As a leader, he was able to build relationships – sometimes from the brink of disaster – and that, alongside his ability to simply get things done, meant he excelled in his policing.
Kevin passed away on December 23, just a few days before his 58th birthday and after spending almost 38 years with New Zealand Police. His most recent role was as Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander.
It was the ability to help and protect the community that inspired him to join in 1983, and as he rose through the ranks, it was the welfare of his staff and the community they served which stayed front of mind.
The house on Oriana Crescent, in Tauranga, where Ethan Kerapa was shot dead by police (FILE). The Armed Offenders Squad, Special Tactics Group and police negotiators all attended and negotiators were unable to persuade him to come out, or allow his daughters, aged six and four, out. It was an extremely hot day in Tauranga, and by early afternoon police received medical advice about the potentially deadly effects of the heat on the children, who were in an upstairs room with no ventilation. As far as police knew, the children had not had any food or water since the incident began, even though they had left bottles of water outside the bedroom door.