Motorist earns police's seal of approval

A motorist has earned the police's seal of approval. File photo

A motorist has earned the police's seal of approval after helping a large marine animal cross the road.

Yesterday, a Cambridge man was in his utility vehicle on his way home on State Highway 29 near Hinuera when he was flagged down by a couple on the side of the road.

They told him they had almost hit a seal that was on the side of the road.

"He was a bit dubious considering just how far Hinuera is from the ocean but sure enough there the mammal was, lying in the grass with river weed all over it by the side of the road," said Senior Sergeant Rupert Friend of the Waikato District Command Centre.

"The man put his hazard lights on, called police and then watched as the seal made its way into a paddock but the group's problems weren't over yet."

To try get the seal back home in one piece, when the police arrived they called the Department of Conservation but realised that it was going to take a ranger more than an hour to arrive from Tauranga -- it would be quicker for the man to take the animal over the Kaimai Range himself and meet DOC on the other side.

"That was easier said than done. While that was being arranged the seal, who by that time had become a bit agitated, had moved into a paddock containing horses so it needed to be contained before it or the horses were injured.

"In the end, with the ranger relaying instructions over the phone, a blanket was put over the seal which allowed it to be lifted by three people onto the back of the man's ute. He then drove over the mountains where he met the ranger near Tauranga and the transfer was completed, allowing the return of the seal to the ocean."

Mr Friend said the police officer involved was impressed by the man's concern and willingness to go the extra mile.

"He spoke to one of our staff this morning about the incident and was emphasising his concern was for the seal's welfare and also that other motorists didn't encounter it on the road and then crash. Just like the seal, this man really went the extra mile."