Key John: Motions — New Zealand Police—Death of Senior Constable Len Snee in Napier Armed Siege 
Key John: Motions — New Zealand Police—Death of Senior Constable Len Snee in Napier Armed Siege 
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Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister) 
: 
 I seek leave to move without notice a motion on the death of a serving police officer in Napier. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Is there any objection to that course being followed? There is none. 
Hon JOHN KEY 
: I move  
That this House express its sorrow at the death of serving police officer Senior Constable Len Snee of Taradale Police who died during an armed siege at Napier last week that it express its support for his two fellow officers who were seriously injured during that siege and that it acknowledge the excellent work of the New Zealand Police who brought this terrible situation to a close. 
On behalf of the Government and all New Zealanders I offer my deepest sympathies to the family of Senior Constable Len Snee: his wife Vicki Snee and his sons Sam and Joe. Senior Constable Snee tragically lost his life on Thursday last week while on duty in the service of his country. He was a member of the police for 32 years and was a hugely popular and respected member of the community. All of Napier mourns his loss. Mr Snee made the greatest possible sacrifice anyone can make for his or her community. The members of this House the people of Napier and all New Zealanders owe him and his family a debt of gratitude which we can never hope to repay. 
My thoughts and those of this House are also with two other officers involved in this incident: Constables Bruce Miller and Grant Diver. They remain in hospital after being shot during the armed incident. 
We are reminded at this time of the risks our police officers take every day to protect the public. Their job is a dangerous one and the events in Napier over recent days are a stark reminder of that. Let us commend the excellent work of the police who brought this terrible situation to a close with perseverance courage and professionalism. I especially acknowledge Superintendent Sam Hoyle for his leadership in a time of extreme crisis and the team who supported him including members of the Armed Offenders Squad the Special Tactics Unit the New Zealand Defence Force and Napier’s ambulance officers. It is thanks to their efforts that this siege came to an end without further loss of life of police or of innocent members of the public. 
I would also like to acknowledge the huge efforts of the people of Napier in supporting the police during this crisis. Although these events are undoubtedly tragic they also tell a story of a community pulling together to support one another. I am sure the House joins me in acknowledging the efforts of the Mayor of Napier Barbara Arnott who initiated the civil defence operation that operated during the siege and all those members of the community who helped out with accommodation cups of tea meals and support. The people of Napier can be proud of the support they offered the police and one another at a truly testing time. 
Our thoughts are also with the civilian who was seriously injured in the shooting. I understand that this man acted heroically in trying to stop the offender from shooting at police officers. 
The incident that unfolded in Napier last week highlighted the bravery and operational expertise that make our police among the finest in the world. So today let us take this opportunity to thank all those police officers who each day put their lives on the line in order to protect their fellow New Zealanders. We join them in their mourning of a much-liked and respected colleague. We salute them for all that they do for us and we offer them our support and condolences at this very difficult time.