...smart, was individually tailored and made of dark blue serge ... “big balloon pockets and upper pockets over each breast and the buttons did up the men’s way. The calf length skirt was in keeping with the fashion of the era”. White shirts with detachable collars that required studs and a navy tie were worn with the suit. The outfit was complemented by black nylon stockings and comfortable laced walking shoes that were not to o low - one careful measurement made them an inch and a half high. Each police woman was issued with two uniforms and a gabardine raincoat.

1952 Policewomen’s Wide Brimmed Hat

This photograph of Auckland’s Constable Molly Sim was taken in 1952 when New Zealand Policewomen were first issued with a uniform, despite some being recruited in 1940. The wide brimmed hat was the crowning glory of this historic uniform and is shown her to good effect. The first curved “NZ Police” cap badge with the Tudor Crown is clearly visible and was introduced with this headgear.

Group of women police recruits at Lyttelton Police Training School 1953-54, with instructor Sergeant E. J. G. (Ted) Hotham. NZ Police Centennial Museum. The women's uniform, except for colour, closely resembles that of the NZ Women's Auxiliary Army Corps. Tunics of women and commissioned officers were belted; those of male constables and NCOs were not. The register number has moved to the left side of the collar (see following entry). See Insignia section for practice relating to chevrons during the 1950s and 1960s.

1952 Policewomen

Although first recruited and trained from 1940, policewomen did not receive their first uniform until 1952. As can be seen here, it consisted of an open necked button front tunic worn with shirt and tie, a three quarter length skirt, wide rimmed hat and gloves. The original badge for this uniform was issued with a Saint Edwards, or Kings Crown and had to be replaced shortly afterwards upon the accession to the Throne of Queen Elizabeth II. Photo courtesy of “Trentham in Retrospect,” a history of Police Training in New Zealand by the NZ Police.