Mike Bush joins Policing TV to look back on a career that runs from 18-year-old cadet to Commissioner of New Zealand Police. In this episode, he talks about early frontline policing, moving into detective work on serious and organised crime, and how international postings reshaped his view of what modern policing can be.
Bush also reflects on his time as liaison officer in Bangkok, his frontline role in the aftermath of the Boxing Day tsunami, and leading one of the largest disaster victim identification (DVI) operations ever undertaken. He closes by explaining how those experiences helped shape the “prevention first” operating model he later rolled out as Commissioner – and why he thinks it still matters today.
Takeaways
- Mike Bush joined New Zealand Police as a cadet straight from school.
- He was walking the beat as a fully sworn 18-year-old officer.
- He moved early into CID, specialising in serious crime investigations.
- Bush later led organised crime work, including international operations.
- His Interpol role and HQ posting broadened his strategic experience.
- As NZ Police liaison in Bangkok, he covered 28 Southeast Asian countries.
- He helped lead the 2004 tsunami DVI effort, repatriating thousands of victims.
- As Commissioner, he drove the “prevention first” model that still shapes NZ policing.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mike Bush and His Career Journey
01:37 Early Days in New Zealand Police
03:03 Transition to Detective Work and International Policing
05:15 Experiences as Police Liaison Officer in Bangkok
08:45 Leadership as New Zealand Police Commissioner
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