The Police staff torch relay to mark 75 Years of Women in Policing is on its way around New Zealand and it will start travelling through the central North Island this week.
The two halves of the illuminated torch which represents the New Zealand Police tohu started a tour of the twelve Policing districts on 24th of June simultaneously in Cape Reinga and Bluff.
One half is travelling up the South Island and another is travelling down the North Island, stopping off for events in a number of towns and cities along the way.
This week a torch half arrives in the central policing district and will be passed through the region by women police staff carrying out an array of special activities.
Acting District commander Detective Inspector Keith Borrell says this is an awesome opportunity for the local communities to celebrate this major milestone together with the central district police staff.
“Our female staff have faced a number of significant challenges in the last 75 years and these celebrations are a reminder to us all of the sacrifices that have been made and of how far we have come.
“Central district is very proud to host these events and to honour the vital role of women in police,” says Detective Inspector Borrell.
We welcome your support at any of the events happening across Tasman, please refer to the time table below for the best opportunities to sight the torch.
Saturday 23rd July - Manawatu
• 9am - the torch will be received at Waipukurau Police Station at 9am by Tararua district police staff
• The torch will then be toured around the Manawatu district by local staff:
• 10am - driven to Norsewood for official torch changeover from Eastern to central police district
• 11am - to Dannevirke for photo stops
• 12pm – photo stop at Woodville wind turbines (weather dependent) before heading to Police Station where Manawatu Area Commander Inspector Sarah Stewart will be handed the torch.
• 1pm – photo stops around Palmerston North with current and retired staff, visiting the Police Station, clock tower and Fitzherbert bridge.
• 2pm – to Feilding for photo opportunities around the town
• 3pm – heads to Whanganui for handover
Sunday 24th July - Whanganui
• The day will begin at 7am at the Putiki Slipway. The torch relay will start with a karakia and then the torch will be taken by Waka to the Union Boat Club by some of our female Police staff.
• From here staff will travel the torch via horseback to Whanganui Station around 8:40am for a photo with women staff and the torch at approximately 9am.
• Afternoon tea at the Chateau Tongariro, Mt Ruapehu at 2pm for current and retired staff. Here Taranaki staff will be handed the torch.
Monday 25th July -Taranaki
• The torch will travel through Taranaki down the Surf highway towards New Plymouth, taking photographs along the way. Key stops:
• 9am - Hawera race course were the torch will be travelled around the course in kids karts
• 10:30am – photo stop in Manaia
• 11am – photo stop in Opunake
• 12pm – photo stop at Cape Egmont
• 1pm – pöwhiri and photo opportunities at Parihaka
• 3pm – photo taken at Surf Highway 45’s Stent Road
• 3:30pm – a visit to Emma the Police pup
• 6pm – 4th Wall Theatre - an evening to celebrate Taranaki women.
This will feature talks from some impressive women police staff including former New Plymouth area commander Anne Knox, Moya Costello who is an ex Taranaki officer who’s now in her 90s and Carole Tipler who is a former New Plymouth Detective who worked in Police for 42 years.
Tuesday 26th July – Taranaki and Palmerston North
• Torch will travel down to South Taranaki with photographs along the way, including:
• 7am - photo at Paritutu for sunrise
• 7:30am - photo stop at the Len Lye Centre
• 8am – photo stop at Pukekura Park
• 8:45am – photo stop at Te Rewa Rewa bridge
• 10am – photo stop at Egmont visitors centre
• 11am – photo stop at Stratford Glockenspiel
• 11:45am – photo stop at Hawera Fonterra cow
• 1pm – photo stop at Patea Maori club
• 2:30pm - Whanganui where the torch will be handed over to Palmerston North staff
(Please note: Times are approximate)
• 6:30pm – Wine and Cheese function at Manawatu Golf Club
• Fashion parade of seven old women uniforms from across the decades
• Guest Speaker Glenda Hughes
• 75 Year commemorative cake
• Powerpoint display showcasing a collection of older photographs & history about women in Police.
The national Police torch relay will culminate and see the two halves of the torch joined together at a national parade of retired and current women Police staff in Wellington on August 1st.
Police would love for any retired staff interested in participating in any of these events to attend. For more details please email 75Years@police.govt.nz.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
For more information or interview opportunities please contact: Philippa Ormrod, media advisor, Philippa.ormrod@police.govt.nz