A short one from me this week but one that - at times - I think we overlook amidst all the noise. Sometimes when we're doing this job, you can forget that it's the good stuff that makes the bad stuff a lot better. Here's an example...

Just today, I was kicking around town and I decided I'd go to the local big box store to buy some products for my garden. I love my garden but alas I do not have green fingers. Most things I buy turn into a wilted brown mess in a short while. But that’s not why I do it. I do it because it's a great way to help my mental space. I'm out in the fresh air away from phones and emails and all the other things we have to deal with.

As an investigator and as a consultant I have seen some pretty terrible stuff. I accept that it's part of the job and, trust me, is does not get any easier as you go along. I have been accused, even by tough people from the Military and the Police that I am a hard [insert bad word here] - but I really am not - I have just learnt ways to protect myself.

I have seen some really hard men and women fall apart during and after serious events. I get it and I have never judged anyone in that situation. As the saying goes 'first walk a mile in the other person's shoes'. But it takes a part of you, a part that you do not get back if you try to bury it.

After a serious event, my team and I all debrief with a counsellor. Sometimes these are short - and at other times I have lost it and ended up bawling my eyes out. I am not ashamed of that or afraid of it - and I have no issues telling you all about it. As I was once told during my training by my tutor, accept it, it means that you have empathy, and empathy is what makes a good investigator. And guess what? It's empathy that makes a great safety person, too. It generally takes a certain type of person to do this job. I accept there may be a few who are in it just for the money - but not many. Most are here because we want to make a difference.

This week just gone, we saw a lot of announcements coming through from the Minister. The senior team have been looking at those as they've come through and we've made comments as we see fit. Jeff and Mike Cosman have added our voice to the debate and thanks to them both. I'm sure you, like me, have seen the issues, felt the frustrations and had the really? moments during the week. Enough said about collecting eggs, I think.

I just want to remind you that there has to be a time when you just have to let it go. Go and find that place or thing that makes you happy and just be there. No worrying about work, no winding yourself up about what Monday will look like, or what challenges we might face in this coming week. Just be you, in your space in whatever form that might be. As I said earlier, what we do takes a toll - but never forget that you are people too. Take a break, take a deep breath and remember to look after yourself.

(If you are struggling or in need of help, please reach out to support services or a fellow member. The folks in our Peer Support Network are all ready to help.)

Ngā mihi

Karl Berendt
NZISM President