Shooting survivor gives up his job

One year on from the police motorway shooting that killed Halatau Naitoko, survivor Richard Neville has realised that his life will never be the same.

Yesterday, he decided yesterday to give up his profession because he could no longer drive his truck to jobs.

The metalsmith and father of two, caught in the crossfire, had his left arm peppered with 17 bullet fragments.

"I made a decision today. My partner and myself decided to sell the truck," he said.

"In one year I've driven less than 140km - because I can't drive with the injuries to my arm. From a financial point of view, what's the point of keeping it?"

After a battle of compensation, Neville is receiving ACC payments and said his injuries caused him continuing difficulty.

"I'm pretty much in the process of redefining my work, or finding a new job."

The police inquest into Naitoko's death has been adjourned until February 16, and Neville said the delay has been hard for all involved.

"I feel for the Naitoko family, they still don't have any answers as to why their son was killed - that's a bit raw," he said.

"I quite often get told to get on with life, but it's quite difficult when society hasn't finished its involvement with you through the legal process. I wish the wheels of justice moved a bit faster."

The past year has not all been sombre rehabilitation, however. Wedding bells are ringing this year for Neville and his partner Donna.

"I'm getting married this year," he said. "Life goes on, it changes and evolves."