A registered charitable trust

The Police Memorial Trust of New Zealand (PMTONZ) was established in 2023 by Braydon Lenihan and Mike Hill, following more than a decade of work to properly recognise Police staff who died while on duty. The origins trace back to the late 2000s, when, as members of the NZ Police National Awards Committee, Rachel Bambery and Mike Hill received requests from families and former officers for a public memorial. At that time, the only formal recognition was the memorial wall at the Royal New Zealand Police College, created in 1986, which listed only those “slain” on duty. No comprehensive record existed for staff who died through accidents or other duty related events.

This advocacy led to the creation of the Recognition Project in 2013. Mike was appointed to lead the work and asked Braydon to oversee research, supported by Rowan Carroll of the Police Museum and a contracted researcher. A consistent and robust entry criteria process was applied, and full research was completed in 2014, with recommendations provided to Police in early 2015.

After years of limited progress, Braydon and Mike renewed efforts to advance the Recognition Project's recommendations, including establishing a National NZ Police Memorial. They subsequently formed PMTONZ and invited Rachael and John Wills to join as Trustees, all sharing a strong interest in New Zealand's policing history.

Following an MOU between PMTONZ and the New Zealand Police Association, Mike briefed Police Commissioner Richard Chambers in 2025. In February 2026, the Commissioner confirmed that PMTONZ would lead the development of a National Police Memorial in Wellington, working alongside his representative, the Police Association, and the Police Leaders Guild.