Police_world_2016_1_120116_flipbook

18 / 32

Travelling inland, near the town of Mata Mata, we visited the incredible
movie set used for the The Lord of the Rings films. The movie set was
stunning in its detail and construction. Further south we stopped at Rotorua,
known for its thermal activity. The smell of sulphur permeates the town,
especially around the lakeside and at the Maori tribal lands. We enjoyed a
traditional hangi (meal prepared under rocks using the thermal heat from
the ground) and a cultural night. I was elected Chief of the tourist and had to
face an advancing warrior who – thankfully - presented me with the fern leaf
as a symbol of peace. I even got to practice my Haka.
Wellington is a small and attractive city that, in 2015, celebrated
its 150 year as the official capital of New Zealand. We were
greeted and royally treated by two ex RUC officers: Mike Norden is
Chair of No 4 Region IPA NZ and Phil King – they both emigrated
in the 70’s and 80’s – were joined by Phil Jones and Christina
Jones. We had a memorable night out at a local hostelry. They all
imparted their collective local knowledge with many suggestions
of where to go and what to do, such as the funicular railway, Weta
Caves and the Te Papa museum.
This can only be a snap shot of the 5 weeks we spent in New
Zealand. Aotearoa is the Maori name for the country and
translated means the “land of the long white cloud”. It’s an
amazing country, beautiful scenery, friendly people and by using
the IPA travel forms it is absolutely true “strangers are only people
you haven’t yet met”. Why not contact Section New Zealand and
help celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2016. It’s a long way to go,
but definitely worth it.
Stephen Hilditch
Northern Ireland,
North West Branch
To find details of accommodation across New Zealand,
available for rent to IPA members, visit:
Section New Zealand
Friendship Week
9 – 15 October 2016
Rendezvous Grand Hotel, Auckland
Full details available from Section
New Zealand
The NZ fern commemorating
the ANZAC Gallipoli campaign
during WWI cut out of steel
Mike Norden, Frances and Stephen Hilditch,
Phil Jones, Phil King, Christina Jones
18 POLICE WORLD Vol 61 No. 1, 2016
Article