Category: New Zealand Police

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police can confirm that a person has died following a crash near Ngāhinapōuri this morning.

Emergency services attended the crash involving three vehicles, reported at around 2.20am. In addition to the fatality, two other people were moderately injured.

State Highway 39 is closed while the scene is cleared and Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination.

Diversions are in place, motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 39 is closed following a crash near Ngāhinapōuri.

Emergency services attended the crash involving three vehicles, reported at around 2.20am. Critical injuries are reported.

Serious Crash Unit are conducting a scene examination.

The road is closed and diversions are in place, motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attribute to Waikato Western Area Commander Inspector Will Loughrin:

Police can confirm the remains of a woman missing since March 2024 have been found in the Pureroa Forest in Waikato.

Police were alerted to the discovery by a local hunter on Monday evening, 27 January.

Police can now confirm the remains are those of 79-year-old Judy Donovan.

Judy was laying bait with a group in the forest on 23 March last year when she became separated.

That afternoon, Search and Rescue teams, including Land Search and Rescue, Police Search and Rescue, and dog units, were deployed to the area.

The search for Judy was suspended in April last year after a large-scale, weeks-long search. The choice to suspend a search is always a tough one. It involves the assessment of a number of factors, including consultation with survivability experts.

In May, Police and a cadaver dog deployed to the area again, however, they were unable to locate her. 

Judy’s family has been advised of the discovery, and they are being offered support at this incredibly emotional time.

A post-mortem examination has been completed along with the formal identification process.

As the matter is with the Coroner, we are unable to provide further comment.

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Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police have made arrests and seized vehicles after reports of dangerous driving through parts of south Auckland today.

Just before 11.30am, the public began reporting dirt bikes blocking a Manurewa intersection at Great South and Weymouth roads.

Police have established the movements were part of a funeral procession moving from Manurewa to Pukekohe.

“A group of vehicles were observed heading south on State Highway 1 driving in an unsafe manner,” District Shift Commander, Senior Sergeant Nick Ewen says.

“The Police Eagle helicopter deployed and monitored the driving behaviour from overhead.”

Police staff on the ground intercepted the vehicles in the Pukekohe area.

Senior Sergeant Ewen says three people were arrested on the roadside, with four vehicles also being impounded.

“Those arrested will be facing driving-related offences in court,” he says.

“Counties Manukau staff have also impounded a further two dirt bikes at an address.

“This is a great outcome, and it sends a message that Police and the wider community will not accept dangerous or unsociable behaviour on our roads.”

Senior Sergeant Ewen says Police would like to hear from any members of the public as enquiries continue.

“If you witnessed the driving behaviour or have dashcam footage, we need to hear from you,” he says.

If you have footage or information to assist Police, please call 105 using the reference number P061507502.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police have put a halt on an alleged crime spree in east Auckland, valued in the thousands.

On Monday afternoon, Police caught up with the offender in the Botany area and have so far laid 15 charges.

Senior Sergeant Simon Cornish, Counties Manukau East Intelligence Manager, says it is estimated more than $10,000 in property had been stolen. 

“We have been aware of a vehicle of interest that had allegedly committed petrol drive-offs late last year and into January,” he says.

“There have been reports in recent weeks of work vehicles being targeted in the East Tamaki area.”

Senior Sergeant Cornish says handbags, wallets, tools, and camera gear had allegedly been stolen from vehicles.

At this stage Police believe seven people have fallen victim to the man, with at least four petrol-drive offs allegedly committed.

“Yesterday afternoon, a victim quickly contacted 111 and provided us information about a vehicle an offender was leaving the East Tamaki area in,” Senior Sergeant Cornish says.

“A number of units deployed to the Botany area, including the Police Eagle helicopter, and the vehicle was stopped on Te Irirangi Drive.”

A 34-year-old man was arrested and faces numerous charges in the Manukau District Court.

Those charges include theft ex-car, theft and fraud offences relating to stolen credit cards.

He was appearing the Manukau District Court today.

Senior Sergeant Cornish says further charges cannot be ruled out as enquiries continue.

“This is a great outcome, and it sends a message to those who are continuing to commit offending – it’s only a matter of time before we are catching up with you.”

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson:

Two men have been arrested in relation to the death of a man on Church Street, Ōpōtiki on Saturday morning.

Yesterday evening, a 31-year-old patched Mongrel mob member was arrested and charged with murder. He appeared in court this morning and has been remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance at the Tauranga District Court on 26 February.

A 25-year-old man was also arrested on Sunday afternoon. He has been charged with assault and is due to reappear in the Whakatane District Court on 12 February.

Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the death.

Additional Police resources from the wider Bay of Plenty District have been in Ōpōtiki since Saturday morning assisting with inquiries and providing reassurance to the public.

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Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are responding to a serious assault in Birkenhead this afternoon.

Just after 2pm, a man was located with injuries on Birkenhead Avenue by a member of the public.

Waitematā Field Crime Manager, acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison says an investigation is now underway to determine what has occurred.

“At this early stage we believe the man has sustained stab wounds and he has been taken to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition,” he says.

Police would like to hear from the public who may have seen an incident unfold this afternoon.

“Anyone who may have witnessed something taking place at an address or on the street should contact us,” acting Detective Inspector Harrison says.

“We would also like to hear from anyone with information about a vehicle seen fleeing the scene a short time afterward.”

Police have closed part of Birkenhead Avenue, near the intersection with Onewa Road.

A scene examination will take place this afternoon as part of the investigation, acting Detective Inspector Harrison says.

“Our investigation is still in the early stages in determing exactly what has taken place in Birkenhead this afternoon.

“The public will see an increased presence of our staff in the area, and we appreciate the public’s understanding while our staff carry out their work at the scene.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 105 using the reference number P061509544.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Eagle-eyed patrols got more than they bargained for after spotting a wanted man, allegedly carrying a machete down the inside of his pants.

Police staff patrolling as part of Operation Waitangi noticed the man, who had a warrant for his arrest, walking along Selwyn Street, Paihia on Sunday afternoon.

Northland District Prevention Manager, Inspector Dean Robinson, says officers quickly arrested the man and during a search located a machete on the inside of his pants.

“This is a great result and another example that we are committed to keeping offensive weapons such as these out of the community.

“Police opposed this man’s bail and he has been remanded in custody until his next appearance.”

Police remind our communities to report any suspicious behaviour to Police on 111 immediately, or 105 after the fact.

A 31-year-old man has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Whangārei District Court on 19 February charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Inglewood this morning.

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

Sadly, the pedestrian died at the scene.

The road has since reopened.

Inquiries to determine the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Todd, Hutt Valley Area Investigations Manager:

Police are appealing for the publics assistance to identify an associate of a Hutt Valley man, missing for over two months.

28-year-old Tom Basire, was last seen wearing the clothing pictured, walking towards Petone on the stop bank near the Ewen Bridge on Railway Ave, 24 November 2024

Police have been told that Tom would occasionally visit an associate that lives in Petone.  No other details of this associate are known, and Police are asking for the public’s help to identify this person.

Last week, Police’s Search and Rescue Team oversaw a search of the Hutt River and riverbank. Police can now advise, no items of interest were located in this search, however, footage which was taken during the search continues to be analysed.

Police have previously advised that it is out of character for Tom to not be in contact with his family, especially missing seeing his family on his birthday in December.

Both Police and Tom’s family have serious concerns for his wellbeing and would like to see him return safely

If you have any information on Tom’s whereabouts or the identity an associate of his from the Petone area, please update us online now or call 105, quoting reference number 241213/6143.

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Issued by Police Media Centre