On Friday 24th of June a torch relay marking 75 Years of Women in Policing will begin its tour of the country simultaneously in Cape Reinga and Bluff.
One illuminated torch will travel up the South Island and another will travel through the North Island, stopping off for events in a number of towns and cities along the way to raise awareness of women in policing.
The torch will be taken bungee jumping in Queenstown, be run through the Heaphy Track on the West Coast, sped downhill on the Rotorua luge and will be escorted via waka down some of our most iconic rivers. These are just a few of the adventures the torch, and accompanying police staff, will have on their relay journey.
The relay will culminate on August 1st when the two halves of the torch will be joined together at a national parade of retired and current policewomen and other police staff in Wellington.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush says the 75th anniversary of Women in Policing has been planned so that women in police whether past or present, sworn or non-sworn, and the communities Police serve have an opportunity to celebrate the milestone.
The artwork of the design of the torch travelling across the country has been based on the New Zealand Police whakataukï and tohu - “E tū ki te kei o te waka, kia pākia koe e ngā ngaru o te wā”. This translates as: “Stand at the stern of the canoe and feel the spray of the future biting at your face.”
After the relay the torch will be displayed as a taonga for future generations of women in police.
Commissioner Bush says the use of the Police tohu is appropriate as the 75th Anniversary recognises the women of the past who have forged the way for women to thrive and succeed in NZ Police today.
“Women are now an integral part of policing and I know our district-based staff are looking forward to celebrating with their communities as the relay passes through many towns and cities across the country,” he said.
The relay event is also being used as a recruitment tool, showcasing New Zealand Police as a fantastic place to work for women who seek a rewarding career.
A reunion for retired staff is being held at the Royal New Zealand Police College on 30-31 July prior to the National Parade being held in Wellington on August 1. Any retired staff interested in participating in these events should email 75Years@police.govt.nz
The full itinerary of events happening across the country from June 24th to August 1st can be found at: http://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/75-years-women-police
This website is being regularly updated.
Media Advisory:
Media are invited to attend any of the relay events happening around the country. For further information or for media interview enquiries please contact:
Auckland and Northland – Beth Bates, beth.bates@police.govt.nz
The rest of the country: Philippa Ormrod, philippa.ormrod@police.govt.nz / 021 819 839
Launch invitations to media:
Police would like to invite media to attend the launches of the torch relay marking 75 Years of Women in Policing.
Event One:
Date: Friday June 24th
Where: Cape Reinga Lighthouse carpark
What: Dawn ceremony, karakia and blessing of the torch, passed members roll call and beginning of the relay.
Attendees: Myra Larcombe (first female officer in Northland), Constable Sheila Bernardes (most recent graduate), Northland District Commander Russel Le Prou, Far North Area Commander Wendy Robilliard
When: 6:30am
RSVP: Beth Bates, beth.bates@police.govt.nz
Event Two:
Date: Friday June 24th
Where: Oyster Cove Restaurant, Bluff
What: Luncheon with past and present Police staff.
Attendees: Southland Area Commander Joel Lamb, Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt, Southland District Mayor Gary Tong, first female detective in Southland Denise Harvey and the first female dog handler in New Zealand Debbie Grumball.
When: Midday
RSVP: Philippa Ormrod, philippa.ormrod@police.govt.nz / 021 819 839
We look forward to seeing you there.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre