This model captures the spirit of one of New Zeeland’s earliest motorised paddy wagons. The robust reliable Ford was chosen by the New Zealand Police to serve in the cities of Wellington and Auckland. Wellington’s “Black Maria” (so called, despite its green paintwork) was said to be so under-powered that the prisoners had to get out and push on the hill up to the Terrace Gaol. A 1921 Ford prison van was reconstructed by the New Zealand Police to celebrate their centenary in 1986. The vehicle is still used in a public relations role today.
Model produced to coincide with the World Congress of the International Police Association in Wellington, New Zealand in November 1991.
This model a limited edition of 1000 has been produced with the kind permission of S.A. Rusbatch, Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Description: The body is green with a black roof, chassis, front mudguards, and engine cover. The seats are grey plastic, and the steering wheel is black. This model has no opening parts and there is no glazing.
At the front, it features a chrome grille and headlight assembly with a black-washed radiator panel. A very small NZ Police insignia (NZP) is positioned just above the engine cover—only visible under magnification. The windscreen frame is chrome.
The sides display a decal with the NZ Police insignia (NZP with laurel leaves and a red, black, and gold crown) flanked by gold letters 'G' and 'R' with black outlines. A small oval window sits just behind the cab side window. The rear doors and their oval windows are cast into the body with no markings, while a small black and white number plate (N.Z.P.2) appears below. Two red rear lights are positioned above the doors. The roof includes a raised section with louvered vents, representing airflow for the rear prison compartment.
The black metal baseplate incorporates the front mudguards. A separate grey plastic piece underneath represents the sub-frame, flywheel, driveshaft, and rear axle. The base is secured with four machined rivets.
The wheels are green plastic with a 12-spoke design and separate black rubber tyres. The wheels appear to be painted to match the body colour.

Variations: No known variations.

Notes: The model was supposed to be sold only by direct mail order from Creaks in England. However, it is thought the model was available to participants at the World Congress. Availability of the model was publicised in 1991 by Roly Hermans, co-founder of the Police Vehicle Collectors Club (New Zealand Section) who lived in Wellington at that time.
This model was issued in the original Matchbox Yesteryear maroon N-type window box with an additional end-tab sticker identifying it as an item from 'The Alternative Collection'.

Certificate: A numbered, limited edition certificate of authenticity that outlines the history of NZ Police's earliest motorised paddy wagons is included inside the packaging. The base of the model also carries a corresponding tampo printed number which appears under the left foot step.