Following the horrific events of December 9, 2019, the country’s hearts and minds have remained focused on those lost and injured that day.

For Hayden Marshall-Inman’s family, it has also become a time to shine a light on and acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of emergency services.

To honour Mr Marshall-Inman, who lost his life on Whakaari that day, and those who helped and suffered. Mark Inman established the annual Whakaari Golf Tournament which is now in its sixth year.

The sell-out event not only remembers the loss but brings people together in connection and reflection.

Each year, the tournament highlights the role of emergency services during the Whakaari eruption. In 2025, the focus was on police, with the Police Welfare Association chosen as recipient of the funds raised.

Police Association representative Ashley Clements attended the event and said he was overwhelmed by both the occasion and the $45,000 cheque presented to the Police Welfare Fund for the Eastern Bay.

“This means a lot to our members who are part of the Police Welfare Fund for the Eastern Bay. Policing is hard; it’s a tough job and most people understand that. Every time an officer walks out the door, they face not just physical risks but mental ones as well,” he said.

“There is a lot of split-second decision-making that could result in an investigation or charges being laid against you, so the risks are high. That takes a toll on many of our staff.

“We’ve seen long-serving members leave the force, and it’s often then that the wheels fall off due to stress or accumulated trauma,” he said.

Mr Clements also noted that police officers were not immune to financial pressures. Some young officers with families relied on social supermarkets and food banks, both locally and nationally, something he described as disheartening.

“What this donation will do is provide a mechanism for a scholarship, with the criteria yet to be set. It will be designed to go to those who need it most, which is what Mark has asked for,” he said.

Mr Inman was again humbled by the community’s support.

“It’s amazing to have an event that brings people together and helps them reconnect. It allows people to tell their stories and reflect almost like a community welfare check. The other thing the tournament does is shine a spotlight on the good work that police and other emergency services carry out every day,” he said.

Whakatāne police entered a team in the tournament, with Constable Don Te Maipi a key member.

“It’s always been a great tournament. This was my third year, and it’s so good to mingle with those who were directly or indirectly affected by the eruption and share stories. It has also become a day of remembrance,” Mr Te Maipi said.