75 years of policewomen celebrated today

The 75^th anniversary of women in New Zealand’s police force was celebrated this morning at Auckland’s Town Hall.

Today’s commemorative event marked the day in 1941 where 10 women, who were the first of their gender, began police training.

The celebration hosted Police Minister Judith Collins, Police Commissioner Mike Bush, and past and present policewomen to acknowledge the importance of females in the force.

Ms Collins congratulated veteran policewomen for their bravery.

“You had guts and determination and drive. You did something that not everyone thought you should have been doing and they were wrong and you were right,” Ms Collins said.

Police Minister Judith Collins holds the hand of the longest living veteran policewoman, 94-year-old Marie Storey (nee Nixon). Photo: Madison Reidy

Retired policewoman Pauline Joblin was one of 30 females in the New Zealand force when she joined in 1963.

Ms Joblin said she was treated differently in the early days of her policing career.

“It was hard, we did the same training as our male colleagues but equal pay didn’t come in ‘till about three years later,” Ms Joblin said.

An old photo of Pauline Joblin (second from right) and her female colleagues. Photo: Madison Reidy

Replica female police uniforms were also modelled, showcasing the change of fashions throughout the decades

Judith Collins and Mike Bush smile among the replica policewomen uniforms of different eras. From left to right, 1940s, also 1940s, 1950s, Judith Collins, Marie Storey, Mike Bush, 1960s, 1970s, 1989 and current uniform. Photo: Madison Reidy

Ms Joblin said the uniforms at the time said a lot about policewomen.

Compulsory female police uniforms were introduced in the 1950s, a decade after only a frock, hat, gloves and handbag were considered necessary attire.

Today, policemen and women wear the same unisex uniform.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush said at the event that the number of women in our police force is increasing.

“Where we are today, I think we’ve come a very, very long way.

“At the moment 21 per cent of our organisation are women. We did have a course last year that was 50 per cent,” Mr Bush said.

Commissioner Bush said the police are aspiring to be completely gender equal.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush shares a laugh with veteran policewomen after the event. Photo: Madison Reidy

Today kicked off the celebrations that will continue over the next few months. The commemorations will close with a national parade in Wellington on August 1.