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Risking It All
Fourteen years on the front line of the New Zealand Police. Countless moments that shaped a lifetime. One story that tells it all.
From the high-octane world of armed stand-offs and elite squads, to heart-breaking moments on the street-and the raw courage it takes to call out bullying and corruption from within-this book lifts the curtain on the reality of police work in New Zealand.
Frontline Constable, Supervisor, Armed Offenders Squad member, Diplomatic Protection Officer, Medic, Trainer, and Bravery award recipient-John Woodward shares a gripping, unfiltered account of life in uniform. You’ll ride along through high-profile incidents, international events, dangerous pursuits, and moments of confronting loss.
But it’s not all heavy. There’s also humour, because sometimes, a one-legged man on a quad bike towing a Police car out of the surf is exactly what gets you through.
From the funny to the frightening, the powerful to the painful-this is a story of service, sacrifice, and standing up for what’s right.
From the high-octane world of armed stand-offs and elite squads, to heart-breaking moments on the street-and the raw courage it takes to call out bullying and corruption from within-this book lifts the curtain on the reality of police work in New Zealand.
Frontline Constable, Supervisor, Armed Offenders Squad member, Diplomatic Protection Officer, Medic, Trainer, and Bravery award recipient-John Woodward shares a gripping, unfiltered account of life in uniform. You’ll ride along through high-profile incidents, international events, dangerous pursuits, and moments of confronting loss.
But it’s not all heavy. There’s also humour, because sometimes, a one-legged man on a quad bike towing a Police car out of the surf is exactly what gets you through.
From the funny to the frightening, the powerful to the painful-this is a story of service, sacrifice, and standing up for what’s right.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2025
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January 4, 2026
This book is a very real story of a career in the NZ Police. It is awful to hear about the bullying & dangerous things that were instigated by fellow police. John, hold your head up high. I have had the privilege of meeting you & Serena & commend you on writing your story.
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