New Zealand Police History

In 1840, with the arrival of Governor Hobson in New Zealand, Police Magistrates exercised their power to appoint selected men to act as Police. Six years later, on October 9, 1846, an ordinance for the establishment and maintenance of a constabulary force was passed.

This Act described the police force as "a sufficient number of fit and able men who would serve as an 'armed force' for preserving the peace and preventing robberies and other felonies and apprehending offenders against the peace."

The gold rushes of the 1860s in Otago and Canterbury meant police often had a difficult time keeping the peace. After 1867 the Armed Constabulary was also required to fight in the land wars.

The Police Act 1886 established New Zealand's first national, civil, police force. Sergeant John Nash was New Zealand's first non-commissioned police officer. The force was generally unarmed.

In 1958 a new Police Act was passed in which the word 'force' was removed. The name now used is The New Zealand Police.

New Zealand's modern police organisation has earned an international reputation for its professionalism.
 

New Zealand Police Museum

The New Zealand Police Museum reveals the true stories of policing in New Zealand today and throughout history.

Historical objects and original evidence are used in displays that tell the story of the formation of New Zealand's Police as well as their changing role in areas such as drug and alcohol enforcement. Many historical events also feature including the 1913 strikes, 1981 Springbok Tour, the Erebus plane disaster and the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior.

The museum is a family-friendly facility with displays that will interest kids of all ages. Junior detectives can dress up in uniforms and test their skills on a changing programme of mysteries and activities including forensic investigation techniques.

Group tours are available on request and can be adapted to suit individual needs and ages.

The museum is on the Royal New Zealand Police College campus, Papakowhai Road, Porirua. It is open Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm, or by appointment.

General admission is free. Pre booked tours are $5 for adults, $3 for children and seniors.

Wheelchair access, parking and conference facilities are also available.

Phone 04 238 3141 or email museum@police.govt.nz for bookings and further information.

 

Further Reading

The following books are available from the New Zealand Police Museum Shop and most local libraries.

History Books
  • Policing the Colonial Frontier: The Theory and Practice of Co-ercive social and racial control in New Zealand, 1767-1867, Richard S Hill, Govt Print, Wellington 1986
  • The Colonial Frontier Tamed: New Zealand Policing in Transition, 1867-1886, Richard S Hill, GP Books, Wellington 1989
  • The Iron Hand in the Velvet Glove, 1886-1917, Richard S. Hill, Dunmore Press, Palmerston North 1995
  • A Policeman's Paradise? Policing a Stable Society, 1917-1945, Graeme Dunstall, Dunmore Press, Palmerston North 1999

District Histories

  • Badge of Honour: A History of the Otahuhu Police 1840-2000, Ken Brewer, Deed Printing, Waiuku 2003
  • The History of the Papakura Police, Ken Brewer,(2009)
  • The History of the Tuakau Police, Ken Brewer, (2005)
  • The History of the Waiuku Police, Ken Brewer, Deed Printing, Waiuku
  • The Southern Beat, Michele Poole, Southland Police Trust, Invercargill 2002
  • Policing the Tairawhiti, John Robinson, Gisborne Herald, Gisborne 1995
  • With Confidence and Pride: Policing the Wellington Region 1840-1992, Sherwood Young (ed), Wellington Police Trust 1994
  • Policing Two Peoples: A History of Police in the Bay of Plenty 1867-1992, Jinty Rorke, Tauranga Police, Wellington 1993
  • Authority to Protect: a Story of Policing in Otago, Miles Singe, David A Thomson, Dunedin 1992
  • The Longest Beat, Kit Carson, Yvonna Davison, PM Deazley and the New Zealand Police, Greymouth 1990
  • Policing in the Mountain Shadow: A History of the Taranaki Police, Margaret Carr, New Plymouth 1989
  • Without Fear or Favour: 150 years Policing Auckland, 1840-1990, Owen Cherrett, Patrick Hunter 1989
  • Sharing the Challange: A Social and Pictorial History of the Christchurch Police District, Barry Thomson, Robert Neilson, J C Rowe and the Christchurch Police History Book Committee, Christchurch 1989
  • Policing the River District 1886 to 1986, Charles E Spicer, Wanganui 1988
  • Beyond the Call of Duty: A History of the Palmerston North Police District, Ray Carter, Stylex Print, Palmerston North 1988
  • A Century of Service: A History of South Canterbury and North Otago Police, David A Thomson, Hendrik Kagei, Timaru 1987
  • A History of the Waikato Police: 1886-1986, Brian Walters 1986
  • In the Line of Duty, Murray Hill, Endeavour Press, Auckland 1986
  • The Story of the Napier Police District 1886-1986, CH MacDonald, CHB PrintLtd, Waipukurau 1986
  • The Nelson Police, the story of the Nelson police distrcit 1841-1986, June E Neale, General Printing Services Ltd, Nelson 1986
  • Northland Made to Order, Charles O'Hara, Northland Publications, Whangarei 1986

Specialist Histories

  • Equal to the Task: The City of Auckland Traffic Department 1894-1994, Alan Woolston, Auckland 1996
  • The New Zealand Police Medal, J D Wills and New Zealanmd Police, Auckland 1990
  • To Guard My Poeple: Police Honours and Awards, J D Wills and New Zealand Police, Auckland 1995
  • Zero-Alpha: The NZ Police Armed Offenders Squad, Ray Van Beyner, Howling at the Moon Productions, Auckland 1998