Tact and Tenacity - New Zealand Women in Policing

Reviewed by Chrys Ayley

Written by: Valerie Redshaw, Region Four IPA.

The book, 13 years in the making, is a tribute to the contribution made by New Zealand women to the police from the 19th century to 2001 - 60th anniversary of the first women being appointed to the police.

Ms Redshaw chronicles the struggle by women for acceptance into the police. Starting with the early involvement of women as matrons she examines the social, historical and political issues that influenced the involvement of women in the police.

Challenges and progress are highlighted by the inclusion of many personal stories of courage and perseverance. The book contains some fascinating anecdotes and several hundred historic black and white illustrations.

Tact and Tenacity is easy to read and a significant history of the involvement of women in the New Zealand Police.