Source: New Zealand Police
Police will be part of something special this weekend, supporting Bay of Plenty’s Special Olympics athletes to carry the Flame of Hope in support of The Special Olympics Games.
Media is invited to come along to the Bay of Plenty leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run hosted by Rotorua Police.
- What: Law Enforcement Torch Run for Bay of Plenty
- Where: Rotorua Police Station to the Village Green
- When: 10.15am on Saturday 25 October 2025
- Who: District Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police staff including Police Commissioner Richard Chambers
- RSVP: Please email media@police.govt.nz
Media are welcome to take photos, video footage and conduct interviews with athletes and police staff.
The event will start at the Rotorua Police station before the torch makes its way down Pukuatua Street then along Tūtānekai Street to end at the Village Green.
Athletes from Rotorua will be joined by their counterparts from Taupō , Tokoroa and Tauranga.
The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run started in Northland in early October and will travel all the way down to Southland, before it ends up in Christchurch in the week before the Special Olympic Games begin.
The games are being held at the new Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch from Wednesday 10 until Sunday 14 of December this year.
Known as Guardians of the Flame, police members carry the Flame of Hope as it traverses the country.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers is expected to join the Rotorua event in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and is looking forward to getting into the spirit of the event.
“It is inspiring to see people of all abilities striving to reach their personal best through sport and competition.
“The Special Olympics is a great event which fosters respect and inclusion for people with disabilities through sport. We are proud to support these athletes and to help our local communities get excited about the games,” he said.
Police contact: Inspector Mark Harrison 021 1907 805
Special Olympics contact: Coen Lammers 021 730 239
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
