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Aoteaora's first Maori police woman


Evelyn Mete Kingi was born Evelyn Owen in Moerewa and has been described as a woman of resilience and character.

She was born in 1922 and joined the third intake of women into the police force in Wellington in 1943 then serving in Auckland. Back then women were expected to get married, stay at home and have babies instead of having a career.

After 3 years she left to marry but then later became a justice of the peace. She passed away in 2018 and was honoured by at her tangi at Maungarongo Marae by Northland District Commander Superintendent Russell Le Prou and Far North Area Commander Riki Whiu.

Evelyn's story is part of the book "Tact and Tenacity: New Zealand Women in Policing".

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Tom said…
...a trail blazer.
April 27, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Graham Edwards said…
I found that interesting and fascination. I would be interested to know when the first New Zealand female (of any ethnicity) policewoman was appointed.
September 7, 2025 at 4:55 AM
Graham Edwards said…
fascination = fascinating
September 7, 2025 at 4:56 AM
EricaSta said…
Love to read about this woman!
September 23, 2025 at 7:24 PM
MELODY JACOB said…
What an incredible story about Evelyn Mete Kingi. It's truly inspiring that she broke those barriers to become Aotearoa's first Māori police woman back in 1943, especially against the expectations of that time. She clearly showed such resilience, and it's wonderful that her service and character were honored at her tangi. I appreciate you sharing her story, and it sounds like that book, Tact and Tenacity, would be a great read. www.melodyjacob.com
November 23, 2025 at 10:55 AM
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