Three New Zealand Police officers, with a combined 144 years of service, have been recognised in the New Year Honours for their exceptional community contributions.

Commissioner Richard Chambers emphasised the immense value of the honourees’ service, noting their roles as community leaders and changemakers.

“Their careers illustrate the sort of skills that staff with such long and wide experience bring to policing and to their roles as leaders in their communities,” he said.

Paul Lampe from Central Districts was awarded the King's Service Medal in the New Year Honours list 2025.

Paul Lampe: Champion for Youth and Families
Senior Constable Paul Lampe, a leader in youth services for more than 20 years, has been awarded the King’s Service Medal.

Lampe founded South Taranaki Youth Services and helped launch the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programme, which has impacted over 600 young lives.

Through Te Puna Trust, Lampe has provided vital support to first-time parents, offering education and tools to foster healthy home environments for children.

The programmes he oversees have built positive relationships between police and communities, bringing long-term benefits.

“The old saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ is so true,” Lampe said.

“I am just one piece of the puzzle that has created change and no doubt reduced crime.”

His work has earned national recognition. His branch of Big Brothers, Big Sisters consistently ranks among the top in the country.

Beyond youth services, Lampe has been a senior member of the New Plymouth Negotiating Team for over a decade.

Les Clarke from Central Districts has been awarded the King's Service Medal in the New Year Honours list 2025.

Les Clarke: Strengthening Community Bonds for Over Five Decades
Sergeant Les Clarke, with 52 years of service, has been recognised with the King’s Service Medal for his deep connection to his community, particularly in Taihape.

Clarke has held multiple leadership roles, including serving on the Taihape Community Board and Rangitīkei District Council.

He has been instrumental in installing CCTV cameras in Taihape and surrounding towns, significantly improving public safety.

Noticing youth crime in the early 2000s, Clarke launched programmes to engage local youth, including fundraising for trips to Mount Everest Base Camp.

These initiatives not only reduced youth offending but also imparted valuable life skills.

Clarke founded the Taihape Community Development Trust over 20 years ago and has coached youth teams in rugby, netball, and softball, promoting discipline and community spirit.

“My 52 years in police have been rewarding, and I’ve enjoyed working for my community,” Clarke said.

“Throughout my service, my family has been my rock. They have always supported and encouraged me.”

Alan Richards has been awarded the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in New Year Honours list 2025.

Alan Richards: A Lifetime of Service to Police and Education
Alan Richards, who has dedicated 61 years to policing and education, has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).

Beginning his career with London’s Metropolitan Police, Richards joined the New Zealand Police in 1974 and became a cornerstone of the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC), where he has worked for nearly 40 years.

As national co-ordinator for workplace assessment, Richards developed training programmes, including a certificate for new instructors and courses to assist Māori candidates in joining the police.

His work also extended overseas, designing and delivering police training in Timor Leste, Bougainville and Niue.

Richards has played a vital role in police ceremonial protocols, organising events such as Remembrance Day commemorations since 1989.

Despite retiring as a sergeant in 2001, he continues to serve as an employee and volunteer, sharing police history through the Police Museum.

“When I found out, I felt very surprised at first,” Richards said.

“On reflection, I felt very honoured that someone would nominate me to be recognised in that way.”