewarded

Detective Sergeant Peter Jones, left, Detective Michelle Gillespie and Detective Inspector Bernie Hollewand, who were involved in Operation Dunrobin, the Antonie Dixon case. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

Three high-ranking members of the Counties-Manukau Police received awards yesterday for the investigative skills that led to the conviction and sentencing of Antonie Dixon.

Before a packed lunchroom at the district's Otahuhu headquarters yesterday, Assistant Commissioner Peter Marshall gave a silver merit award to Bernie Hollewand, the head of Operation Dunrobin.

Also recognised for their efforts during the Dixon investigation were Detective Michelle Gillespie, who received a commissioner's commendation, and Detective Sergeant Peter Jones, who received a bronze merit award.

Police pursued Dixon over a string of horrendous acts - including murder, kidnapping and mutilation - committed while he was high on methamphetamine in January 2003.

He had attacked and maimed two women with a samurai sword.

After his conviction he was jailed for a minimum of 20 years.

Mr Hollewand said the most challenging aspect of the inquiry and trial had been keeping a focus on Dixon's criminality.

Despite the prosecution's strong case, which included confessions, physical evidence and eye witness accounts, there was still the challenge of fighting the defence's case of insanity, Mr Hollewand said.

Miss Gillespie, who managed the file, said 6000 pieces of paper had to be copied and sent to defence lawyer Barry Hart.

"I certainly learned a lot, it was a big learning curve, especially in dealing with defence lawyers," she said.

Mr Hollewand said his colleagues had also been involved in Operation Soprano this year when notorious Black Power gang member Abraham Wharewaka was convicted for manufacturing methamphetamine and cultivating cannabis.

"That team has made huge inroads into organised crime in this district," he said.

Since the Dixon case, Mr Hollewand has moved to the Auckland Central Police district. He is investigating the killing of alleged triad enforcer Tam Yam Ah, who was shot dead in the early hours of July 7.

Others who received awards at yesterday's ceremony were Constable Arran Schuster and Constable William Cuthers. Both were recognised for their bravery.

In December 2004 the pair entered a burning house and rescued two disoriented, elderly people.

Sergeant Harry Watt received an award for his 35 years in the force.