Detective Graham Bell passes away at 78; Police Ten 7 host’s legacy as a straight-talking crime fighter shaped New Zealand’s justice system
New Zealand has lost one of its most recognizable crime-fighting personalities with the passing of Detective Inspector Graham Bell, who died on October 7, 2025, at age 78 after battling cancer. For over a decade, Bell became a household name as the straight-talking host of Police Ten 7, but his legacy extends far beyond television screens into the heart of New Zealand’s criminal justice system.
From Detective to Television Icon
Bell’s remarkable journey began in 1967 when he joined the New Zealand Police force, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and cousins. What started as a career change from railway work and truck driving would span 33 years of dedicated service to public safety. Rising through the ranks to Detective Inspector, Bell specialized in criminal investigations across the North Island, becoming the face of some of the country’s most challenging cases.
During his police career, Bell led investigations into 19 murder cases, including the high-profile 1998 murder of Reporoa woman Beverly Bouma and the tragic killing of police constable Murray Stretch. His tenacity and dedication to justice earned him the Queen’s Service Medal in 2001, recognizing his outstanding contribution to policing and criminal investigations.
The Television Years That Defined a Generation
In 2002, Bell transitioned from behind-the-scenes detective work to front-and-center television hosting when Police Ten 7 launched. The show, which took its name from the police ten-code meaning “unit has arrived at job,” became a cultural phenomenon under Bell’s presentation. His unscripted, straight-shooting style resonated with viewers as he described offenders using memorable phrases like “gutless goons,” “morons,” and “lunatic scumbags”.
For 13 years, Bell used the platform to help solve serious crimes, with almost 1,000 cases resolved thanks to information from viewers. The show’s success wasn’t just in entertainment value – it served as a vital investigative tool that connected police with communities across New Zealand. Bell’s authentic approach, combining his real-world experience with genuine concern for victims, created a unique television format that exported successfully to Australia.
A Lasting Impact on New Zealand
Bell’s influence extended beyond solving individual crimes. He became a voice for victims’ rights and community safety, always maintaining that his colorful language came naturally from years of dealing with serious offenders. His colleague Detective Matt McLeod remembered Bell as “straight up” and a motivator who didn’t “beat around the bush” while taking good care of his team.
Even after retiring from hosting duties in 2014, Bell remained passionate about crime prevention and community safety. When Police Ten 7 was eventually cancelled in 2023 after 21 years and 750 episodes, Bell expressed disappointment, believing the show still served an important public service.
Remembering a New Zealand Legend
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers described Bell as “a bit of a legend when it comes to policing in New Zealand,” highlighting his passion for holding offenders accountable. Bell’s successor, Detective Sergeant Rob Lemoto, praised his “larger-than-life personality” and success in getting the public to assist police investigations.
Graham Bell leaves behind his devoted wife Joyce of 57 years, three children, their partners, and six grandchildren. His legacy lives on through the countless cases solved, victims who found justice, and a generation of New Zealanders who learned that fighting crime requires both professional dedication and community support.
In a career spanning television and policing, Graham Bell proved that sometimes the most effective crime fighters are those who speak plainly about the realities of criminal behavior while never losing sight of their ultimate goal: keeping communities safe and ensuring justice prevails.
