Description
The Beat to the Beehive by Ross Meurant (published by Harlen Books in 1989) is a controversial political and law enforcement autobiography tracking the author’s transition from a high-ranking New Zealand police inspector to a National Party Member of Parliament.
Core Focus
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- The Path to Parliament: The book documents Meurant’s political ascent, moving from active police work to secure a spot on the National Party’s backbenches.
- Rising Through the Ranks: It details his career progression to the rank of police Inspector. It reflects on his self-described “wilderness years” following the heavy public fallout from his previous publication, The Red Squad Story.
- Behind-the-Scenes Security: The book features inside revelations regarding high-level state operations, notably detailing the intensive, heavy military security measures taken to guard captured French DGSE secret agent Dominique Prieur following the 1985 Rainbow Warrior bombing.
Progressive Political Stances
Despite operating within a conservative framework as a National MP, Meurant utilizes the text to break rank on key social issues:
- Drug Reform Advocacy: Drawing on his academic research and intelligence access as an inspector, he argues a data-driven case to investigate the legalisation and decriminalisation of cannabis.
- Social Voting Alignment: He details his reasoning for voting in favour of progressive legislative issues, including gay rights and abortion on demand.
Hardcover. First-Edition. 204 Pages. Fine Condition. Foxing on The Head and damage to the top right corner of the cover.
