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1126 days ago

Auckland man earns long service award

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Peter Cooke has worked in the same job for 49 years.

The 73-year-old is the longest serving staff member at Mount Eden's Community Corrections service in Auckland.

The probation officer has been recognised with a long service and good conduct award.

It all started in 1971 when Cooke joined the probation service after gaining his law degree at Auckland University.

The probation service "seemed a good place to start and much more exciting than being a lawyer," he said.

"(I) stayed because I still have some of the idealism left and the criminal justice system is still an exciting place to work in."

In 1971 the Probation Service, as it was known, was a division of the Department of Justice.

This changed with the establishment of the Department of Corrections in 1996.

In Auckland, there was a main office in High St with reporting centres in the suburbs, Cooke said.

"I looked after Henderson and you were at the reporting centres at night on your own.

"In addition, probation officers collected fines and reparation as part of a special condition of probation, and a cash box with a float of money accompanied us."

Cooke was the sole charge district probation officer at Kaikohe.

He recalls travelling on his own to do home visits for most of the rural caseload.

Cooke has seen many changes over the years.

People under probation orders were now much more difficult to manage and more unpredictable, he said.

Before the 2002 Sentencing Act, there was a national Parole Board for those sentenced over 7 years Imprisonment and a District Prisons Board for each prison deciding release for those serving under 7 year sentences, Cooke said.

"They also decided on back end Home Detention before Home Detention became a separate sentence. "

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13 hours ago

What's On: U3A Mt Albert

Helen from Mount Albert

Interesting guest speakers. Visitors and new members welcome. Betwen meetings over 20 small interest groups operate. Enquiries to u3amtalbert@gmail.com
U3A Mt Albert
  • Western Springs Garden Community Hall
10 hours ago

POLICE----Don’t be a ‘bad egg’ this Easter long weekend

Brian from Mount Roskill

Police are on a hunt for bad eggs this Easter.
Across the Auckland region, Police will be rolled out and on the lookout for poor driving behaviour putting others at risk.
Tāmaki Makaurau Road Policing Manager, Inspector Scott Webb, says everyone can play a part in keeping the roads safe.
“It will come as no surprise to us Aucklanders that the roads leading north and south of the city will be busy,” he says.
“Easter is traditionally the last long weekend with the warmer weather, and many people look to take advantage of extra days off.”
Inspector Webb says it pays to be prepared and patient before heading out over the weekend.
Expect to see Police visible across the roads and motorway network, working to prevent unsafe behaviours and enforcing the law.
“It’s all about drivers and road users making simple decisions to keep themselves and others safe, “Inspector Webb says.
“We would rather you overindulge in chocolate and hot cross buns, rather than alcohol.
“Police will be carrying out checkpoints across many locations, so don’t be surprised if you are stopped and breath tested.”
Make sure everyone, including your sweet precious cargo, is safely restrained when travelling to your destination, Inspector Webb says.
“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Easter,” Inspector Webb says.
“We, along with our road safety partners at NZTA and Auckland Transport, can all play a part in reducing road trauma and the devastating impacts it has on families.”
Top tips:
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• Plan your trip, allow plenty of time, and check the NZTA website for essential travel updates: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz...
• Eyes on the road – and not your devices
• Take a second – split-second decisions to drive after drinking can be life changing
• Kids onboard? Make sure they’re in the correct child restraint seats
State Highway One through the Brynderwyn Hills will also temporarily re-open for the long weekend from 12.01am on Thursday 28 March to 11.59pm on Tuesday 2 April, for travellers heading to or from Northland.
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10 hours ago

Bob Francis Wins Senior New Zealander Of The Year

Murray Halberg Retirement Village

Seven-term Mayor of Masterton, Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP, has been named the 2024 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.

Affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Wairarapa’, Bob has served his community in multiple areas, including health services, commercial development, the arts, aviation, homelessness, conservation and sports.

Bob’s award signifies the sixth time Ryman Healthcare has supported this category of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, which provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Kiwi seniors who continue to make positive contributions towards the future of Aotearoa.

Click read more for the full article.

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