Early Policing in NZ: the Irish Influence

Policing in New Zealand can be traced back to 1840 with the arrival from New South Wales, Australia of Lieutenant Governor William Hobson (RN) accompanied by six Constables (troopers). Policing in New South Wales had existed in various forms since the foundation of the colony in 1788. Initially it had been policed by Royal Marines (reluctantly on their part) but a cohesive Police Force as we would know it today did not come into existence until March 1862.