Kiwi chopper pilot Glen Malcolm Conning, who was shot down by gunmen in West Papua last week, has been laid to rest in his hometown.
His funeral, which reportedly drew 300 people from across New Zealand and overseas, was held in Motueka yesterday. It featured a helicopter entry and rousing haka.
According to the ABC, his mother Vicki Lawrence said he was given the send-off of a “true gentleman”.
Local police said Conning, a 50-year-old from Motueka, was gunned down by separatist rebels in Indonesia’s easternmost region of Papua after landing in an isolated area on August 5.
NZ Herald
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His mother Vicki Lawrence says he was given the send-off of a “true gentleman”.
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Kurarangi said the officers sat in their squad car and watched her. She was wearing the t-shirt pictured.
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The four had pleaded not guilty and were facing a judge-alone trial in front of Judge June Jelas.
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Judge Forrest convicted and discharged Gunn at her sentencing, saying the assault was low level but the 64-year-old had shown no remorse.
