Category: New Zealand Police

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A man has been charged with murder over a Maungatapere teenager’s death in Otaika last week.

Several search warrants have been carried out over recent days in the homicide investigation into the death of 18-year-old Kyle Jenkins.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, of Whangārei CIB, says a person of interest was being spoken to as of late yesterday.

Enquiries have culminated in a 20-year-old man being charged in the early hours of the morning.

“This man been charged with Kyle’s murder and will be appearing in the Whangārei District Court today,” he says.

“This is a significant development in our investigation which has progressed rapidly in recent days, along with information that has been coming from public appeals.”

Kyle’s family has been advised of an arrest being made.

“Our thoughts are with his family, as they continue to grieve the loss of a son and prepare for his funeral today,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.

• POLICE SEEK SIGHTINGS OF VEHICLE

The investigation team is seeking sightings of a vehicle of interest in the homicide investigation.

That vehicle is a red Daihatsu. It has since been recovered by Police through the course of the investigation.

It is distinctive, with faded red panels on the front driver’s side of the vehicle.

Police are revising the window of interest to investigators.

“We need to hear from anyone who saw this vehicle in the Otaika Valley Road and Mangakahia Road areas on Tuesday 28 January, between 8.15pm and 9.15pm,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.

“If you have dashcam footage, or can assist with the movements of this vehicle, please contact us.”

The public should expect to see Police deployed back into the area later today.

It will have been a week since Kyle was allegedly murdered.

“Police will be conducting checkpoints in the Otaika Valley Road area tonight, as well as an area canvass as part of our appeal,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.

An online portal has been set up for any footage or photographs to be uploaded.

Please go to https://distant.nc3.govt.nz

Anyone with further information should call Police on 105 and reference the file number 250129/0335.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Northland Police are calling on all motorists to prioritise safety ahead of Waitangi Day commemorations.

In the lead up to Thursday 6 February, Police have been out and about in the community actively ensuring motorists are doing their part in keeping our roads safe.

Northland Road Policing Manager, Inspector Anne-Marie Fitchett, says road users can expect to see our patrols anywhere and at any time to deter everyone from any risky behaviours.

“There are no excuses for any unsafe behaviours on our roads.  We want everyone to enjoy the Waitangi celebrations while considering their own safety – and that of others. 

“Speeding won’t be tolerated and any excess speeds will be ticketed as required. 

“The community can expect to be stopped and tested for impairment at any time.  Nobody wants to share the road with someone who is unable to focus clearly.”

Inspector Fitchett says there are already some road closures in place, including:

• Te Karuwha Parade, corner of Puketona Road, SH11 to Tau Henare Drive

• Te Kemara Road, former of Puketona Road, SH11 to Te Karuwha Parade

• Tau Henare Drive, intersection of Baylys Road and Haruru Falls Road

• Haruru Falls Road, off Puketona Road, SH11

“We are also asking people to be mindful of where they are parking and to take others into consideration.

“We simply want everyone to drive with care, stay patient in the event there are roadworks or detours along your journey, and keep alert on our roads.”

For more information on how to get to Waitangi and where to park, got to https://www.fndc.govt.nz/Council/Latest-news/news-items/2025/january/on-…

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A search is ongoing for a man reported missing on a jetski yesterday.

The man left the Tasman District yesterday morning set for Plimmerton, north of Wellington, but did not arrive as expected.

Police and SAR teams have been conducting a water search with the assistance of Coastguard and RCCNZ.

A jetski was located near Cooks Rock in the Cook Strait yesterday evening, believed to be the one belonging to the missing man.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are seeking witnesses to the events leading up to a crash on State Highway 1 near Topuni.

Waitematā Road Policing is investigating after a milk tanker rolled on the busy major highway at around 10.15am on 3 February.

Acting Inspector Warwick Stainton, acting Road Policing Manager, is calling on any witnesses to come forward.

“Police are currently in the early stages of gathering evidence surrounding the circumstances of the crash, and what led to it happening,” he says.

“It is very fortunate we are not dealing with a serious or fatal injury crash, and I acknowledge the public experienced significant delays while crews worked to clear the scene.”

Police are aware some dashcam footage has been uploaded to social media since the crash occurred.

“We would like to hear from that driver or any other witnesses to the crash, and I ask them to contact Police as soon as possible,” acting Inspector Stainton says.

Please make contact with Police online, or call 105 using the reference number P061495687.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority over the use of force against a group of youths.

On 26 September 2022, a fleeing driver event concluded on Murphys Road in Flat Bush.

The stolen vehicle had earlier been detected in the Manukau area.

The Authority were notified after footage of Police staff’s conduct emerged on social media.

Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Shanan Gray says a thorough investigation was carried out into the incident.

“One of the constables, Officer A, admitted to using excessive force to arrest one of the young people,” he says.

“The constable was charged with common assault, pleaded guilty in court and was subsequently discharged without conviction.”

The IPCA agreed with Police action taken around Officer A.

Another constable, Officer B, was not charged after his actions on the day were assessed.

The IPCA found Officer B’s actions in lifting and dragging one youth from the car to a safer location were reasonable in the circumstances.

However, it found Officer B went on to use excessive force against the young person.

Police acknowledge this finding.

Superintendent Gray says: “Any situation immediately after fleeing driver incidents are very dynamic and can pose risk to all concerned.

“Our staff make decisions every day about acting with urgency towards a situation while also keeping the safety of all top of mind.”

An employment investigation was carried out into the matter, the outcomes of which are confidential given Police has privacy obligations to employees.

Superintendent Gray says both constables remain members of Police.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Operations for a memorable and safe Waitangi Day are well under way in Northland, with Police and partner agencies gathering for one of the biggest events of the year.

Together, Police are working with a number of communities and partners as annual events take place in the lead up to 6 February.

Northland District Commander, Superintendent Matt Srhoj, says planning for Waitangi involves a massive effort, which takes place over a number of months.

“Police have been working with Iwi and the Waitangi National Trust to ensure they are able to deliver safe and enjoyable Waitangi celebrations.

“Planning involves understanding the environment and sentiment and ensuring we have appropriate contingencies in place.”

“We are expecting large numbers of people to attend the week’s commemorations.”

Waitangi Ltd Chief Executive, Ben Dalton, says the atmosphere ahead of Waitangi Day is relaxed as people from near and far make their way to the area.

“A lot of work goes into strengthening and building key relationships and interactions with Iwi and other partners prior to Waitangi, including Police.

“All these teams are integral in an event of this size and it’s great to have everyone’s support.”

Superintendent Srhoj says Police are reminding people to be safe and patient on the roads and within Waitangi as it gets busier during the lead up.

“With people travelling around this beautiful region, we are asking everyone to take care and to take extra steps to mitigate risks while driving by wearing seatbelts, driving to the conditions and following speed limits.

“There will be an increase in traffic, so please be patient.

“Our aim is for the community to arrive and get home safely and to celebrate Waitangi 2025 in a safe and respectful manner.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Operations for a memorable and safe Waitangi Day are well underway in Northland, with Police and partner agencies gathering for one of the biggest events of the year.

Together, Police are working with a number of communities and partners as annual events take place in the lead up to 6 February.

Northland District Commander, Superintendent Matt Srhoj, says planning for Waitangi involves a massive effort, which takes place over a number of months.

“Police have been working with Iwi and the Waitangi National Trust to ensure they are able to deliver safe and enjoyable Waitangi celebrations.

“Planning involves understanding the environment and sentiment and ensuring we have appropriate contingencies in place.”

“We are expecting large numbers of people to attend the week’s commemorations.”

Waitangi Ltd Chief Executive, Ben Dalton, says the atmosphere ahead of Waitangi Day is relaxed as people from near and far make their way to the area.

“A lot of work goes into strengthening and building key relationships and interactions with Iwi and other partners prior to Waitangi, including Police.

“All these teams are integral in an event of this size and it’s great to have everyone’s support.”

Superintendent Srhoj says Police are reminding people to be safe and patient on the roads and within Waitangi as it gets busier during the lead up.

“With people travelling around this beautiful region, we are asking everyone to take care and to take extra steps to mitigate risks while driving by wearing seatbelts, driving to the conditions and following speed limits.

“There will be an increase in traffic, so please be patient.

“Our aim is for the community to arrive and get home safely and to celebrate Waitangi 2025 in a safe and respectful manner.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 3/Mountain Road, Inglewood is blocked near the intersection with Dudley Road Lower following a crash.

The crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian was reported just after 8am.

Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attribute to Senior Sergeant Pete Graham

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash in Fairlight on Thursday 30 January.

He was 29-year-old Thomas George Murdoch of Frankton.

Our thoughts are with those close to him at this time.

Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

The Wainuiomata Hill is currently closed heading towards Lower Hutt following a crash.

The two-vehicle crash involving a car and a motorcycle was reported on the Wainuiomata side of the hill just after 11:30am.

One person has been seriously injured.

Motorists are advised to expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre