Popular policeman lives on in art

ART TRIBUTE: Student Justine Lyden, 17, with her painting of the late police officer Paddy Whiu and Mr Whiu's sister, Elizabeth Whiu. PHOTO/PETER DE GRAAF

Relatives of the late Sergeant Paddy Whiu were moved to tears to see a life-size portrait of the popular policeman at a Kaikohe square.

The painting, by Northland College student Justine Lyden, was one of 35 depicting Northland heroes unveiled at Marino Court on October 16 in a "Wall of Fame" designed to instil pride in Kaikohe.

The Year 13 student said she did not know Mr Whiu personally but chose him because he had been an important part of her community. He had also inspired her to choose her future path.

"He was an inspiration. I'm going to go to university to study psychology and sociology, maybe I'll look at joining the police, then I'll come back here and help my community. I just want to make a difference."

The 17-year-old said the painting felt rushed, "but I reckon it's come out well".

She said she felt overwhelmed by being approached by so many of Mr Whiu's whanau, including Elizabeth Whiu of Ohaeawai who said the painting was a beautiful likeness of her brother.

"She did a wonderful job of depicting him. At first I felt sadness [seeing his portrait] but now it gives me pride, not just for me as his sister, but for all of us as whanau. Everybody who knew him loved him."

Colleague and relative Wayne Martin, of Kawakawa, said Mr Whiu was man of great mana who influenced not just his own generation but also youth, who saw him as a role model.

Mr Whiu died at his Waipapa home in February aged 62.