Wellington Police celebrate more than 160 years of service at annual Pay Parade tomorrow

Wellington Police will celebrate more than 160 years of dedicated service at their annual Pay Parade in Civic Square tomorrow afternoon.

Acting Wellington Area Commander Detective Inspector Stephen Vaughan says the Pay Parade also doubles as a chance to say thank you to city leaders, including Mayor Celia Wade-Brown and to Wellingtonians for their support in making the city a safer place to live, work and play.

"For the past few years we've held our Pay Parade in the gymnasium of the Wellington Central Police Station but this year we will march to Civic Square and hold it publicly, symbolising our commitment to the people of Wellington."

Staff will be inspected by new Wellington District Commander Superintendent Mike Rusbatch and Mayor Celia Wade-Brown and long service awards will be handed out to nine staff who have a combined total of service of 161 years to the New Zealand Police.

Detective Inspector Vaughan says, "In very early policing times when staff were paid fortnightly, they would line up in full uniform and be inspected, before their pay was handed out. Nowadays Pay Parades are a chance to recognise the commitment and dedication of staff and are typically held annually in each Area."

Police staff will march from Wellington Central Police Station to Civic Square, via Victoria Street at 2:55pm, with the Pay Parade beginning at 3pm. Members of the public and media are invited to attend.

Staff receiving long service awards are as follows:

14 year medals:
Senior Sergeant Anita Dixon
Sergeant Mark Lewis
Sergeant Brett Cuzens
Detective Paul Brown
Senior Constable Phil Elder
Vivienne Fisher

21 year clasps:
Senior Sergeant Ngatamatoa (Bud) Butler
Senior Sergeant John van den Heuvel

35 year clasp:
Sergeant Simon Paterson