To those of you who had some time off, I hope you had a good break, spent plenty of time with the special people in your lives and have returned refreshed and looking forward to a great 2017.
A lot of work will get underway this year towards our goal of making New Zealand the safest country. We've got some great opportunities to deliver even better results for our communities, and I want to thank you all in advance for your commitment and contribution.
My thoughts are with the loved ones of the 19 people who died on the roads over the official holiday period. This was despite the huge effort our staff put in every day to keep our roads safe.
I also want to acknowledge the police officers who attended these crashes and those who delivered the tragic news to the families of the deceased. Informing someone that their loved one has died is easily one of the worst aspects of the job.
Our efforts to keep our roads safe will continue, and all staff have a role to play in addressing unsafe driving behaviour they encounter in their day-to-day work.
I also want to stress that drivers have a responsibility to look after themselves, their passengers and other road users.
Congratulations to Hawke's Bay police officers Sergeant Su Robinson and Senior Constable Sue Guy, who were made Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the New Year's Royal Honours.
They've done some outstanding work to help victims and young people and in the area of prevention, and these awards were very well deserved. You can find out more about their contributions on our website.
Well done, too, to Sandra Ibbotson, who was the co-founder of the Napier Community Patrol and who received the Queen's Service Medal. Until next time, stay safe and keep up the great work.
- Mike Bush is the National Commissioner of the New Zealand Police. This is his Commissioner's Blog which appears on the police website, www.police.govt.nz
