New Zealand Police Museum

Evidence of History in Action

Now OPEN after an Extensive Refurbishment

Policing isn't all Hawaii Five-O and Water Rats. For most people their only experience of the Police will be through the entertainment medium of television. Despite global appeal and many prime-time hours dedicated to good cop/bad cop story lines, the vital role of Police in our history is largely overlooked. For every major event, be it a celebration or a tragedy, the police have been there. Their experiences, along with the evidence they gather, provide us with first-hand links to our past.

Collections held

The New Zealand Police Museum collects evidence of our history in action. 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 major historical events also feature, including the 1913 strikes, 1981 Springbok Tour, the Erebus plane disaster and the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior.

Great for kids

The museum is a family-friendly facility with displays that will interest kids of all ages.

Junior Detectives dress up in uniforms and test their skills on a changing programme of mysteries and activities including forensic investigation techniques.

Guided tours for group bookings

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

Let our Tour Coordinator help you plan your outing so that you can link into the many other educational and recreational activities in the area such as the Aotea Lagoon and playground, which are adjacent to the museum. Bookings can be made by telephoning 04 238 3141.

Research enquiries

Police Records and Personal Files

Archives New Zealand is the official repository for government archives. For access to Police records (including access to personal files for genealogical research) contact or visit Archives New Zealand, 10 Mulgrave Street, Thorndon, Wellington, phone 04 499 5596 or fax 04 4956210. Please note access to Police records is restricted until 100 years from date of closure, or 70 years from date of closure for Police Gazettes.

Search Archives New Zealand using Archway: http://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/

Criminal Records

For information about getting a copy of your own or someone else's criminal record contact the Ministry of Justice Privacy Unit, telephone 04 918 8800 or fax 04 918 8820 or by writing to: Ministry of Justice Privacy Unit, PO Box 2750, Wellington.

Find criminal records at: http://www.justice.govt.nz/privacy/

General Police History

Most districts of New Zealand have a book outlining the history of policing in their local area. To view a list of books about policing in New Zealand visit the New Zealand Police website's history page. Most of these titles will be available via your local library. Alternatively contact the Museum to purchase any of the books on the list via the museum shop.

For any further enquiries you are welcome to contact us at the Museum. Due to the Museum having very few staff we have little time to dedicate to individual research enquiries, however we will do our best to help you in any way we can.

Museum Shop

Collectable memorabilia, novelty gifts, cards and toys are available at our gift shop along with the widest range of policing history books in New Zealand.

Location:: New Zealand Police Museum; The Royal New Zealand Police College campus; Papakowhai Road, PORIRUA; Use Waitangirua/Papakowhai motorway exit, on Highway One, just north of Porirua.
Opening Hours:: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm; Or by appointment.
Admission Charges:

General admission is FREE

Tour Groups Charges apply to Tours Only - $5 adults and $3 senior citizens and children - and other activities as advertised.
Amenities:: Wheelchair access, parking, gift shop, coffee shop, course and conference facilities.

Evidence of history in action [PDF 202 KB]

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