Retired, current and recently-sworn women police in Palmerston North hosted half of a torch on Saturday, celebrating 75 years since the first woman joined the New Zealand Police.

The half-torch arrived from Woodville at midday, and was handed to Inspector Sarah Stewart for a whistle-stop visit.

Accompanying the torch, leader for the Central District’s 75-year celebrations Jeanette Park said it was important to pause and recognise the milestone.

While still outnumbered by men, she said women in the police had come a long way.