Richard Avery, left, Justin Johnson with mother Belinda and sister Madison, and Rob Cameron. Photo / Peter de Graaf
Richard Avery, left, Justin Johnson with mother Belinda and sister Madison, and Rob Cameron. Photo / Peter de Graaf
A once-troubled teen has been recognised for his honesty after handing in an expensive camera and a tourist's holiday mementoes.
Justin Johnson, 16, was climbing St Paul's Rock last month when he found a Nikon SLR camera left atop the outcrop overlooking the Whangaroa Harbour.
He handed the camera inand police were eventually able to trace its owner, a delighted American visitor named Tom Ron. The $1200 camera held hundreds of photos and good memories of Mr Ron's travels around New Zealand.
Kaeo police were also delighted because the teen had previously come to their attention for the wrong reasons.
In July, Community Constable Richard Avery accompanied him and three other Kaeo youths to a five-day Blue Light camp in Auckland. The camp features a mix of physical challenges, outdoor survival skills and military-style training, geared at young people who have either had a brush with the law, need a break from home or show leadership potential.
Mr Avery said Justin excelled at the camp and then showed his character when he found the camera.
"He's made the right choice. He's heading in the right direction, I reckon."
Mr Avery and Youth Constable Rob Cameron presented Justin with a carved trophy recognising his integrity and honesty at the Kaeo police station on Wednesday.
Justin said it didn't even occur to him to keep the camera for himself.
He said he had got into "a bit of trouble" when the family first moved to Whangaroa three years ago, but since then he had joined a youth group run by Kaeo couple Mike and Janet Fleming and been on the army-style Blue Light camp.
He hoped to learn a trade once he finished his home schooling.
