Permanent fixture for police

Sergeant Wendy Spiller is the first woman to be in charge of the station. Photo / Paul Estcourt

The first police officer in charge of the Newmarket station died from food poisoning after eating a bad pie while on duty at the races.

The story of Arch McPhee dying at Potter's Paddock, now Alexandra Park, was part of the station's colourful history recounted by current and former staff at its centenary on Friday.

Times may have changed but one thing that has endured is the building.

Police at the Newmarket station also cover Epsom, Meadowbank, Remuera and Greenlane and have one of the oldest buildings in the country.

Senior Sergeant Wendy Spiller, the first woman to be in charge of the station, said that apart from a new kitchen and toilet, the two-storey eight-roomed building had hardly been changed.

The station, which has housed almost 700 staff over the years, started in a cottage on Broadway in 1882, but in 1909 moved to the corner of Middleton and Remuera Rds.

"We're embedded in the community as we've been in this building since 1909," Ms Spiller said.

"It's in excellent condition ... We need new guttering but it's very solidly built."

Another building was added to the property in 1938 and it is now used as the inquiry and investigation office.

A second storey was added to that building in 1966.

The original cells next to the main building were converted in 1987 to a relaxation area, used for family group conferences and meetings.

Two rooms in the original building are used as holding rooms but most prisoners go to Auckland Central.

An afternoon tea on Friday to mark the centenary was attended by mayor John Banks and Act Party leader Rodney Hide.

More than 100 former and current policing staff stayed for a dinner in the station's carpark.