New Zealand Police Caps and Helmets Through the Decades
New Zealand Police headwear has changed with the demands of everyday policing and the evolution of the force's uniform. Surviving helmets, peaked caps and maker labels allow us to compare these changes over time. The examples below focus on historic designs and the visual details that inspire Laurence Kirwan's artwork.
The 1975 New Zealand Police visor (forage) cap marked a major turning point in the force's history. It coincided with the transition from traditional black uniforms to the modern "vitric blue" kit. The cap prominently features the Sillitoe Tartan, a black-and-white checkered band used internationally by law enforcement. Interestingly the picture below of the Police Commissioner shows him wearing the forage cap without a Tartan band.
Key Characteristics of the 1975 NZ Police Cap
- The Design: A peaked forage cap with a semi-circular, shiny black plastic visor.
- Sillitoe Tartan Band: The iconic black-and-white checkered band wraps around the base of the crown. This pattern originates from the Glasgow Police Force in 1932, drawing inspiration from Scottish regimental glengarries.
- Cap Badge: Features the official New Zealand Police crest, typically depicting the Queen's Crown, flanked by stylized silver ferns, and mounted above a central emblem.
- Senior Officers: Inspectors and higher-ranking officials feature intricate gold or silver oak leaf embroidery on the brim. See below.
· This blue felt winter helmet white, leather summer helmet were formerly worn by the New Zealand Police.
· The style is often referred to as a "bobby" helmet, featuring a prominent chrome badge on the front.
Traditional New Zealand Police helmets were withdrawn from regular use in 1995. Later, in 2021, New Zealand Police introduced a baseball-style uniform cap as an alternative to the forage cap.
· Commonly manufactured by Mountcastle Pty Ltd in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
In April 2021, New Zealand Police announced a new baseball-style cap for frontline officers. It was introduced as a more practical alternative to the traditional forage cap; the forage cap remained available for formal occasions.
Source: New Zealand Police, “Hats off to Police caps”, 1 April 2021.
Depending on rank, climate, and operational needs, officers may also wear:
- Peaked Caps: Often worn by senior ranks and for formal or ceremonial occasions.
- Akubra-Style Hats: Wide-brimmed hats used by specific units or in specialized environments.
- Cultural and Religious Headwear: The NZ Police include specially designed religious headwear, such as the official uniform hijab and turban, to promote inclusivity and better represent the community.
The front of the standard caps and hats features the official silver-colored NZ Police badge, which displays the letters "NZP" flanked by stylized silver ferns. Following the accession of King Charles III, this emblem is now topped by the Tudor (King's) Crown.
Explore related art and historical background for related artwork and background.
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