Nancy Aitchison

In 1941 ten women were chosen as trainees to become New Zealand’s first policewomen. They started training at a depot in Newtown, Wellington and after completing their 3-month course, the ten women were sworn in as temporary constables. Of her intake, Constable Nancy Aitchison was the longest serving member, retiring in 1970 at age 60 after 29 years of service.

After training Nancy and Constable Mollie Speakman were sent to Christchurch as the city’s first female police officers. As women weren't issued with uniforms in those days, and instead wore civilian clothing, it made them ideal for undercover work. They were used in seeking evidence of sly grogging, bookmaking and in searching ships and opium dens for women.

After 13 years at the Christchurch station she transferred to Napier, where she remained until she retired. Future inspector Joe Franklin, whom she had enlisted as a non-police diving expert during a, earlier case found her impressive.

In 1953 Nancy was awarded the Coronation Medal, one of 19 awarded to the New Zealand Police and one of two to policewomen that year. In 1969 she was awarded her 28-year service clasp at the Christmas Day parade at the Napier Police Station and was reported as being ‘the oldest serving member of the Women’s Division of the Police in New Zealand.’

After retiring Nancy returned to her hometown Dannevirke but died shortly after following a long battle with breast cancer.