Relay to mark 75 years of women in blue

 

In our modern days of 2016 it is hard to imagine a police force without women patrolling the beat, however prior to 1941, only ‘boys in blue’ was an actual New Zealand reality.

Seventy-five years later, women can now claim a long history of police service. Northland’s first female officer began duties in 1952 and today’s northern force now exceeds 100.

To honour the significance of women’s police service, a nationwide relay is currently underway. Two police staff left simultaneously at dawn from Cape Reinga and Bluff on June 24, each carrying an illuminated piece of a specially designed torch.

Travelling through Northland’s beaches, hills and waters via car, motorbike and waka, the first handover for the northern torch will take place at 10am, June 28 in Te Hana followed by a Powhiri and kapa haka performance at Rodney College.

Community organisations, in collaboration with police staff from the Women’s Advisory Network, have planned a variety of celebrations, parades, lunches and different events along the relays route, to highlight the 75th milestone.

A range of adventurous modes of transport have also been incorporated into the journey. Participating police staff will have to juggle the torch as they paddle board, skydive, jet boat and even bungee jump their way towards the final destination in Wellington.

The relay adventure will climax on August 1 with a national parade featuring representatives from police districts including police dogs and horses, retired officers and old police cars. Marching to the beat of the Police Pipe Band, the parade will wind through the streets of Wellington towards Parliament where the northern and southern torches will unit as one.

In September, the Police Museum will launch an exhibition featuring artefacts, stories and footage telling the story of New Zealand women’s journey into the police force and the torch will be displayed as an inspiring taonga for the future generations of female officers yet to come.

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