‘Women in blue’ campaign honoured

Police’s drive to increase the number of women in its ranks has been recognised with two prestigious awards – but we aren’t stopping there.

The organisation won the Empowerment Award and overall Supreme Award at the Diversity Works NZ 2016 award ceremony last night.

Police’s entry showcased work around the recruitment, retention and progression of women in Police, and the results we are starting to see.

Initiatives such as female-focused recruitment, the Women In Blue reality TV series and establishment of internal support networks have aimed to both showcase Police as a career and provide a more positive work environment for women.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush welcomed the recognition – but insisted there was still work to do improve gender equality in the workplace.

In 2015, women made up 35.9 per cent of graduates from the Royal New Zealand Police College – up from 24.2 per cent in 2012.

Between 2014 and 2016 there was a 41 per cent increase in women promoted to Senior Sergeant (from 44 to 61); a 36 per cent increase in promotions to Inspector (26 to 36); and a 250 per cent increase in promotions to Superintendent (two to seven).

“I’m enormously encouraged by these numbers, but I also recognise that we still have a way to go,” says Commissioner Bush.

“So while it is extremely pleasing to see our work to date recognised by the Diversity Works NZ awards – particularly as Police celebrate 75 years of women in policing this year – we still have a lot of work ahead of us.”

Commissioner Bush says a workforce that represents New Zealand’s communities is a key part of achieving our vision - to have the trust and confidence of all.

"One of our new Police values is 'valuing diversity' and this applies internally to our staff as well as externally walking the talk in our communities,” he says.

External links - Diversity Works NZ  (formerly the Equal Employment Opportunities Trust); Newshub report on awards and women in policing.