Building and Strengthening Women in Blue
14 April 2014
Police Commissioner Mike Bush today announced three significant initiatives set to enhance New Zealanders understanding
of women in police, and the ability of Police women to excel across the organisation.
Celebrated this morning was a new local reality TV show, produced by Eyeworks New Zealand, featuring women officers in
diverse roles, called ‘Women in Blue’.
The show will follow the working lives of police women from a diverse range of professions as they combat crime and
support victims in our communities. The show narration is through the eyes of the police women themselves, making it a
great way for the public to experience life on the front line in a modern policing environment.
From detective work to search and rescue; from body identification and recovery; to search warrants and domestic
violence; to dealing with intoxicated people, the series chronicles how these particular officers deal with the job,
both personally and professionally.
Commissioner Bush says “Giving viewers the opportunity to observe officers starring in the show on a regular shift is an
authentic way to inspire the next generation to consider a career in policing.”
Also announced this morning was a new recruitment drive to recruit more women to a Police career.
Recruiting women and developing leaders throughout the organisation is a priority for NZ Police so that the organisation
can better reflect the community it serves.
“Initiatives to attract women to a career with Police and support their advancement are showing results. The number of
women in our constabulary ranks has increased by 46 percent over the past ten years, and women now make up nearly 20
percent of 8,845 constabulary staff.” Commissioner Mike Bush says
‘We're looking for new young leaders with communication skills, empathy and problem solving abilities. These skills are
crucial to prevent crime and victimisation in our communities.
One of the additional recruitment promotions during the tv series is the ability for viewers to win the chance of a
ride-along with the stars of the TV show by going to a specially created website www.womenInBlue.co.nz.
The third initiative is the Police Women’s Advisory Network, a major milestone in the development of women leaders across the NZ Police which has been established by a number of
senior women within police to better support the recruitment and development of women.
Commissioner Mike Bush is highly supportive of the new initiative. “I am committed to developing more female leaders
within NZ Police. Many of our women leaders are influential within police already. It’s vital that our decision making
includes a range of perspectives so that we achieve the best outcomes for all New Zealanders”.
“The establishment of the Women’s Advisory Network takes existing efforts up significantly and positions Police to
further develop and support our women to be successful in the future”, says Mr Bush.
ENDS