Shooting hero fed up with being out of work

Napier siege shooting hero Len Holmwood tends his tiny organic garden. Photo / Doug Laing

A year and a half after intervening in Napier's Chaucer Rd shooting and stopping gunman Jan Molenaar from finishing off two already wounded policemen, reluctant hero Len Holmwood has had enough. He wants a job.

The 46-year-old bravery-award winner and New Zealand Herald New Zealander of the Year, also seriously wounded in the shooting on May 7 last year, says he's prepared to try anything.

"It's all getting too boring," he said, lamenting a daily routine which revolves around tending a minimal organic garden outside his small Napier flat, looking after his two budgies, watching TV and DVDs, and housework. He's still receiving accident-compensation payments but, having been in employment at least three-quarters of his working life, needs to get out and about.

He cycles and walks but knows the injuries received when shot by Molenaar - after swishing the gunman's weapon away from the direction of the escaping officers - will prevent him from carrying out some jobs, particularly with heavier lifting.

"People keep telling me I should be taking more time. My leg is getting better, it's a slow process, but I'll push myself as much as I can."

He comes with references, including that of Alexander Construction boss Mark Hamilton, who had to lay off Mr Holmwood from his labouring job because of the recession less than two months before the shooting.

He accepts that with rail hardly a thriving industry in Hawke's Bay there won't be much call for his experience as a "clippy", which he worked as on the commuter service in Auckland.

But there are other prospects, such as warehouse work, machinery operation, coaching kids in his beloved rugby league, cooking and landscaping.

He says he likes dealing with the public and recently took a cash register and communications course, which might make him suitable for work in a shop, or around a camping ground.

"And, oh, I cook a bit. Pretty reasonable."

Senior Constable Len Snee was shot dead by Molenaar, who also shot senior constables Bruce Miller and Grant Diver, before gunning down Mr Holmwood. Molenaar later committed suicide.