One-quarter of New Zealand police officers now women – Newshub

"We made the last 5 percent growth in just the last four years, so as Police has grown we have been able to recruit," said Police Commissioner Andrew Coster.

An IPCA report last year labelled parts of the police as a boys' club rife with a toxic culture and sexism.

The Commissioner is adamant that isn't the case anymore.

"Absolutely not. Look, we've got some incredible women doing some amazing things inside New Zealand Police and they reflect loving the work and loving the organisation and we're in a good place," he said.

Of a recent graduating wing, 30 percent were women.

"I've always been very interested in the police. It was something I've always wanted to do, so yeah, it was a no-brainer for me," said Constable Courtney Spence from Tasman Police.

"When you're younger, you always look at cops and think, 'That's such an awesome job,' but never really think that could be you," added Constable Kate Palmer from Canterbury Police.

"Take the leap don't be scared, even if you are changing careers, you can do it, it's amazing," said Constable Harriet Ashby from Canterbury Police.

Police are aiming to increase the number of women in blue even more.

"We have projected that by 2032, we could reach 40 percent women in New Zealand Police," Cmmr Coster said.

But there has never been a commissioner who's a woman.

"I think it's a really important aspiration. We have women in deputy commissioner roles at the moment, so yeah, the job is there for the taking," he said.

The future is in good hands. In the recent police graduating wing, the top three prize winners were all women.

"Oh, women are just the best," Palmer said, laughing.

Lucky there's more on the way to the front line.

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One-quarter of New Zealand police officers now women - Newshub