Home > About us > History and Museum > Museum > Exhibitions > He matapihi o nehe rā: A window into the past
A long-term exhibition at the New Zealand Police Museum which describes Policing Aotearoa New Zealand in the 19th century, is installed in the original Hastings Police Station building.
New Zealand in 1800 was a Māori world. ... more
By 1837 Kororāreka in the Far North was evolving, leaving behind its notorious reputation as hellish. ... more
The signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi means the arrival of colonists from Britain. Conflict between Tangata Whēnua and the new Pākehā settlers begins after the New Zealand Company mismanages land purchases. Governor George Grey arrives to crush any resistance to colonisation. ... more
Provincial police forces are established. By 1858 Pākehā are the majority and Māori are being pushed from their tūrangawaewae. ... more
Gold is discovered in the south and the Land Wars begin in the north. Land confiscations ignite strong resistance and the rise of Hauhau and Ringatū. ... more
Provincial police forces and the armed constabulary are merged. Māori try peaceful resistance to protest the loss of their land. ... more
The people of Parihaka use peaceful resistance against 1500 New Zealand Constabulary and volunteer troops. The New Zealand Police Force Act (1886) separates police and the permanent militia. ... more
New Zealand Police centralise training and our professional police emerge. ... more
