Editorial: Loper's work merits praise

Those who know me will confirm I'm quick to admit when I'm wrong (unless you're married to me) but equally quick to give praise.

For just over a week the eyes of the nation have been on our city, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Menzies Hallett murder trail.

On Wednesday, Hallett was found guilty of murdering Turangi service station worker Rodney Tahu on August 16, 1979.

For decades Menzies Hallett enjoyed freedom, living less than two hours' drive from the family of the man he shot to death early one morning in 1979.

The case was one of New Zealand's most intriguing and longest-running murder cold cases.

Credit, however, must go to the police who never gave up and knew eventually they'd get their man.

Despite police knowing Hallett had confessed to his estranged wife Susan Sharpe just hours after the killing, Hallett walked free from court, the Crown unable to use the crucial evidence.

One of the people I tip my hat to is Detective Inspector Mark Loper who was instrumental in helping to eventually bring Hallett to justice.

His sheer doggedness and determination are admirable qualities and obviously crucial when it comes to policing.

There were emotional scenes outside the court after the verdict and one person amidst that was Mr Loper.

He and a long line of police have worked tirelessly to bring closure for the Tahu family who have had to wait 33 years, eight months and 14 days for an outcome.

The family showed that appreciation as one by one they hugged Mr Loper outside of the court.