Women in Uniform – What we wore

1985 Female Inspector

When Angela Harwood QSM, was promoted to the rank of Inspector in 1985, she wore one of the most unique items of headgear in the New Zealand Police at the time.

The design was based on the white, flat topped policewoman’s cap shown previously, but was all blue with braided peak inserted at the front. Whilst female commissioned officers were not unusual, during this period she was one of just a very few in the service.  Photograph courtesy of the NZ Police.

1981 Policewomen’s Cap

The change to this domed felt cap resulted purely from the need to economise as it was cheaper to produce that its predecessor. Its major failing soon became apparent in use however, as it was almost impossible to prevent the dome top from losing its shape. As a direct result of the untidy look it created, it was withdrawn in the late 1980s and women began wearing the male forage cap as standard issue.

... endorsed police wearing shorts in summer but only when doing beach patrols or similar holiday activities. Shorts to be worn with navy walk socks, black shoes and short-sleeved shirt. Women have the option of culottes.

The Bulletin, March 1991

Announcement of a pregnancy uniform for policewomen: ‘a vitric blue smock with patch pockets worn with the regulation police shirt, tie, epaulettes and number.’ Two are issued for the duration of the pregnancy and are to be returned after use. Stores officer, now the proud mum of a wee girl, Mrs Minoo Varma models the pregnant uniform.'

The Bulletin, October 1989

Women’s skirts are to be worn at a fashionable length, but not above the centre of the knee cap.

Undated extract, ca. 1987, from General Instructions U.28 covering matters of general appearance. On file 5/5/58 Duty Jacket Jan-Oct 1987.

1986 Policewomen

This photograph displays a number of new features introduced during the early 1980s, the most obvious being the short sleeved shirt and absence of a tie, plus the latest, smaller epaulettes with round plastic numbers and the white topped hat for female Constables. Note also the new style belt and buckle worn by all ranks.

See style of white summer hat, which was issued upon graduation (see uniform issue list). 'Louise Caskey, top graduate in the Royal New Zealand

Police College's 105th wing.' Photographer Ian Chappell Mackley.

Evening Post Collection EP/1986/6220/34. 11 December 1986.

This photograph of Sergeant Jan Chipman and Constable Ann-Marie Harvey of Otahuhu displays the different cut to the Policewoman’s tunic, with the principal change being the collar. It is worn with a choice of skirt or trousers. The headgear has now become the universal forage cap.

Policewomen have a lightweight trousers option, and although the skirt is being retained, are encouraged to wear culottes. Police sergeant Rose McDermott models the new police patrol jersey while Senior Sergeant Steve Clements sports the new wide-brimmed hat.

Photographer Philip John Reid Evening Post ATL 27256

1977 Policewomen’s Cap

This cap was introduced with the first vitric blue uniform issued to policewomen from 1977. This was later than the same uniform issue to men as their tunics had to be made to measure initially and some delays in delivery occurred. Based on a British design and influenced by the Australian version with a white vinyl top, this was a smart and popular item, despite being prone to appearing grubby with age.