Category: Security

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are continuing to search for 19-year-old Maia Johnston, who is still missing from Totara Park, Upper Hutt.

Maia was last seen leaving a family home in Totara Park at around 8.30pm on Saturday 21 December.

We are continuing to ask those who live Totara Park as well as surrounding areas of Harcourt Park and Brown Owl to check any CCTV footage for sightings of Maia.

We are now also asking anyone in these suburbs to check their properties including any outbuildings such as sheds or sleep outs to see if Maia might have gone in there.

We believe that Maia was wearing a black cardigan or light top, short shorts, and black and white converse shoes.

Police have received a number of calls from members of the public, which we thank them for. We have assessed each bit of information and followed up where relevant. Unfortunately this has not led us to Maia and we, along with her family, would like to find her and make sure she is safe.

If you have any information or CCTV footage that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105. Please use the reference number 241222/0237.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A cyclist has died following a crash in Stanley Point last week.

The crash, on Calliope Road, was reported to Police at 10.30am on Friday 20 December.

There were no other vehicles involved in the incident.

Sadly, the cyclist received critical injuries and has since died in hospital.

Police extend our condolences to their family and friends at this time.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A pair of motorcycle riders who fled from Police in Stanmore Bay will be reconsidering their actions after being caught.

Just before 3.30am, officers observed two off road motorcycles being ridden by riders wearing minimal safety gear.

Waitematā North Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Roger Small, says the pair spotted Police and allegedly fled the area.

“Ground staff conducted areas but were unable to locate the riders so the Police Eagle helicopter took over in an attempt to find them.

“Eagle located one motorcycle with two riders travelling around the area.

“After a short period the pair abandoned the bike at Whangaparāoa College and both the rider and pillion fled on foot.

Acting Inspector Small says officers entered the school grounds on foot and were directed to where the two people were hiding.

“They were then taken into custody without incident.

“This was great work from Police staff from different areas of Tāmaki Makaurau to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”

Two people, aged 17 and 18, have been referred to Youth Aid Services.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are appealing for any sightings of 13-year-old Jazz after being reported missing in Paraparaumu this morning.

Jazz was last seen at his home address at around 2am, and is believed to be wearing a black hoodie, dark green jacket and may have a green backpack.

It is believed that Jazz may have travelled to the Upper Hutt area.

Police and Jazz’s family are concerned for his welfare and would like to see him return home.

If you have seen Stanley or may have information that can assist Police in locating him, please contact us on 105.

Please use the reference number P061041676.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Please attribute to Detective Inspector David de Lange of Eastern District Police:

A woman has been arrested in relation to the murder of Wayne Dewes in Gisborne in October.

Police were called about 4.20am on 28 October after Mr Dewes was rushed to hospital with severe injuries, dying a short time later.

A homicide investigation was launched and now a 27-year-old woman has been charged with murder.

She is due to appear in Gisborne District Court today, Monday 23 December.

We are pleased to have made an arrest in this case, and hope it brings some sense of reassurance to whānau and the wider community.

Police would like to extend our thanks to those members of the public who have come forward with information.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are still actively searching for 19-year-old Maia Johnston, who is missing from Totara Park, Upper Hutt.

Maia was last seen leaving a family home in Totara Park at around 8.30pm yesterday (Saturday 21 December).

Previously, Police asked for residents in the Totara Park, Upper Hutt area to share any CCTV footage they might have.

We are now expanding this request and are asking for anyone in the vicinity of Harcourt Park and Brown Owl, as well as those in Totara Park, to review their CCTV for any sightings of Maia after 8:15 PM last night.

We believe that Maia was wearing a black cardigan or light top, short shorts, and black and white converse shoes.

Police continue to search this evening. 

Residents of Totara Park may see a drone in the air behind the houses on the northern end of Totara Park and should not be alarmed, as this is part of the search.

If you have any information or CCTV footage that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105. Please use the reference number 241222/0237.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 
 

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Hamilton Police are investigating after a man was critically injured in an assault early this morning.

The man was assaulted outside his home on Sefton Crescent at around 4.25am today.

He is currently in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

Police would like to hear from anyone who has CCTV in the Sefton Crescent area, or anyone who may have heard or seen anything relevant to our investigation.

If you can help, please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 241222/9970.

ENDS
 

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Attributable to Detective Inspector David De Lange:

Police have arrested and charged two men following the death of Napier man Boy Taylor.

Police have been investigating Mr Taylor’s death after he died following an incident in Napier’s CBD on Wednesday 18 December.

Two men, aged 21 and 33, have been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and are expected to appear in Hastings District Court on Monday 23 December 2024.

Police cannot rule out the possibility of further arrests and charges. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are asking residents to check their CCTV in relation to a missing woman in Wellington.

Upper Hutt residents who live in the Totara Park area who have CCTV cameras are asked to check for any sightings of missing woman Maia Johnston.

The 19-year-old was last seen leaving a family home in Totara Park at around 8.30pm yesterday (Saturday 21 December).

Police are keen for anyone with CCTV cameras to check for sightings of Maia between 8pm and 9pm on Saturday.

If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105. Please use the reference number 241222/0237.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can now name the man who died in a crash on State Highway 6 near Kingston on 19 December.

He was Timothy Peter Herrick, aged 36 of Invercargill.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre