Sergeant Don Wilkinson NZ Police

The death of Sergeant Don Wilkinson, fatally shot while carrying out his duty in Mangere in the early hours of Thursday 11 September, shook the country.

At his funeral, the Commissioner, Howard Broad, explained the need for the difficult and covert work carried out by the officer and his team.

He explained that a basic tenet of our justice system is ‘prosecution authorities must prove their case’. Evidence, particularly in respect of serious drug dealing, can be difficult to come by. Police work at the extremes of their powers, but always under the authority of the Court to secure that evidence. Where necessary they work secretly. High levels of planning are necessary. Officers work methodically, and patiently through long hours to secure a result. One minute might be boring, the next hugely tense and exciting. It places severe demands on mind, body and nerves.

Don's colleagues say he never complained. He was dependable, extremely dedicated and hard-working. He had an astonishing amount of experience gathered from around the world. He always did his planning, his research; his highly developed skills were matched with a good dose of common sense. He also knew the value of his team upon whom he depended. He had total faith and confidence in the people around him, and this was reciprocated. He knew that in every job there was a grey zone between the known and the unknown, in which there lurked great danger. He walked in that zone boldly.

Ten-One extends its deepest sympathy to Don's family, friends and to his colleagues.