75-years-ago ten women launched a new era in Policing when they began their Police training at the Newtown barracks in Wellington in 1941.
To mark the 75th anniversary and honour women in the police both past and present, all female officers from the New Zealand Police Force are taking part in a number of activities, including marches, bungy jumps, skydiving, squad displays, police dog demonstrations and a staff torch-relay.
The relay will start from Cape Reinga, the Northern most point of the North Island on June 24 and will move through all 12 Police Districts in New Zealand. The relay will culminate in a national parade of retired and current staff in Wellington on August 1.
Mel Aitken, one of the senior officers and the area commander for the West Coast (pictured here) will be running the torch through the entire Heaphy Track, Kahurangi National Park at the north-west corner of New Zealand’s South Island, in just one day.
Police Minister Judith Collins says women have come a long way in Policing over the last 75 years.
“What determination those first women Police Officers had, entering posts knowing they would be constantly scrutinised and evaluated as women doing ‘men’s work’. “Those first ten recruits paved the way for the women in policing today, who are empowered by the organisation to achieve their full potential.”
To find out more head to: www.police.govt.nz
