The New Zealand Police Museum has temporarily closed its doors for two months for refurbishment.
The museum is based at The Royal New Zealand Police College site in Papakowhai, Porirua, and holds the largest collection of New Zealand Police history.
The museum was established in 1908 and uses original evidence and police memorabilia to tell the stories behind events, disasters and crimes that have galvanised our nation. There are semi-permanent displays on the changing face of police tools and technology and on key police operations including the Springbok Tour, the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior and the Erebus plane disaster.
Museum Director Bronwyn Grant says the refurbishment over summer will address pressing repairs and maintenance. "We’ve accumulated a lot of wear and tear and our facility deserves some well-earned TLC.
"We’ve chosen this time of year because visitation rates to all museums are traditionally low. The police museum has recorded visitor statistics for the last six years, which allow us to work with the ebb and flow of visitor patterns. By closing at this time we’ll cause the least disruption as New Zealanders are focussed on outdoor activities during summer."
The museum’s collection has only been on display to the public since 1996, when the museum opened as part of NZ Police centenary celebrations. Approximately 60,000 people have visited since its opening and it is a popular attraction for organised tours and school parties.
The museum is scheduled to re-open to the public on Wednesday 11 February 2004.