Tact and Tenacity launched

The last major project in publishing histories of policing in New Zealand was celebrated on 28 February at Parliament’s Grand Hall.

Former Police Officer Valerie Redshaw with Minister
of Police, Hon. Annette King at the launch of Tact and
Tenacity: New Zealand women in policing.

Minister of Police Hon. Annette King launched Valerie Redshaw’s Tact and Tenacity which celebrates 60 years of women in policing.

It is the first book to tell the full story of women in policing and the struggle to gain the place they proudly occupy today.

Redshaw’s story of women in the New Zealand Police is one of human endeavour, resourcefulness, long hours spent and a determination to do the job.

It wasn’t until 1941 that a group of recognised police women was selected. Commissioner Cummings personally selected 10 women and gave them all a kiss after the interview. They were assigned to Detective Branch for work with offences against women and girls.

Initially, women weren’t allowed to drive police cars.  They also had to resign from Police if they wished to marry.

They were forbidden to make arrests unless a male constable was present.

Yet the women officers were deployed when it suited to conduct risky undercover work involving sly-groggers, political radicals, and illegal abortionists. The tasks performed were often unpleasant and dangerous but the women involved were dedicated and pushed for better conditions and rights.

It wasn’t until 1956 when the former Trentham Police Training School opened that men and women trained together. The Police Amendment Act in 1965 paved the way for equal pay for policewomen.  In 1973 policewomen were given equal status and duties with men.

Today women play an integral role throughout NZ Police in sworn and nonsworn roles.

Police History Liaison Officer, Sherwood Young, PNHQ, says the author’s experience in producing the book over some 15 years itself personified the tenacity shown by so many of the pioneer police women in New Zealand.

“Valerie had a number of personal tragedies to cope with during that time and the final production is a real tribute to her dedication to recording the efforts of women in Police.

“I’m very pleased that this was the book to complete our efforts since 1976 to produce a comprehensive series of publications on New Zealand policing.

“The New Zealand Police can claim to be the pre-eminent police organisation in the world in publishing its stories,” says Sherwood.

Tact and Tenacity costs $49.99 and can be purchased Post Free from:
Grantham House Publishing
6/9 Wilkinson Street
Oriental Bay, Wellington 6011