Bishop Viard students recognised by police
Two students from Porirua’s Bishop Viard College received an Area Commander’s Certificate of Appreciation on Friday, for helping police catch a man suspected of committing a spate of burglaries across Wellington District.
On the day in question, one of our dog handlers was tracking a stolen vehicle in Porirua. The driver crashed the vehicle and ran on to Bishop Viard School grounds, where students Oliver Toru-Tyrell and Rob Head saw what was happening and decided to act.
Fresh from rugby training, the teenagers put skills they learned on the rugby field to good use and tackled the man. Their intervention stalled him long enough for the officer and his police dog to start tracking.
The suspect jumped through a window into an office to escape. After putting up a fight, he was apprehended by the officer with assistance from the two students, who also made sure Public Safety Team staff could access where the officer was holding the suspect.
Police staff were grateful for the warm welcome they received from the school when they attended assembly on Friday to present Oliver and Rob with their certificates. The school students sang as the officers walked into the school hall.
Addressing the assembly on Friday, Inspector Nick Thom said: "The community rightly expect Police to keep them safe - and for Police to achieve this, we also need the public’s help. Oliver and Rob were brave to do so during the incident when they could have stood by and taken no action."
Without their assistance the outcome would have been very different. Their actions assisted in preventing further significant harm in Wellington District and ensured the community is much safer.
Principal Chris Theobald commended the boys for acting in a way which was in line with their school values, and for being a good example to their peers. Both Rob and Oliver are considering a career in Police later down the track.
The man they helped apprehend has been charged with 26 offences, primarily burglaries.
🎄Let's get festive 🎄
If you've decked your halls with all things jolly, we think it deserves to be shown off!
Share a photo of your home in its Christmassy glory and be in to win a spot prize. Some of these entries will be chosen as a finalist for the grand title of NZ's Merriest Home which Neighbourly members can vote on!
Entries close Sunday, 15th of December so share a photo today 📸
Neighbourhood Riddle Duel: Who Will Guess First?
There are three playing cards in a row. Can you name them with these clues?
There is a two to the right of a king.
A diamond will be found to the left of a spade.
An ace is to the left of a heart.
A heart is to the left of a spade.
Now, identify all three cards.
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.