The Police staff torch relay to mark 75 Years of Women in Policing is on its way around New Zealand and it arrives in the Tasman district this week.
The two halves of the illuminated torch which represents the New Zealand Police tohu started a tour of the twelve Policing districts on 24th of June simultaneously in Cape Reinga and Bluff.
One half is travelling up the South Island and another is travelling down the North Island, stopping off for events in a number of towns and cities along the way.
This week a torch half arrives in Tasman and will be passed through the region by women Police staff carrying out an array of special activities.
Tasman District commander Superintendent Karyn Malthus says this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the role of women in police and look back onhow far policing has come.
“I look forward to joining our staff around the region at some fantastic events and meeting retired staff who’ve been a core part of the organisation,” says Superintendent Malthus.
We welcome your support at any of the events happening across Tasman, please refer to the time table below for the best opportunities to sight the torch.
Thursday 21st July – West Coast
• The torch will be passed from Christchurch to the Tasman district at Arthurs Pass. A morning tea will be held with staff from the two districts before the torch is travelled to Greymouth with Detective Constable Ash Davies on the TranzAlpine train
• Tour of Hokitika visiting the town clock, beach sign, Lake Mahinapua and Ross Tanks.
Friday 22nd July – West Coast
• Visit the wheelbarrow, Franz Josef Glacier, Hokitika Gorge, the Barber, Point Elizabeth, Strongman/Pike River memorial
Saturday 23rd July – West Coast
• A celebratory function for staff, current and retired, and their families will be held at the Greymouth Police Station from 11am-1pm. District Commander Superintendent Karyn Malthus will speak and one of the regions oldest retired women officers, Chris Reeves, will be in attendance. (media are welcome to attend)
• The torch will be taken by staff to Punakaiki and the Westport Seal Colony/Carters Beach
• Three women staff will commence a walk through the Heaphy Track from the Karamea end. They will walk through the night with an aim to exit at Brown Hutt on Sunday afternoon.
Sunday 24th July – West Coast
• West Coast Area Commander Inspector Melanie Aitken will run the torch through the 80km long Heaphy Track starting at 6am. She’ll be met at James McKay hut by Nelson Bay Area staff members who will join her on their mountain bikes for the rest of the track.
Monday 25th July – Nelson Bays
• Run/Walk/Cycle the torch to Pupu Springs
• Kayak from Marahau to Kaiteri (via Split Apple Rock)
• Kaiteri to Moteuka (bike/run/walk)
Tuesday 26th July - Nelson
• Staff member tandem sky diving with the torch
• Mountain bike or tour bike from Motueka to Mapua (via Tasman Great Taste Trail)
• Afternoon tea at Tahuna Function Centre for current and retired staff members, an opportunity to share memories and experiences.
Wednesday 27th July - Nelson
• The torch will be walked from Tahuna Beach to the Botanical Hill, the centre of New Zealand. From here a relay competition will kick off with college teams competing against Police. Teams will include six members from each area and a District Headquarters team (three female & three male members).
Thursday 28th July - Marlborough
• The torch will be travelled around iconic Marlborough areas by local staff including Wither Hills, Picton and Marlborough Sounds.
Friday 29th July – Blenheim
• An afternoon tea will be held at Blenheim station at 2pm for current and retired staff to celebrate the anniversary. District Commander Superintendent Karyn Malthus will be there.
The national Police torch relay will culminate and see the two halves of the torch joined together at a national parade of retired and current women Police staff in Wellington on August 1st.
Tasman Police would love for any retired staff interested in participating in any of these events to attend. For more details please email 75Years@police.govt.nz.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
For interview opportunities prior to the events please contact: Philippa Ormrod, media advisor, Philippa.ormrod@police.govt.nz
For media coverage on the day of an event on the West Coast please contact: Detective Sergeant Kirsten Norton, Kirsten.norton@police.govt.nz
For media coverage on the day of an event in Nelson please contact: Detective Philippa Greenland, Philippa.greenland@police.govt.nz
For media coverage on the day of an event in Marlborough please contact: Sarah Wright, SWBY88@police.govt.nz