From humble beginnings, Mr O'Neill embarked on a 35 year career in the police force, and with it a number of high profile appointments.
Recently he retired as Southland area commander after nine years, preceded by seven years as area controller and four as detective inspector.
He admits there was no such thoughts of grandeur when he first donned his police boots.
"To be honest I didn't think about that at all. The first step was to be a constable, get through training and the probation period."
After "bouncing backwards and forwards between Porirua and Wellington", Mr O'Neill moved his family to Invercargill in 1988, returning to his province of birth.
A high profile career beckoned, but regularly facing the media was always something Mr O'Neill saw as part and parcel of the job.
"It's not something that people seek, but most of this job is about communication in public and in private."
He said the basic role of police officers had not changed significantly over the years with crime scene investigation, witness and offender interviews and overall evaluation and analysis of information gathered still being primary drivers in an investigation.
Technology advances did help when doing the basics and evaluating exhibits, he said, however investigative and communication skills were prerequisites for success.
Changes brought with the merger with the Traffic Safety Service in 1992 included an enhanced ability for police to target crime hot spots and suspected criminal offenders and also allowed a holistic approach to ensuring public safety and reassurance.
"There's been changes in policing philosophy over the years.
"Some matters we used to investigate, like benefit fraud, have been passed on to private investigators and there's a lot more bread and butter stuff now like your dishonesty types of offending, disorder and street violence.
"There's also more emphasis on domestic violence and trying to break the cycle.
"You actually do a lot of social work as opposed to arresting people left, right and centre and giving people tickets."
While policing may have changed, Invercargill and Southland was still very similar to what it was like 20 years ago, he said.
"It's had a couple of facelifts but the underlying friendliness of the community and the way of life hasn't changed a hell of a lot.
"The rural atmosphere of the community still remains."
Mr O'Neill said he had worked with a number of very capable staff during his time in Southland, many of whom had gone on to higher honours, testament to the good grounding that could be achieved in the provinces.
Looking back on nearly four decades in the force, he said the greatest satisfaction was making a positive difference and "being able to problem solve issues for individuals and families and see them get on with their lives".
Deciding it was time to move on was not a hard decision, he said.
"You get to an age where you've got to decide when it's time to move on.
"I feel really good, I've enjoyed the job, but it's time to step aside and let the young bucks have a go."
Mr O'Neill will officially finish early next month and said he intends to eventually go on to other work although, at present he is keen to spend some time on the golf course and indulge in some travelling.
