Today five woman and two men from the Bay of Plenty began training to be police officers.

The new recruits will train in Wing 315 at the Royal New Zealand Police College for the next few months.

Among them was 19-year-old Kiahli Ibbetson of Matata, who said she was excited and nervous about starting training.

She had wanted to join the police for a long time, and started the process when she was just 17. She has also been a volunteer fire-fighter with the Matata Volunteer Fire Service.

"I know being a Police Officer won't always be the easiest of jobs, but I know I'll feel a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day knowing that I've helped keep my community safe."

It is early days but Ibbetson is interested in becoming one of the few women in the New Zealand Police to work as a Dog Handler.

"The physical and mental challenges involved in the role is what appeals to me."

New Zealand Police has set a target of having 50 per cent female recruits by 2021.