Story: Police

Miska, the first New Zealand police dog, 1957

This 1957 newsreel clip shows Miska, New Zealand's first official police dog, and her handler, Sergeant Frank Riley. Prime Minister Sidney Holland, who had seen the work of the Surrey Constabulary police dog school, arranged for Riley to migrate to New Zealand. He arrived with the fully trained Miska and five other German shepherds, including two puppies born on the voyage. They were the first recruits for the Dog Training Centre at Trentham, Upper Hutt.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: Pictorial Parade 61. National Film Unit, 1957

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Richard S. Hill, 'Police - Modern policing', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/33871/miska-the-first-new-zealand-police-dog-1957 (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Richard S. Hill, published 20 Jun 2012