Source: New Zealand Police
On 29 September each year New Zealand Police commemorates Police Remembrance Day on the feast day of the Archangel Michael, the patron saint of police.
Sadly this year will be the first time Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming’s name will be read as the 34th name on the Roll of Honour, which recognises the ultimate sacrifice of police officers slain on duty.
Across the country, in districts and at the Royal New Zealand Police College, Police staff and members of the Police family will gather on Monday 29 September to pay tribute to Lyn and others.
This is a special time to honour and remember colleagues now lost to us.
In honour of Lyn, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and the Minister of Police the Hon Mark Mitchell will attend a private service at Lyn’s home station, Nelson Central Police Station, in Tasman District.
A national service will be held at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC). Rolls of names will be read to honour staff who have been slain or died as a result of their duties, as well as serving, retired and former Police staff who have passed away in the preceding 12 months.
We will also be recognising that Constable Matthew Hunt’s plaque now includes his New Zealand Bravery Decoration, awarded posthumously to him in December 2024.
During the national service we will remember our police colleagues in Australia and the Pacific who have been killed by criminal acts while performing their official duties or died as a result of their duties.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers will attend the national service along with the Associate Minister of Police the Hon Casey Costello.
Wreaths will be laid at the New Zealand Police Memorial Wall and recruits will perform a haka to honour those being remembered.
The national Remembrance Day service will be livestreamed on the Police website, the New Zealand Police Facebook page and the New Zealand Police Museum Facebook page from 11am on Monday 29 September. The livestreaming will be recorded and will remain on the Facebook pages and website to watch after the service.
On Police Remembrance Day, Police staff throughout New Zealand wear the huia pin, which was developed by the Police Association and New Zealand Police. The tail plumage of the huia bird – now lost to us – is something rare and special and to wear it is considered by Māori to be a great honour. By incorporating the Police chevron into the huia tail feather, the design of the pin symbolises the honouring of someone special, now lost to police.
Media are invited to the national service at the RNZPC on Monday 29 September 2025, and are asked to be in place by 10.45am for an 11.00am start to the service. Please come to the reception area of the RNZPC by 10.30am.
RSVP if you plan to attend by emailing media@police.govt.nz
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
