The Air New Zealand chairwoman started the page yesterday to help the officer’s family with financial support.
He was flown to hospital early on Saturday after being critically injured while deploying road spikes on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Rd, near Palmerston North.
The police officers were struck on Kairanga Bunnythorpe Rd just outside Palmerston North early Saturday morning. Image / Google Maps
A car containing two youths aged 14 and 15 crashed into the police car he and a colleague were standing behind, sending the officer flying into another vehicle.
Walsh, who was a wing patron for police in late 2023, got in touch with the man’s family after news broke, and has been acting as a spokeswoman for them.
She said the man’s partner and mother this morning told her they were “overwhelmed with the generosity that has come through the last few days”.
“It means a lot to the family and takes a whole lot of pressure off while they focus on him.
“They appreciate the cost of living challenges for everyone and how hard things are, so they really wish to acknowledge any financial donations that have been given and for those that can’t and aren’t in a position to donate they still feel the love and support from those people,” Walsh said.
They were reading every message posted to the Givealittle page.
“Those messages have become a source of strength and are bolstering them when they are running on the fumes of oily rag.”
The family wanted supporters to know if they didn’t reply it was because they “don’t have the words” or they were with the officer.
“They receive all the messages with an open heart.”
The officer remains in a critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit, and has not regained consciousness.
Central district commander Superintendent Dion Bennett said police were extremely grateful the outcome wasn’t worse when two officers were struck by a stolen vehicle near Palmerston North.
“They remain vigilant and hopeful … they think he’s doing the best he can in the circumstances,” Walsh said.
The family are putting all their faith into the medical professionals looking after him.
“They are in a holding pattern,” Walsh said. “They’re feeling a total sense of loss of control.
“They’re waking up every day with hope that they will see something change. They’re a strong family unit, they’re looking after each other and they’re overwhelmed by the fact that New Zealanders care.”
Walsh said it was heartwarming that Kiwis could collectively provide the family with comfort through supportive messages and donations.
At the time of publication, the Givealittle page has raised more than $42,000 for the man’s family.
Dame Therese Walsh has been speaking with the officer’s family and offering her support.
The youths involved were charged with multiple offences, with the older charged with reckless driving causing injury.
The teens have automatic name suppression and will appear in the Youth Court tomorrow.
Central district commander Superintendent Dion Bennett earlier described the officer as a “great family man”.
“In his mum’s words, he’s a good bloke – and we think so too.
“There is no shortage of love and support pouring in for him; his family are by his side and staying incredibly strong for him, and we’re also doing everything we can to support them as they navigate this awful situation.”
Melissa Nightingale is a Wellington-based reporter who covers crime, justice, and news in the capital. She joined the Herald in 2016 and has worked as a journalist for 12 years.