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Aotearoa
the land of the long white cloud
New Zealand, situated in the deep Pacific, hosts many IPA members
and families from throughout the world who visit to enjoy the clean
green landscape, terrific scenery and friendly people.
S
ection UK member Stephen Hilditch
,
enjoyed much more when he visited in
2015 – family, former colleagues, IPA
members – as well as sharks and an advancing
warrior!
I retired in 2007 from the Royal Ulster
Constabulary/ Police Service of Northern Ireland
and two years ago our two boys emigrated to New
Zealand. During the 2015 summer (New Zealand
winter) year my wife Frances and I travelled out to
visit them and explore the beautiful country.
I have been a member of the IPA since 1980,
however I have never really made use of its
many benefits or of the opportunities for travel
and meeting new people. So, I decided to fill
out the travel forms - and so began an amazing
experience.
Unfortunately, I had left the process a little late to
organize any of the New Zealand Police Houses.
IPA Section New Zealand arranged car hire for my
whole stay and I was contacted by several ex RUC
officers who I arranged to meet later in the tour.
Whilst visiting our two sons in Auckland we visited
several of the ‘must go to’ places including the
Kelly Tarlton Sealife Centre and Auckland Tower.
Mark our youngest son (a zoologist) was working
at the Sealife Centre and he arranged for Frances
to do a free dive in the main tanks. After a short
training session and accompanied by several
other victims (I mean paying customers) she
entered the tanks where she got up close and
personal with sand tiger sharks, stingrays and a
myriad of other sea life. I was watching from the
safety of the glass tunnel along with the rest of
the family.
In the afternoon it was my turn to pump the
adrenaline when we visited the Auckland Tower.
After a safety briefing we walked around the tower
on the 1m wide open mesh walkway. Having
survived that, I went one stage further and threw
myself off the tower. Standing on the edge, trying
not to look down, you lean forward into a point of
no return. Then, 700 feet and 11seconds later
you are on the ground. I am not brave enough
to do a bungee jump of which there are many in
New Zealand so this was the next best thing - a
vertical zip line - what a thrill.
Smile for the camera!
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POLICE WORLD
Vol 61 No. 1, 2016
Article