Name release: Fatal crash Fairlight

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

Crash blocks Wainuiomata Hill heading towards Lower Hutt

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

SH1/Bridge Street blocked following crash, Rakaia

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 1/Bridge Street, Rakaia is blocked at the intersection with Elizabeth Ave following a crash.

The two-vehicle crash was reported just before 10:30am.

Three people have been moderately injured.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

Diversions are in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

SH1 blocked near Topuni

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are advising motorists that State Highway 1 is currently blocked near Topuni.

At around 10.15am a truck rolled, blocking lanes in both directions near the intersections with Schiska and Otioro roads.

There are currently no reports of any injuries from the scene.

Motorists are advised that diversions will be put in place for both northbound and southbound traffic.

Expect delays on your travels while the scene is cleared.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Tirau Road/SH1 blocked

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Tirau Road/State Highway 1 is currently blocked near Fergusson Gully Road due to a truck breakdown.

The northbound lanes will be blocked for some time.

No injuries have been reported.

Diversions are in place and motorists are advised to expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Traffic impacted by crash, Waterloo Quay, Wellington

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Motorists heading into the Wellington CBD are asked to avoid Waterloo Quay following a crash.

The crash was reported to Police at 8.45am and appears to involve several vehicles.

There are currently no reports of injuries however traffic is being significantly impacted.

ENDS
 

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Southland Police gearing up for Invercargill events

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

To be attributed to Senior Sergeant Scott McKenzie, Southland Area Road Policing Manager:
 
Southland Police are gearing up for a big start to February 2025, with a number of large events scheduled in the Invercargill area.

First off the blocks is the Burt Munro Challenge, running between 5 – 9 February, in and around the Invercargill area.

During this time, we also have Waitangi Day celebrations, a pre-season Highlanders game on 6 February, and the Invercargill Rodeo on 8 February.

There will be a real buzz in and around Invercargill with all of these events occurring across just a few days, and we want to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy these events safely.

We are expecting an influx of visitors to the region, with many more people on the roads, and out and about in the city.

And Police will also be on the roads and out and about, highly visible and working to help keep everyone safe. But we can’t do it alone – we all have a part to play in keeping our community safe, particularly on the roads.

The Burt Munro Challenge attracts thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts each year – both riders and spectators. 

We know that motorcyclists are vulnerable road users, given the much lower levels of protection they have in the event of a crash compared with the occupant of a car.

We urge all motorcyclists to ensure your bike is up-to-scratch mechanically before you set off, and wear appropriate safety gear – including high-vis to improve your visibility to other road users.

And all road users should ensure they are focused on the basics: Drive within the speed limit and in accordance with the conditions; don’t drive if impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue; put the phone away; and ensure everyone in your vehicle is properly restrained.

Finally, with the increased traffic on the city’s roads and in surrounding areas, it’s more important than ever that motorists exercise patience and consideration for other road users.  We also advise planning ahead and leaving a bit of extra time to get where you need to go, just in case there are delays.

If we all play our part, we can help ensure everyone is able to enjoy our beautiful region safely, and make it home in one piece.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Fatal crash – Bay of Plenty

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

At around 3:14am this morning emergency services were called after a single vehicle crash on Pukehina Parade, Pukehina.

A vehicle has left the road and rolled into a creek. Sadly, the driver has died at the scene.

There were no passengers.

Police are now investigating the cause of the crash.

Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Incident at Queensgate Shopping Centre – Lower Hutt

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are asking people to avoid Queens Drive in Lower Hutt which is currently closed due to an incident early this morning.

A person has suffered critical injuries and police cordons have been put in place.

Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to this matter.

The road is expected to be closed for approximately one hour.

Diversions are in place. Motorists and other commuters are asked to avoid the area.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Otaika homicide: Name release

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are today releasing the name of a Northland man fatally shot in Otaika this week.

He was 18-year-old Kyle Zachary Jenkins, of Maungatapere.

The homicide investigation continues into Kyle’s murder.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer says: “Our thoughts are with Kyle’s family at this very difficult time.

“They are continuing to grieve his death and have asked for privacy at this time.”

Police are continuing to maintain an appeal for information about what took place on the Otaika Valley Road layby.

“Our investigation continues to piece together why this tragic event occurred, and identify the person responsible,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.

  • HOW YOU CAN HELP:

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