Tributes have flowed at the funeral of Nelson police officer Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming, who was struck by a car while working early on New Year's Day.
The 62-year-old who worked for the police for 38 years was on foot patrol in in Buxton Square when hit and died from her injuries in hospital later on January 1 surrounded by family members.
The invitation-only funeral with full police honours began at 1pm today at a packed Trafalgar Centre in Nelson.
Attendees included family and friends, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Police Minister Mark Mitchell, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Nelson mayor Nick Smith and local MP Rachel Boyack.
Hundreds of police officers were also there, and forces from Australia and the United States were represented.
Family members shared memories with those gathered at the Trafalgar Centre.
Aren Olsen said words were not enough to convey the grief, sorrow and pain felt over the loss of his mother, and it was impossible to adequately describe her character and strength.
Speaking directly to his mum, he expressed his love and admiration for the woman she was.
"Mum, I love you, always have, always will, I'm the person I am today because of you.
"I am sorry for all the fuss I know you would have hated being the centre of attention like this, but you deserve it."
He said he hoped she feels the aroha, the love within the room and beyond.
"Rest now and let us carry your torch from here."
Daughter Rayna Olsen also spoke of the love for her mum in a short speech and was supported on stage her brother.
'I didn't know it was goodbye'
Fleming's younger brother Michael "Woody" Fleming, a firefighter, told childhood stories of his older sister.
He was wearing his dress uniform along with a huia pin, a symbol of remembrance for those who die in the line of duty.
He spoke of how he idolised his older sister and when she became a nurse, he also applied to go to nursing school.
"The fact she has now become a historical figure is going to annoy the hell out of her."
The last time he saw his sister was two weeks before her death at their parents' home.
"When it was time for her to go we hugged and I said: 'See ya sis' and she said: 'See you little bro' and then she left.
"I didn't know it was goodbye."
'Your mum was a superstar'
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers noted that Lyn did not have to work the New Year's Eve shift as a senior officer, but chose to, and her death had been a "senseless and unprovoked act of violence".
Chambers told those gathered he had looked at her police file and it was "full of goodness" - letters of thanks from the community for what she did for them.
Her supervisors described her as highly respected by her peers, her staff and her bosses.
He thanked Fleming's family and spoke directly to Aren and Rayna.
"Your mum was a superstar - your mum has paid the ultimate sacrifice, and for that, I am sorry."
District Commander Tracey Thompson spoke about working with Fleming for years.
Lyn had cared deeply for the Nelson officers she was in charge of, Thompson said, and when it came to speaking up on their behalf, "rank didn't matter".
"If something needed to be said for their safety and welfare she would voice it. She was a humble and private person."
"Appreciate the little things in life that make it such a treasure."
Despite the tragedy of the situation, Strong said with the love and support from friends and family mourners can "move through these sad times".
Speaking directly to Fleming's husband Bryn, Strong said while he may have taken a backseat at times to her many commitments, he was her essential backbone.
"The heart of the nation stands with you," Strong told Arun and Rayna.
"You are the ones left with the honour of keeping on your mum's traditions."
The casket was slowly carried out past the large crowd, led by a bagpipes player.
Sunflowers and her hat could be seen atop the casket as police colleagues escorted Fleming out.
A New Zealand flag which had been draped over the coffin was presented to the family by the Police Commissioner.
A haka was then performed by her colleagues.
Yesterday, a minute's silence was held at police stations throughout the country, including Dunedin.
Earlier, the Dean of Nelson Cathedral, the Rev Dr Graham O'Brien, told RNZ he expected a big turnout at the church.
"The reality with Nelson is everyone knows someone who knows someone, so it is a pretty tight-knit community and because of Lyn's length of time in service as a policewoman but also the length of her time in service in the wider community."
There had been an amazing response to the condolence books put out to honour her, he said.
"Here we are on our sixth book which just shows over the last two weeks how important it has been for the public to feel they can offer their support in a very tangible way to Lyn's family, and also to the wider police family."
O'Brien said while there was anger in the community, he hoped today's focus would be on Fleming's family, friends and colleagues - and the rest left to the court system.
Nelson MP Rachel Boyack said Fleming's death had been tough for the community to accept.
"I think the Nelson community have really come together in quite a remarkable way over the last couple of weeks. It really was a terrible way to begin 2025 here in Nelson and it's not what any of us wanted to have happen.
"There is a real sense of sadness and huge amount of love and support for her family."
She said those that knew Fleming spoke of how she was dedicated to everything she put her mind to.
"I've been talking to people who knew her through netball and one of the things I heard was that some people who worked with her in that netball environment didn't even know she was a police officer. You know, she focused so much on her netball and I think that just goes to the strength of a person that she was really loved in many, many parts of the community."
A 32-year-old man, whose name is suppressed, was arrested in Buxton Square on January 1 and is facing eight charges, including murder, attempted murder and using a vehicle as a weapon. He will next appear in the High Court at Nelson on February 14.
By Samantha Gee of RNZ, additional reporting ODT Online
