Deane O’Connor
Deane’s first response was that he was not the most driven student while attending college, but he has been presented with many great opportunities over the years which have been enough to give him an exciting life to date.
Interestingly at school Deane became a rugby referee.
Post school Deane attained a number of qualifications that have led to a very stimulating work life. These include: Certificate in Basic Crash Investigation, Certificate in Analyst Advanced Crash, Diploma Land Search and Rescue and he is a Certified Air Observer, S.A.R.
His career has followed many paths from the building industry, an artist, a self defense instructor, personal security at World Expo 88 in Brisbane, NZ police and search and rescue.
He has also seen a lot of the world in his work and travel – Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Thailand, Solomon Islands and Australia.
Deane was deployed to work in the Solomon Island with RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands) where he was officer in charge of community policing (2010). There he implemented Community Officers for the greater region of the Solomon Islands.
Deane has been recognised for his contribution to policing. He received a Certificate of Appreciation for service to Christchurch Earthquake recovery (2011), was Bay of Plenty Person of the Year (2013) and he received a New Zealand Police Association Bravery Award in 2014, presented by Prime Minister John Key.
Currently he is Senior Constable with the New Zealand Police. His main function is road policing and investigating serious crashes. Also he is involved in Search and Rescue.
Deane holds a Martial Arts 2nd Dan Ju-Jitsu qualification.
He is married to Sharon and they are the parents of four adult children.