Myra Larcombe

Myra Beatrice Larcombe (; 1 September 1927 – 9 April 2022) was a New Zealand swimming coach, police officer and historian. She was a swimming coach for over 70 years, and was one of New Zealand's first female police officers in the 1950s.

Early life and police career Larcombe was born on 1 September 1927, and grew up on a farm on the Waikare Inlet, near Opua. She was one of four children, all of whom were good swimmers, and attended school in Kawakawa. In 1946 she began competing in swimming competitions and working as a swimming coach at Whangarei Swimming Club.

In 1951 she became one of the first female police officers in New Zealand, aged 23, and in 1954 became the first female police officer in Northland when she was transferred to Whangārei. The Northern Advocate reported on the occasion, noting that female police officers "possess the same authority as male constables and, if need be, can arrest a man". Describing the difficulties of being a female police officer in later life, she said: "It paid to be fitter than the men and to have acerbic wit. A number of new recruits left in a flood of tears. I was okay, could answer back and was extremely fit." She stopped competing in the early 2000s after a shoulder replacement but continued to swim recreationally.

Awards and legacy In 2017, Larcombe received a lifetime achievement award at the Halberg Awards for her swimming coaching. She received a standing ovation at the event. In the 2018 New Year Honours, she received the Queen's Service Medal, for services to swimming.

Larcombe taught children to swim for over 70 years, and at the time of receiving the Queen's Service Medal was continuing to teach aqua exercise classes and work as a Top Energy WaterSafe instructor for schools in the Bay of Islands region.