Police and first responders pay tribute to their slain colleague Lyn Fleming at Nelson's Saxton Oval where the Black Caps are playing Sri Lanka.
Police and first responders pay tribute to their slain colleague Lyn Fleming at Nelson's Saxton Oval where the Black Caps are playing Sri Lanka.
A vehicle driven by a member of the public struck a police vehicle at a gathering in the Buxton Square carpark in Nelson, about 2.10am on January 1, 2025.
Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming died in hospital after the car ramming.
Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay was critically injured but is now in a stable condition.
A 32-year-old man is due to appear in Nelson District Court tomorrow.
WARNING: Graphic content.
Police officers and first responders, including Tasman District Commander Superintendent Tracey Thompson, have joined the Black Caps on the pitch in Nelson to pay tribute to slain police officer Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming.
Officers with bowed heads lined the field to honour theircolleague at the start of the match, as the crowd gathered at Nelson’s Saxton Oval for the 3rd T20 International against Sri Lanka were invited to stand and observe a moment’s silence.
Police and the Nelson community are “absolutely devastated” after Fleming was killed and others injured as a result of a car ramming early on New Year’s Day.
Chambers said they are doing everything they can to support Fleming’s family but described it is an “incredibly difficult time for them as they come to terms with what has happened”.
He said police have been “extremely heartened” by the response from the local community and across New Zealand and thanked those who have delivered flowers, cards and “thousands of messages”.
“The coming days, weeks and months are going to be tough for the staff in Nelson as they come to terms with what has happened but it is an absolute priority for police that we wrap support around the staff directly impacted as well as the wider station.”
This morning, iwi from across Te Tau Ihu blessed the scene in Buxton Square.
Chambers said they expect to provide another update today as the investigation progresses.
Community pays tribute
Floral tributes and candles have been left outside Nelson police station to honour the life of Fleming – the first police officer killed in the line of duty in the Nelson area, and the first female police officer killed on the job in New Zealand.
The flag at the station is flying at half-mast.
Those leaving messages have thanked Fleming for her 38 years serving the community as a police officer.
Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / New Zealand Police
“A devastating day for our community. Arohanui to Lyn’s whānau, colleagues and friends,” one read.
“I am so devastated that your life was stolen from you, while you were at work keeping your community safe,” said another.
Others have offered support to the police force in general, with messages like: “Back the blue beyond the thin blue line.”
Christ Church Cathedral Reverend Steve Jordan said the community was in shock and grieving and would take some time to recover from the “horror” that unfolded.
“Nelson is a tight community, it is a very small city, it’s generally a very happy, peaceful place so the shockwaves will ripple out for some time yet.”
Tributes have been left at the Nelson police station for slain police officer Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / Katrina Bennett
Tributes for Fleming have been pouring in on a social media page for police officers past and present and their supporters.
“Senior Sergeant Fleming’s dedication to public safety and her commitment to the community were exemplary. Her passing marks a significant loss for the New Zealand Police and the nation as a whole,“ an administrator posted.
“Her sacrifice underscores the inherent risks faced by police officers daily, and she will be remembered for her bravery and dedication.
“Senior Sergeant Fleming’s legacy will continue to inspire those who serve to protect others, and her memory will remain a testament to the ultimate sacrifice made in the line of duty.
“We are a family. A family born not from a bloodline, but bonded in life by a blue one, and we encourage you to support one another as we all navigate this tragic event.”
A colleague replied: “A great leader and mentor and so often the voice of reason. You will be missed by all and always remembered.”
Tributes have been left at the Nelson police station for slain police officer Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / Katrina Bennett
Police officers and their families all affected by this
Today, Police Association president Chris Cahill said Fleming’s death “rocks right throughout” the entire police organisation.
“It really affects them and it affects their families as well,” he told Newstalk ZB.
“They go to work every day and know there’s risk - but you don’t expect to be confronted with this level of violence.
“You’re always prepared for a level of violence, but I don’t think anyone can really prepare for when someone decides to do something like this - using a motor vehicle as a weapon like this. It’s very hard to defend yourself against and you certainly don’t expect that when you’re out just dealing with New Year’s Eve revellers.”
Cahill said it was “really important” to get Fleming’s colleagues counselling “as quickly as possible”.
“We’ve found with experience at these events that if you can get someone in front of a psychologist as early as possible, it just helps them deal with what they’re experiencing and understand that what they’re feeling is normal - and just some techniques how to cope with it.
“Everyone feels it a little bit differently and sometimes it could be a five-minute conversation. Other people need a bit more support and it’s totally understandable.
Tributes have been left at the Nelson police station for slain police officer Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / Katrina Bennett
“A lot of the support comes from the camaraderie and the fact that you’re a big team and a big family and you’ll gather around together.
“In some ways the people that weren’t even there can be more affected but because they just feel that they weren’t there to help at the time, which is obviously, clearly not the case, but it’s just some of the feelings people go through.”
Police Association president Chris Cahill. Photo / RNZ
An individual ‘determined to cause harm’
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers announced Fleming’s death yesterday in a press conference at the Tasman District Police headquarters alongside Minister of Police Mark Mitchell.
“She was a loved and cherished, daughter, mother, wife and valued member of the wider Nelson community. Lyn was a beautiful soul and her death will be felt across the Nelson community and our police family,” Chambers said.
The violent incident happened in Buxton Square carpark about 2.10am, where a crowd was gathered. A 32-year-old man was arrested on the scene after other officers responding Tasered him, Chambers said.
“A vehicle drove at them at speed and collided with them,” he said.
“The vehicle then turned and drove at a police car, ramming it.”
Fleming succumbed to her injuries in hospital, surrounded by family, Chambers said.
Two members of the public were also injured, along with a third police officer, who suffered a concussion.
Fleming, 62, had been a policewoman for 38 years. She was critically injured along with her colleague, Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay, while on foot patrol in Nelson’s central city. Ramsay underwent surgery yesterday afternoon.
Witnesses recorded video footage, which showed a frenzied scene where two officers were trying to restrain somebody as a crowd gathered around and a car sped towards them.
Witness Ben Pawsey told 1News the offender “swung around the cop car [with his car], a female officer went off to the side, then he came around again and went straight nose-to-nose with [the police car]”.
Pawsey and other bystanders put a jersey under an injured policeman’s head and kept him from moving, saying his head appeared badly injured.
“It was a hell of a bang,” he said of the impact.
Chambers said: “My initial feeling is that Lyn and Adam were faced with the senseless act of an individual who appears to have been determined to cause harm”.
Police launched an investigation early yesterday. Chambers said he received a phone call minutes after the incident, after which he phoned the Minister of Police.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said it was “gut-wrenching” to receive Chambers’ call.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell (left) and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers (centre) front at a press conference in Nelson talking about the death of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / Tim Cuff
“For any Minister of Police, it’s your worst nightmare to lose an officer,” Mitchell said.
‘We must remember: Behind the uniform is a human being’
Chambers reflected on the toll losing officers took on the entire New Zealand police force.
“We have a lot to be proud of in New Zealand, but nobody deserves to live in a country where these senseless acts occur. We have lost staff over the years, and we will recover, but it hurts forever,” he said.
“Lyn and Adam throughout their entire careers have done a fantastic job. We join to make a difference. When these events happen it hurts all of us. We must remember: behind the uniform is a human being.”
Chambers lauded his other police officers who helped Fleming, Ramsay, the third officer and the public. He also commended the medical professionals who tried to save Fleming.
“I am not sure that Lyn or Adam or any others could have done anything to prevent this,” he said.
Tributes were also left for Fleming by Nelson College for Girls, where she coached netball.
“The bedrock of our netball programme for over a decade” was how the school described Fleming.
“We are absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of our Senior A netball coach.
“Words cannot describe her impact on our athletes, coaches and staff at Nelson College for Girls. We love you.”
The Nelson Netball Centre said she had been involved in the sport for many years.
“Thank you for your service, Lyn, to so many communities, including our netball whānau. You are part of the fabric of our sport. We will miss you terribly,” another mourner said.
Meanwhile, a charity devoted to supporting emergency service workers injured in the line of duty, Te Kiwi Māia, said this was “not how any of us wanted to begin the new year – mourning the loss of one of our own”.
One of Fleming’s colleagues, Constable Jamie White, said Fleming was “an incredible police officer with a kind heart” and called her a “true professional”.
Police cordon off a car park in central Nelson where Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming and her colleague were hit by a car early on New Year's Day. Photo / Tim Cuff
White said: “I could always ask you for help or advice. It was an honour to serve with you.
“I don’t feel like starting my shift today, but we honour you and your legacy by staying strong and carrying on.”
Nelson residents have organised a candlelight vigil for Fleming, planned for 7pm on Friday on the steps of Christ Church Cathedral in the central city.
Video captures frenzied scene, moment of impact
Video of the incident, filmed by a bystander in a nearby car, showed two officers appearing to restrain a person on the ground next to their car as a small crowd stood nearby.
The footage then showed a white minivan driving across the carpark in the direction of police as a person could be heard yelling in shock.
“Oh my God, oh my God,” a young woman said after the impact, as other bystanders walked towards the point of impact and another police vehicle arrived with lights flashing.
The violence unfolded in Buxton Square carpark about 2.10am, where a crowd had gathered. A 32-year-old man was arrested on the scene after other officers responding Tasered him. Photo / Tim Cuff
“What the f*** did I just witness?” a young man yelled.
A reporter for NZME at the scene said there were a number of police vehicles inside the cordon late yesterday morning and residents living nearby recalled hearing “a terrible loud noise” earlier.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was devastated by news of Fleming’s death.
“Police across New Zealand do an incredible job keeping us safe and it’s heart-wrenching for an officer to lose her life carrying out that duty.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Lyn’s loved ones and colleagues and hope for the recovery of those injured.
“This is a devastating day for police and for New Zealand,” he said.
Nelson MP Rachel Boyack said police officers deserved to be safe at work.
“My thoughts and love are with Lyn’s family, friends and colleagues as they mourn her loss. There has been an outpouring of sadness and support from our Nelson community as news has come in about [yesterday] morning’s tragic events.
“Our community does not stand for this level of violence,” Boyack said.
Labour’s police spokeswoman Ginny Andersen said she was shocked and saddened by Fleming’s death. She said her thoughts were also with Ramsay.
Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.
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