Part of the drive includes the new reality TV series Women in Blue which chronicles the lives and work of seven female officers. A Police Women's Advisory Network has also been established by a number of senior police women to support the campaign's goals.
Mrs Basson, who began working in the Western Bay's Traffic Alcohol Group, told the Bay of Plenty Times being a police officer was "quite challenging" and "full-on" at times.
"I joined the police because I'm a people person and love helping people. I also wanted to make a difference in people's lives. As a police officer you get plenty of chances to do that. Some days when I get home I'm really tired but then I stop and think, 'wow I really did make a difference today'. It feels really great when you get a thank you from someone you've helped."
Mrs Basson, who has a sales background, said she and South African-born husband John and their daughter Mikaela, 14, and son Traigh, 17, emigrated to New Zealand five years ago.
Once she gained permanent residence in July 2010 she started the process to join the police.
"I still have a lovely letter my children wrote to me about three years ago telling me to just go for it, as they knew it was something I really, really wanted to do."
Mr Bush said it was a priority for police to be representative of the community. "We're looking for new young leaders with communication skills, empathy and problem solving abilities. These skills are crucial to prevent crime and victimisation."