Pipiwharauroa

from April 2023 - Pipiwharauroa

Pipiwharauroa

days, worked much more effectively than continually issuing infringements.

It may not seem a big thing these days, but if you had the privilege of being assigned an MoT car, you would be responsible for making sure it was kept in an impeccable condition. Always clean and free of any damage. Budgetary constraints meant that we would need to use our own resources to keep the vehicles in tip top shape.

Our duties also included patrolling Matawai with the Speed Radar and it was up to the individual Traffic Officer to decide where to park to catch any speedsters. As there was only one speed radar in our town, we were all trained in its use. It was a heavy but important piece of equipment, which would be carried inside the car and attached to a window on the side facing the road. When out on the patrol car, we’d be responsible for traffic flow, accident management, stopping heavy motor vehicles to check their loads and the goods.

all worked on a five day shift system between Monday and Sunday, clocking on between 7am and 5pm each day.

The roles and tasks assigned to Traffic Officers varied and often we would be involved in escorting over dimensional loads including houses. We would work alongside Transport Companies like: Taylors, Monk Bros and even the Electric Power Board with overhead lines. I specifically remember dealing with Fred Maynard who was the top man in those days. We all worked together to manage the logistics and ensure an effective and safe movement of whatever was being carried, to its destination.

From 1981 to 1983 I successfully completed an Assignment Training Programme on Traffic Law, with the Ministry. Due to the experience I had gained in Wellington and Orewa, I was nominated by the Chief Traffic Officer to represent our office in the Gisborne District Court. I was responsible for prosecuting my own offences and any others that were submitted by my colleagues. I took on anything and everything, always eager to learn and increase my knowledge and skill base.