Traffic chief says low road toll highlight of police career

Superintendent Paula Rose. Photo / Greg Bowker

Superintendent Paula Rose says last year's record low road toll was the highlight of a 27-year policing career.

The national road policing manager yesterday announced she is retiring and is looking forward to a future out of the familiar blue uniform.

"I haven't really had any other job," she said. "I was a student before I joined the police so this is the one and only real job I've had."

Ms Rose, who was a finalist for the Herald's New Zealander of the Year accolade last year, has no job waiting for her and no immediate plans to look for work.

"I'm a great believer things happen for a reason and am open to opportunities but that will happen after some R and R."

She said she had been humbled by emails from all over country, particularly from groups such as the Automobile Association.

It was important for whoever was in her position to be full of energy, Ms Rose said. "I've been in that role over four years now and it's time to hand the baton over to somebody else and I'll be as supportive as I possibly can to whoever takes it, because it's like you're handing something over that is really important to all citizens and you don't want them to fail."

She expected they would "take things to the next level" and road safety would get "better and better".

The record low road toll last year wasn't a factor in her decision but it ranks as the highlight of her career.

Ms Rose urged women to take up a career in policing. "We really need good women and there's some fantastic women out there."

Police Commissioner Peter Marshall said the record low toll was a testament to the commitment and dedication of Ms Rose and her team.

"Paula goes from the police with thanks for a job well done and our very best wishes for the future."