He matapihi o nehe rā: A window into the past

A long-term exhibition at the New Zealand Police Museum which describes Policing Aotearoa New Zealand in the 19th century, is installed in the original Hastings Police Station building.


Hastings Station Exhibition space at Police Museum

1800

New Zealand in 1800 was a Māori world. ... more

Hastings Station Exhibition space at Police Museum

1838

By 1837 Kororāreka in the Far North was evolving, leaving behind its notorious reputation as hellish. ... more

He matapihi o nehe ra: 1840s

1840s

The signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi means the arrival of colonists from Britain. Conflict between Tangata Whēnua and the new Pākehā settlers begins after the New Zealand Company mismanages land purchases. Governor George Grey arrives to crush any resistance to colonisation. ... more

He matapihi o nehe rā: Photo of St John Branigan, Otago Provincial Police Commissioner, 186

1850s

Provincial police forces are established. By 1858 Pākehā are the majority and Māori are being pushed from their tūrangawaewae. ... more

He matapihi o nehe rā: Canterbury Provincial Police Gold Escort through the Southern Alps, 1865

1860s

Gold is discovered in the south and the Land Wars begin in the north. Land confiscations ignite strong resistance and the rise of Hauhau and Ringatū. ... more

Photo of Sub Lieutenant Andrew Thompson, Oamaru Police, 1879

1870s

Provincial police forces and the armed constabulary are merged. Māori try peaceful resistance to protest the loss of their land. ... more

Photo of New Zealand Police Commissioner Sir George Whitmore, 1886.

1880s

The people of Parihaka use peaceful resistance against 1500 New Zealand Constabulary and volunteer troops. The New Zealand Police Force Act (1886) separates police and the permanent militia. ... more

Mount Cook Police Station and barracks, 1910.

1890s

New Zealand Police centralise training and our professional police emerge. ... more