POLICE_WORLD_01_2016

Aotearoa the land of the long white cloud Article

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 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.

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

Smile for the camera!

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POLICE WORLD Vol 61 No. 1, 2016