The Long Yarn of the Law - A Brief History of Policing in New Zealand

Government Printer, New Zealand, 1983. 80 pages.

The establishment of a police force in New Zealand was not an easy task. The settlers and Government were often hindered in their task by either lack of interest or lack of money. In teh early days of settlement, other matters seemed, at first, to be of greater importance. However, as New Zealand became settled, it became possible to establish a police force as a permanent part of society.

New Zealand has kept on growing and changing. So has the police, which continues to change as society changes and so remains a useful service in New Zealand. This book is not intended to be a complete history of the New Zealand Police, but it is hoped that it shows how policing has developed over the years to become a part of New Zealand society. - Fiona McMorran

Drawings by David Bell.