A new exhibition opens this weekend at the New Zealand Police Museum, celebrating the 75th anniversary of New Zealand policewomen.
“Through photographs, videos and interviews the exhibition captures the stories of some remarkable women, all of whom have a strong commitment to NZ Police,” says Museum Director Rowan Carroll.
“Police women were recruited and attained constabulary powers for the first time in 1941, but getting to that point was a struggle in itself” Ms Carroll said.
In a 1916 memo from the Wellington Inspector of Police to the Commissioner, Inspector Hendry wrote “The greatest difficulty we have in training these men is to teach them to control their tongues, how long it would take to train women I do not know.”
The exhibition follows the progress women have made from those early years through to current day. It highlights women who have challenged the expectations of them, pushed boundaries and succeeded in every facet of police work, including the Armed Offenders Squad, the Maritime Unit and the Dog Section.
“Several current policewomen are profiled, and their stories are a celebration of their careers in Police and the amazing experiences they have been able to have in the job,” Ms Carroll said.
The exhibition also profiles the seven women who have achieved Superintendent rank, and asks the question: What has been your defining moment within New Zealand Police?
The exhibition is open to the public from Saturday 22 October. The Police Museum is located at the Royal New Zealand Police College, at Papakowhai Road in Porirua.
“I would really encourage people to come and see it, especially young women who are considering a future with the NZ Police.”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Enquiries to: New Zealand Police Museum Director, Rowan Carroll.
Rowan.Carroll@police.govt.nz
042383225
