September 2002 Volume 83 Number 9 "serving the protectors"
Sad farewell for fallen NZ officer

New Zealand detective, Duncan John Taylor, was shot dead by a 16-year-old in an armed confrontation in Rongatea, Manawatu on July 5. His partner, Detective Constable Jeanette Park, was shot in the leg but managed to run for help and evacuate the occupant of a nearby home.

Supported by the Police Pipe Band, more than 1,000 police officers marched to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit at Palmerston North, where they formed an honour guard for Detective Taylor’s funeral.

Detective Taylor’s family carried his casket into the cathedral, while his widow, Melanie, and 11-month-old son, Campbell, followed behind. As the pall bearers carried the casket through the guard of honour, police officers saluted their fallen colleague.

Mrs Taylor said her husband had been a good man, good father and good cop. Detective Taylor had represented NZ with the Tall Blacks in basketball in 1997.

From left with NZ Police Association president, Greg O’Connor (second from left), were QLD Police Union executive member, Paul Mullen, Police Association (Victoria) vice-president, Janet Mitchell, Police Association of Tasmania president, Leon Kemp, WA Police Union executive member, Kevin Looby, Police Association of SA president, Peter Alexander, and Police Association of NSW executive member, Paul Huxtable.

New Zealand Governor-General Dame Sylvia Cartwright and Prime Minister Helen Clark were among many dignitaries who paid their respects. Commissioner Rob Robinson said in a eulogy that the family whose home was the scene of the shooting were convinced that the actions of Detectives Taylor and Park had saved their lives.

Still suffering the effects of her injury, Detective Park attended the funeral in a wheelchair. Also present at the funeral were representatives from Australian police forces and associations, and the NZ Army, Air Force and Navy.

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