Nelson policewoman Lyn Fleming’s funeral live updates: Family of slain officer to pay tribute today

Name: NZ Herald Live: Nelson policewoman Lyn Fleming’s farewell
Uploaded: 2025-01-16T12:00:00+13:00
Description: The funeral for slain policewoman Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming

By Anna Leask

Senior Journalist - crime and justice·NZ Herald·

16 Jan, 2025 02:08 AM5 mins to read

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The funeral for slain policewoman Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming

Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming is being farewelled in a ceremony in Nelson this afternoon.

The policewoman died after being struck by a vehicle in central Nelson just after 2am on New Year’s Day.

STORY CONTINUES AFTER THE LIVE BLOG

STORY CONTINUES

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Fleming is the first policewoman to be killed

The funeral took place after a wreath-laying ceremony this morning.

Her family, friends, colleagues, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries, and members of the community gathered at the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson to farewell the 62-year-old.

With the blessing of Fleming’s family, the funeral service was conducted with full police honours.

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In order for all New Zealanders to join in farewelling Fleming, the funeral was also be livestreamed on the police website and here at nzherald.co.nz.

Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / NZ Police

Fleming is survived by her husband Bryn, children Rayna and Aren, parents Ray and Colleen, and siblings Woody, Carol, and Jo.

In a funeral notice, the family said: “Her light was taken from the world, and the lives of all who knew her.

“Our sincere gratitude to the staff at Nelson Hospital, whose heroic efforts enabled Lyn’s family to be present in her final moments.”

A memorial plaque to Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming who died on New Year's Day has been attached to the flagpole outside the Nelson Police Station. NZME photo / Tracy Neal

Fleming, who had been a police officer for 38 years, died after she and Senior Sergeant Adam Ramsay were struck by a vehicle in central Nelson early on New Year’s Day.

A 32-year-old man has been charged with murdering Fleming and attempting to murder Ramsay.

He is also facing two charges of assault using a vehicle as a weapon, two charges of wounding with intent, dangerous driving, and driving while disqualified.

Representatives of Australian Police forces at the Nelson Police headquarters for the funeral of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / George Heard

At his first appearance in the Nelson District Court on January 3 the accused was granted interim name suppression.

The order has since been extended until at least his next appearance in the High Court at Nelson on February 14.

Police have said that the man may face further charges as the investigation into the fatal incident continues.

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Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said earlier that it was an honour to give Fleming a full police funeral.

“This is something I wish we didn’t have to plan for, but I am grateful to Lyn’s family for allowing her police family to be an integral part of her final farewell,” he said.

“Lyn has made the ultimate sacrifice as a police officer, so it is appropriate we honour her with a formal police funeral.”

Tributes have been left at the Nelson Police Station for slain police officer Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / Katrina Bennett

Those formal proceedings will begin with Fleming’s casket arriving at the venue by police motorcade.

A number of her colleagues and close family will speak at the service which is expected to run for two hours.

At the end of the funeral, Fleming will be carried to the hearse through a police honour guard.

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A police piper will play and there will be a flag presentation to her family and a haka from her colleagues.

This morning, before the service, a wreath-laying ceremony took place. Floral tributes were laid by police in New Zealand and overseas in memory of Fleming.

Flower wreaths were laid outside Nelson Police Station ahead of Lyn Fleming's funeral. Photo / George Heard

Yesterday police - and many New Zealanders - observed a minute’s silence in honour of Fleming.

Officers and workers at the Wellington Central Police Station joined in a minute’s silence at 1pm yesterday to remember fallen Nelson colleague Lyn Fleming.

“We ... invited staff to pause and observe a minute’s silence wherever they are to remember the ultimate sacrifice of one of our own and reflect as we prepare to lay Lyn to rest,” said Chambers.

All police flags will continue to fly at half-mast until tomorrow.

And Auckland Council will mark the passing of the slain officer by turning off the harbour bridge lights. The Sky Tower lights will also not be lit tonight.

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