Bush joined the New Zealand Police in 1978 , working at both CIB and Uniform Policing . As he progressed through the ranks he was appointed to senior roles , including Liaison Officer for South East Asia . This position was held by Bush at the time of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami . He was the first New Zealand official on the scene of this incident , arriving on Phuket to assist with relief . He was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit ( MNZM ) for his relief work . He was awarded the New Zealand Special Service Medal ( Asian Tsunami ) recognising this work
2004 Boxing Day tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
Mike Bush