The Police staff torch relay to mark 75 Years of Women in Policing arrives at its final destination this week - the Wellington and Wairarapa region.
The two halves of the illuminated torch started a tour of the twelve Policing districts on the 24th of June.
One half has travelled up the South Island from Bluff and the other has travelled down the North Island from Cape Reinga, stopping off for events in a number of towns and cities along the way.
This week the torch arrives in Wellington and will be passed through the policing district by staff carrying out an array of special events and activities.
District Commander Superintendent Sam Hoyle says he is thrilled to take part in the celebrations and the District is excited to be hosting a number of pioneers from the early years, including retired staff from the 1943 and 1948 intakes of police women.
“It is important to remember and acknowledge those women who have led the way and enabled our female staff to succeed today and in the future as well as celebrating the achievements of our current staff.”
We welcome your support at any of the events happening across Wellington and Wairarapa. Please refer to the time table below for the best opportunities to see the torch.
Wednesday 27th July:
• 2pm - The torch will be handed over from Central District police staff at Kapiti Police Station.
• Afternoon tea at Kapiti Police Station for current and retired staff. 94-year-old Marie Storey, who was in the third intake of women officers in 1943, will address attendees.
Thursday 28th July:
• Torch will be ridden over the Haywards Hill Road to the Hutt Valley by motorcycle
• 9.30am - Morning tea will be held at the Trentham Dog Training School. Val Redshaw, former police officer and author of Tact and Tenacity will speak.
Friday 29th July:
Lower/Upper Hutt:
• 12.30pm - Torch will be met by Rongotai College Kapa Haka group. IT will then be transported to Evans Bay where it will be taken on the Lady Liz to Wellington Waterfront with the District Leadership team and VIPs. They will then walk around the waterfront.
• Afternoon Tea at Wellington Central
Wairarapa:
• 9:30am - The torch will be handed over to Wairarapa staff at the Rimutaka Hill summit. Staff will take photos with the torch and banner.
• 10am - The torch will be taken to Featherston and Carterton stations for photo stops.
• 11am - Masterton Aerodrome - Detective Raewyn Smellie will take the torch up in a plane with a local pilot.
• 12pm - A ‘football extravaganza’ will be held at Memorial Park, Masterton. This is a great opportunity for the public to get involved. There will be games, drinks and oranges and more.
• 2pm - A formal afternoon tea will be held for current and retired staff to celebrate the anniversary. Georgina Beyer is the guest speaker.
Porirua:
• 2pm - 75 Lap Challenge at Aotea Lagoon involving the Royal New Zealand Police College and other Police staff from the District. Public are welcome to attend and get involved in the event.
Saturday 30th July:
• 1pm - Diversity Recruiting Day at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC). Attendees to be greeted by the RNZPC Kapa Haka Group. There will be four rotating presentations showing the recruitment process, life at college, physical requirement and personal stories from a diverse range of staff on their journey into Police. Light refreshments will be served.
• 7.30pm - A formal dinner is being held for retired staff at the Royal New Zealand Police College. National Prevention Manager Superintendent Tusha Penny will be the Guest Speaker.
Sunday 31st July:
• 3pm - Afternoon tea in the Matai Room at the Royal New Zealand Police College will be served for retired members, to be followed by a visit to the Police Museum
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 CBD on Monday August 1, travelling from Civic Square to Parliament from 12.15pm.
A media release with more information on the parade will be put out later this week.
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 media coverage and interview opportunities please contact: Philippa Ormrod, media advisor, philippa.ormrod@police.govt.nz