Slain constable Leonard Snee is honoured

Senior Constable Leonard Snee is the latest inductee to the CHB College Hall of Honour.

Another inductee has been added to the inaugural CHB College Hall of Honour commemorating former students who have been recognised nationally for their achievements, or have represented New Zealand on the world stage in their chosen fields.

Senior Constable Leonard Snee, from Takapau and of Ngati Kahungungu descent, is the fifth of six people to be inducted this year.

School principal Lance Christiansen says Mr Snee gave 33 years of outstanding service as a New Zealand police officer including 23 years as a member of the Armed Offenders Squad.

His years of service were tragically cut short in the line of duty when he was slain during the siege on Napier Hill in May 2009.

He was described as a man of few words who let his actions do the talking.

At the time of his funeral, the then police commissioner said he was "not just a hero on the day he died. Len was a hero every day he went to work".

His widow Vikki also noted: "Ithink Leonard's greatest achievement was his mana and the way people always walked away from him feeling better about themselves."

Mr Snee was also a talented sportsman and represented Hawke's Bay in rugby, playing 39 first-class games.

He represented the NZ Police rugby team for 11 years and also played for eight years for the NZ Combined Services alongside several All Blacks, including rugby legend Buck Shelford.

"Mr Snee was a man of honour and outstanding community service as a member of the New Zealand police force."

The inaugural inductees will be presented with their awards at a function on Thursday, October 20 at the college.