Many women were responsible for forging the way in NZ Police and slowly making inroads into a male dominated workplace, tirelessly campaigning for women to be accepted into different operational areas of Police.
This is only a selection of some of our retired policewomen from the last 75 years and we will be updating these details over the next few weeks. If you would like to suggest a retired policewoman to profile, please contact us at 75years@police.govt.nz.
This is an important milestone for NZ Police as an organisation. There have been many changes to NZ Police over the past 75 years and we are proud of the women who have been part of that growth and have forged the way for other women in the organisation.
We are also proud of the women who are currently taking the organisation forward today and who are represented in many diverse roles within police.
We are fortunate to have many of the women from the first decades still with us, who have been able to share their stories and photos which we can capture electronically and keep for generations to come.
When did the first women go into Police training in New Zealand?
The first ten women went into Police training on June 3rd, 1941 in a house on Rintoul Street Newtown, Wellington. Prior to then women were in involved in policing as Police wives in the many small sole Constable communities throughout New Zealand, and also in the role of matrons with their early main role being to search and care for female prisoners.
How did this compare with other countries?
While New Zealand may have been the first to give women the vote, other countries were earlier to implement trained female Police staff.
Australia (New South Wales) recently celebrated their 100th Anniversary of women in police. In the United Kingdom the first woman was granted arresting powers in 1915, and the first American police woman was appointed in 1910.
Are there any women alive from the first intake of women?
Sadly, there are no women still alive from the very first intake, but we have been able to trace three women from the third intake in 1943. These are Marie Storey (nee Nixon) who lives Raumati, Evelyn Kingi (nee Owen) from Dargaville and Janet Sneddon (nee Pope) who lives in Manurewa.
We are also aware of two women from the 1948 intake: Joyce Jensen who lives in Paraparaumu and Rosalie Sterritt, who lives in Christchurch.
Who are the senior women in New Zealand Police today?
There are also women on the Police Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, Karen Jones and Acting Deputy Chief Executive, People, Kaye Ryan.
What are the current statistics for women in Policing?
As at 30th April 2016, women comprised 32.2 percent of all New Zealand Police staff and 18.9 percent (1669) of 8831 constabulary staff.
By contrast, five years ago 17.3 percent (1524) of 8788 constabulary staff were women.
The 2011 percentage is shown in brackets below:
By the ranks:
| Constable | 21.4% | (19.8%) |
| Sergeant | 11.6% | (10.4%) |
| Senior Sergeant | 11.4% | (10.1%) |
| Inspector | 12.3% | (8.5%) |
| Superintendent | 14.0% | (4.8%) |
What activities and events are planned for the 75th?
On June 3 the Minister of Police and the Police Commissioner will formally mark the anniversary of 75 years of women in NZ Police. This event will also launch a year of celebrations that are aimed at raising the profile of NZ Police as a career option for talented women. There will be a line up of historic women’s police uniforms at the event as well as a number of retired and current female police staff.
At dawn on June 24, a torch relay will start simultaneously from Bluff and Cape Reinga. Police staff will carry two sections of a torch, one from each end of the country. They will engage with different community groups along the way to celebrate the milestone. Police staff in all districts via their Women’s Advisory Networks have come up with events and special ways of transporting their section of the torch to Wellington.
On August 1, the relay will culminate in a National Parade through the streets of Wellington from Civic Square to Parliament where the two sections of the torch will be joined together. Police Districts will send representatives and Police recruits from the College will attend the march. Retired staff will also be invited to participate. There will be old Police cars featured, the Police Pipe Band, Police horses, Police Dogs and other entertainment.
An exhibition will be launched in September at the Police Museum which will feature stories, videos from a range of current women working in Police today and artefacts from the last 75 years.
For further information on the 75th Anniversary, check out profiles of retired and current staff.
Police’s Current Recruitment Campaign
The “Do you care enough to be a cop” Police recruitment campaign aims to reach out to 18-29 year olds, and in particular women, and Māori, Pasifika, Chinese, Indian, Latin American, African and Middle Eastern people so we better represent the diverse communities we serve.
The underlying proposition behind the campaign is that Police are looking for people who care about the safety of the people in their communities. And in particular people who care enough to want to make a difference.
Police has also implemented several initiatives to ‘normalise’ the idea of women in police roles, including the top rating reality TV show Women in Blue to boost female recruitment. The second series of Women in Blue is currently in production.
Everything was a first for women and many firsts have only just been achieved.
| Year | Notable firsts |
|---|---|
| 1938 | The Statutes Amendment Act passed – Section45 provided the authority to introduce women police into New Zealand. |
| 1941 | In June the first 10 policewomen were recruited. They had to be between the ages of 25 and 40 years and unmarried or widowed and able to use a typewriter. After training they were sent to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin where they were attached to the detective branch as temporary constables. They did not wear uniform. |
| 1941 | Constable Edna Pearce was seconded to the Department of Internal Affairs to take charge of an internment camp for Japanese women and children. |
| 1945 | Policewomen were allowed to join the Police Association. |
| 1946 | Members of the New Zealand Police Force had to gain permission to marry. When Constables Peggy McKenzie and Bill Hedley, the first sworn couple to “tie the knot” applied, the Commissioner passed their request to the Prime Minister for him to make the decision. |
| 1947 | Policewomen were granted permanent appointment |
| 1948 | Constables Rose Dudfield and Flora McDonald spend three months in Sydney on an exchange working with Australian policewomen. |
| 1949 | A total of 52 policewomen had been trained but only 39 remained as most left when they married. |
| 1950 | Constable Josephine Brophy becomes a police driver delivering constables to enquiries, escorting prisoners and delivering documents. |
| 1951 | Policewomen are officially recognised and their appointments appear in the New Zealand Police Gazette for the first time. |
| 1952 | Policewomen are issued with uniforms. |
| 1953 | Constables Molly Sim and Nora Crawford are permitted to train as detectives. |
| 1954 | Commissioner Compton issues a new policy not to approve the marriage of a policewoman while she is still in the force. |
| 1956 | Policewomen train with their male colleagues for the first time. They make up 3.20% of the force. |
| 1957 | First policewomen appointed as detectives. Pamela Anderson is the first woman recruit to gain the Minister’s Prize. |
| 1958 | All provincial HQ stations except Timaru have policewomen. |
| 1959 | Maternity leave of up to 6 months granted. |
| 1961 | Detective Elizabeth Bennett promoted to sergeant in charge of Auckland’s women’s division. |
| 1963 | Policewomen in training taught to handle .32 calibre Colt pistols and .303 calibre rifles. |
| 1965 | Commissioner Spencer advocates equal pay for policewomen and Cabinet approves. |
| 1966 | Commissioner Spencer disbands the women’s division and directs that policewomen be employed on all general policing duties. Sgt Elizabeth Bennett is promoted to Inspector, Detective Jean Dougal to Detective Sergeant and Edna Pearce (W1) retires after 25 years of service. |
| 1969 | There are 69 policewomen. |
| 1970 | 74 policewomen 2.37% of the sworn establishment. Commissioner Sharp reactivates the earlier initiatives of Commissioner Spencer to fully integrate policewomen into the service. |
| 1971 | Constable Dorothy Parkes is promoted to Sergeant, the first to be put in charge of a duty section. Constable Stephanie Butel becomes the first female radio technician. |
| 1972 | Detective Sergeant Jean Dougall, the first policewoman to be appointed to full-time prosecution duties. |
| 1973 | Constable Helen Price is the first woman full-time tele-printer operator and Constable Hazel Nash is the first to join a search and rescue squad. |
| 1974 | Permission is given for the optional extra of long leather boots to be worn with the short and fashionable uniform skirts. |
| 1975 | Linley Shute is the first policewoman to be named NZ Police sportsperson of the year. |
| 1976 | The new vitric blue uniform introduced. |
| 1977 | Human Rights Commission Act S 16(1) allowed police to discriminate against women at recruitment level. The executive agree that policewomen should make up no more than 4% of the service. Number currently 190 (4.39%). The debate about whether policewomen should be allowed to wear trousers begins. Jean Dougall promoted to Detective Inspector. |
| 1979 | First women photographers appointed (Constables Rosemary Gibson and Robin Christian) and senior fingerprint technician (Sergeant Anne Waugh). |
| 1980 | 210 policewomen (4.23%). Sergeant Paula Stevens posted to Greymouth the first woman to be in charge of a smaller station. |
| 1981 | 40 years of women in policing celebrated with a dinner in Hamilton attended by Commissioner Bob Walton. Constable Marie-Therese Scott graduates with the first Diploma of Police Studies at Massey University. The Springbok Tour and a few policewomen are issued with shields, helmets and Monadrock PR 24 batons. |
| 1982 | Dame Te Atairangikaahu Cadet Wing – the first to have female cadets (2 graduate in 1983 when the cadet system is suspended). The first recruit wing with more female recruits than males is attested. Wing 82 has 12 women and 11 men. |
| 1984 | Ann Hercus, MP for Lyttleton becomes the first female Minister of Police. Constable Lynne Clark is appointed a District Arms Officer. |
| 1985 | Constable Lorraine Parkinson (93 Wing) is the first mother to graduate from the Police College. Prior to this women with dependent children were not accepted as recruits. Constable Elaine Tunnell is appointed the first female Community Constable. Detective Cushla Watson, the first policewoman to be sent out of New Zealand on an investigative brief, goes to France and the United Kingdom to seek answers in the Rainbow Warrior case. Constable Rosalie Sterritt retires – the first policewoman to receive the 35 year long service award. |
| 1986 | A policewoman appears on a New Zealand stamp designed by Allen Mitchell. Detective Nora Crawford is the first policewoman to be a Wing patron. Sergeant Anne Waugh the first female recruit instructor at the Police College. |
| 1988 | The Service focuses on the difficulties in recruiting women. Wellington policewomen set up a support group – principal concern was that the service was not going to take notice of the EEO legislation in the new Police Act due to come into force in 1989. Groups were set up in other districts soon after. Constable Carmen Dickison receives a Gold Merit Award for bravery. |
| 1989 | 355 policewomen (6.5%). 14 Sergeants, 3 Senior Sergeants, 2 Inspectors. 2.6% achieved rank compared to 26% of male staff. EEO Unit set up at the Police College ‘manned’ by Inspector Lindsay Todd and Constable Steve Kay. A uniform was designed to be worn when pregnant. Three policewomen (Constables Pauline Blakelock, Dawn Bell and Helen Rushton) go to Namibia to serve with the UN Transition Assistance Group. Constable Marlene Rangi receives a special performance of duties. |
| 1990 | Constable Pamela Chipman becomes the first female member of the Police Air Support Unit. |
| 1991 | Policewomen celebrate 50 years with a number of events including a reunion for 350 former and serving members. Recruiting age limit is relaxed to allow former policewomen to re-join and others to commence after having children. Constable Roseanne Rix becomes the first policewoman to be a certified firearms instructor. Constable Shane Collins of Dunedin selected for an Armed Offenders Course. |
| 1992 | Merger of the Traffic Safety Service with Police (1561 staff including 42 female warranted traffic officers become police officers). They bring with them the experience of working within a well-established EEO programme. Constable Wendy Robilliard is the first policewoman to be part of an operational armed offenders group. Inspector Paula Stevens takes command of the Christchurch armed offenders squad. |
| 1993 | Rena Keightly is the first grandmother to graduate from the Police College. Women in Policing Consultative Committee set up. Internal survey re: sexual harassment. 62% of all female staff felt that they had been victims. (NB This was in line with surveys conducted in other government departments). Constable Angela Morris joins the Dive Squad after completing a Navy dive course. |
| 1995 | Policewomen now 13.2% of the service. Constable Debbie Grumball joins the Dog Section with her police dog ‘Jake’. |
| 1996 | Skirts disappear and trousers become standard uniform items. Constable Fiona Paiere is the first woman to be in charge of a ‘one man’ station (at Tokomaru Bay). A pregnancy policy is introduced which includes guidelines for continuing employment. |
| 1997 | Flexible employment option policy introduced to allow part-time and job sharing opportunities. |
| 1998 | New Zealand Police host the Australasian Women in Policing Advisory Committee where an assessment plan is developed to give an overview of the major issues relating to policewomen in Australia and New Zealand. Two Women in Policing Conferences are held in New Zealand to discuss issues. The Commissioner includes EEO in all business and management strategies. Constable Julie Hinton-Cooper first female motorcycle officer. Anne Waugh is appointed the first female Area Commander for New Plymouth. |
| 1999 | Inspector Sandra Manderson is promoted to Superintendent – National Manager of organisational performance. In ten years the number of policewomen has grown from 334 to 1068 and female recruits make up 25.4% of a recruit wing. |
| 2000 | The campaign begins to recruit more Māori, Pacific Island and Asian recruits to better reflect New Zealand’s multicultural society. All staff attend inclusiveness training to develop better understanding of the gay community. Acting Superintendent Paula Stevens is the first women to command a New Zealand Police contingent on a UN assignment in East Timor. |
| 2001 | Constable Karen Vaughn is sworn in as a police officer in Pitcairn Island and spends several months travelling back and forth, also spending time in to England, Australia and Norfolk Islands interviewing and examining crime scenes in connection with Operation Unique. 60 years of women in policing is celebrated with a seminar and formal dinner at the Royal New Zealand Police College. CivilianLyn Provost is appointed Deputy Commissioner, the first female to hold a commissioner rank. |
| 2002 | Superintendent Sandra Manderson was appointed as Canterbury District Commander, the first female District Commander in New Zealand. Ten Percent, an on-line newsletter is founded to give information for gay and lesbian staff. Diversity Liaison Officers are appointed. |
| 2003 | The flexible employment policy is implemented improving the lot of all staff with family responsibilities. A Women in Policing Plan was produced aimed at recruiting more women in the police, to promote an organisation that values, inspires and empowers women to maximise their aspirations and retain them in the job. It was also designed to support the needs and aspirations of Māori, Pacific and other ethnic women in policing. |
| 2006 | Policewomen statistics for this year include 3 Superintendents, 11 Inspectors, 16 Senior Sergeants, 98 Sergeants, 1048 Constables. |
| 2007 | The Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct is released. Dame Margaret Bazely is the author. She makes 60 recommendation for change concerning the way New Zealand Police deal with women, both inside and outside the organisation. Specific to women in Police Bazely recommends that : R50 NZ Police should continue to increase the numbers of women and those from ethnic minority groups in order to promote a diverse organisational culture that reflects the community it serves R51 The State Services Commissioner is to carry out an annual health of the organisation check to audit police culture (in particular, whether the organisation provides a safe environment for female staff and staff from minority groups). Policewomen make up 16.6% of constabulary strength Diversity Liaison Officers in place. Women’s Leadership Development Programme in place. Women’s Police History is published; Tact & Tenacity by Val Redshaw. Superintendent Sandra Manderson became the first female International Liaison Officer. She was appointed to the Americas and based in Washington DC. |
| 2008 | Superintendent Paula Rose is appointed National Manager Road Policing. |
| 2009 | First bi-lingual New Zealand Sign Language Constable Debi Leahy. |
| 2009 | Constable Angela Taylor the first woman appointed PPO Principal Protection Officer to the Prime Minster on the Diplomatic Protection Squad. |
| 2010 | First woman appointed Head of School of Patrol & Operational Policing at the RNZPC Inspector Tania Kura. |
| 2011 | First female to die while performing her duty Pam Brien, office administrator of the Christchurch Child Protection Team, when the CTV building collapsed in the Canterbury Earthquake. Detective Sergeant Tusha Penny is appointed Manager of Child Protection and Adult Sexual Assault in the national crime group. 9.9% of Senior Sergeants are women. |
| 2012 | The first all women Police Station at Wainuiomata led by Sergeant Tania Van Ooyen. Recognition by the Australasian Council of Women in Policing for the contribution of three officers: Inspector Karen Henrikson – most outstanding female leader, Detective Kate Smith – most outstanding female investigator, Constable Lexlei Taylor – most outstanding female administrator. |
| 2013 | Out of the 240 recruits in 2012-13, 30.8% were women. |
| 2014 | Reality TV series Women in Blue is launched, showcasing the work of New Zealand Policewomen on national network TV One. The Women’s Advisory Network (WAN) is established across the districts. |
| 2015 | Wing 290’s patron is Louise Nicholas, the central figure in Operation Austin, an internal inquiry into police rape and sexual abuse. Her complaints triggered the 2007 Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct. Louise works across New Zealand as an advocate for survivors of rape and sexual abuse. |
| 2015 | Overall women make up 30.6% of the staff of New Zealand Police, including 1,721 constabulary staff – a 10% increase on 2010 levels First female crew member of the Lady Elizabeth IV takes up duty, Constable Paula Tanuvasa |
| 2016 | Both Recommendation 50 & 51 of the Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct are considered complete As of 30th April 2016, women comprised 32.19% of all New Zealand Police staff and 19.8% of constabulary staff. By rank: Constable 21.4% Sergeant 11.6% Senior Sergeant 11.4% Inspector 12.3% Superintendent 14% |
| 2021 |
As of 30th April 2021, women comprised 35.8% of all New Zealand Police staff and 23.5% of constabulary staff. By rank: |
‘I beg to report that beyond the escort and handling of female prisoners the services of women are not required in the Police Force of this Dominion.
The only good work that, in my opinion Women Police could be employed on is in strictly enforcing the Infants Act and the Industrial Schools Act. At present it takes about two years careful training to make a man proficient in Police duties and about five years training with special ability before he is of any use as a detective.
The greatest difficulty we have in training these men is to teach them how to control their tongue, how long it would take to train women I do not know.
I cannot see how a woman could be usefully employed’ --- Memorandum written to Superintendent John O’Donovan 1916
In June 1941, the first ten women entered a Police training depot in Newtown launching a new era in Policing. Women had been involved with Police work for many years prior to that in various roles, such as Matrons of stations and female searchers who were often just wives supporting their Policemen husbands in rural communities throughout New Zealand.
There was considerable opposition to women being formally appointed as Police Officers until Peter Fraser became Minister in Charge of Police. In 1938, after considerable research by the Police and undoubtedly encouraged by his wife Janet who was an active campaigner for policewomen to be appointed, the Minister Fraser announced:
“I am forced by the facts to a conclusion that I long ago reached in my own mind, that women can be a great help to the Police Force and to society in this country…I am pleased to announce that women police will be appointed as soon as possible.”
Women were to be unmarried or widowed, between 25 and 40 years of age, and meet education and health standards.
The initial training of women was delayed by the outbreak of World War Two.
Early roles for Policewomen saw them working in more traditionally ‘female- oriented’ assignments, working with children, or with women, and working back office roles rather than being on the front line.
To a degree this kind of stereotype was in line with New Zealand society’s positioning of women last century, but was perhaps further exacerbated by the perception of Police work being physical and the fact women could be faced with violent offenders.
It took time and perseverance to begin to overcome the obstacles and barriers facing women in terms of being treated as equals by the public, male colleagues and their superiors.
If you would like any further information about any of the events or activities taking place please contact 75Years@police.govt.nz.
If you would like to provide further information about any women who have played key roles in Policing over the last 75 years we are also keen to hear from you.
The events and activities information is subject to change.
Relay Kickoff: Dawn Ceremony
Where: Cape Reinga
Attendees: Myra Larcombe (first female officer in Northland), Constable Sheila Bernardes (most recent graduate), District Commander Russel Le Prou, Far North Area Commander Wendy Robbilliard
Additional Info: Karakia and blessing of the torch, Northland District taonga, passed members roll call
Handover Location: Topuni River
Handover Date: Tuesday 28th June
Handover Location: Devonport
Handover Date: Friday 1st July
Handover Location: Mangere Bridge
Handover Date: Wednesday 6th July
Handover Location: Pokeno
Handover Date: Sunday 10th July
Handover Location: Katikati
Handover Date: Wednesday 13th July
Wednesday 13th July
Thursday 14th July
Handover Location: Potaka
Handover Date: 18th July
Handover Location: Norsewood
Handover Date: Saturday 23rd July
Handover Location: Kapiti Police Station
Handover Date: Wednesday 27th July (Central) Saturday 30th July (Tasman)
Relay Kickoff: Luncheon at Oyster Cove Restaurant
Where: Bluff, Invercargill
Kickoff Attendees: Expect 50 - 60 including AC Joel Lamb, Mayor Tim Shadbolt, Mayor Gary Tong, Iwi Liaison Officer, Area Leadership team, past & present police members
Friday 24th June
Monday 27th June
Tuesday 28th June
Thursday 30th June
Friday 1st July (GoPro to film)
Sunday 3rd July
Monday 4th July
Tuesday 5th July
Friday 8th July
Handover Location: Omarama
Handover Date: 8th July
Handover Location: Trans Alpine Train
Handover Date: Thursday 21st July
The 75th Anniversary celebrations were launched in Auckland by the Minister of Police, Judith Collins and Commissioner Mike Bush.
On June 24, a relay through the districts will start from both Cape Reinga and from Bluff. A wide variety of exciting and interesting events involving the community we work in are happening over the course of five weeks.
Check out what is happening in each district in the National relay plan.
Check out the 75th Anniversary of women in Police Relay photos.
A national reunion is being held at the Royal New Zealand Police College on 30/31 July. Retired staff are organising this event and there is considerable interest in this event.
The relay will culminate in Wellington with a national Parade on 1 August, from Civic Square to Parliament between 11.30 and 1 pm with a function for retired staff afterwards. This will incude Police horses, dogs, old police cars, pipe bands and much more. All staff in Wellington District, invited staff from other Districts and all retired staff are invited to participate.
Retired staff invitation (PDF, 225KB)
An exhibition featuring women in different roles within New Zealand Police will open in late October.
For further information about these events 75years@police.govt.nz.
NZ Police is grateful for the contribution of the New Zealand Police Managers Guild and the New Zealand Police Association towards this project.
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