DETECTIVE SERGEANT ROB LEMOTO HOSTS POLICE TEN 7, TV2, THURSDAYS
Why a Toyota Highlander?
Toyota sponsors Police Ten 7 so one of the perks of the job is I get to use this car and I am happy about that. I’ve got two teenage girls who are involved in lots of sport and need to be ferried all over the North Island, plus I travel a lot for the show, commuting between Auckland and the Mount, so I needed something safe, reliable and comfy. Toyota felt that the Highlander was the right fit for me. It has good power and handling.
You have a TEN7 number plate.
This came with the hosting role and belongs to Police Ten 7 but isn’t it a great plate? When I arrive at different stations the team run for cover if they don’t want to be on the show.
What is the strangest thing you’ve come across filming the show?
After nearly 20 years in the police, it’s not our cases that make me scratch my head, it’s the amount of nerves some of our hardened officers get when we film their walk through. Some have dealt with the worst criminals in this country but the sight of a camera suddenly has them shaking in their boots.
As Police Ten 7 host, do you have a squeaky clean driving slate?
As a serving police officer I certainly do. If I got a speeding ticket I would have to notify my boss and Screentime (who produce Police Ten 7). Given the kilometres I travel each week it’s something I’m conscious about.
First car you owned?
An Austin 1100 re-painted Ferrari Red, which I later learned was more orange than red and became known as ‘‘the Jaffa’’ by my mates.
Dream car?
The latest black Mustang GT premium convertible would be nice. It would be great to cruise around the Mount in.
Favourite car colour?
I’ve always liked modern cars in black, they look sharp.
Who taught you to drive?
My dad when I was 15, around South Auckland. He loved his car and was clear with his instructions.
Any tips for learner and new drivers?
Defensive driving courses work.
Do you enjoy driving or would you rather be a passenger?
In the police, we usually share the driving, but unless I’m in the back with a prisoner I’ll be driving.
Do you judge people by what they drive?
I don’t think anyone hasn’t judged another driver at some stage. Road rage is a strange thing. I once attended a job where a driver took his baseball bat out of the boot of his car and destroyed another vehicle simply because of road rage. It wasn’t like anyone had been hurt or involved in an accident, he simply felt so offended by the other driver he reacted this way. He was arrested on some serious charges and left with a hefty bill over nothing really.
What irritates you most about other drivers?
Doing 85-90km/h until a passing lane then 105km all of a sudden. They have the confidence to be responsible enough to drive at a speed suited to their ability and suddenly change into a different person when they come to a passing lane, intent on ensuring no one passes, becoming the opposite of responsible.