Police are releasing the name of a person that died near the Lady Knox Geyser in Waiotapu on 21 December 2025.

The woman was Briar Stockley, 42, of Rotorua.

Police extend our condolences to Briar’s loved ones over their loss.

Briar’s death was referred to the Coroner and has been determined to not be suspicious.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Please attribute to Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe:

Police are continuing to investigate an unexplained death that occurred in Devonport on New Years Day. The cause of the death remains unexplained, and the Police investigation is ongoing.

Enquiries to date indicate that earlier in the day a group of people may have visited the address at 9 Kerr Street, Devonport, and used the pool, including one adult and at least two children.

Over the past 48 hours police have seen worrying speeds on Manawatū roads.

Despite a heavy road policing presence on our roads, Sergeant Ryan Harrison says some people travel at excessive speeds and it’s got to stop.

“There have been a number of serious tragic crashes in the district.

“We want people to be able to visit family and friends safely yet we’ve found way too many drivers speeding over the Christmas New Year period.

“It’s frustrating,” says Sergeant Harrison.

“We stop people for speeding and drivers are cross about being caught.

Teams searching for missing man Connor Purvis located a body high on the southern side of Mount Huxley about 9am on Wednesday.

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Blair Dalton:

Today the search for missing tramper Connor Purvis continued.

Around 50 people focused on the upper South Temple Valley, Mt Huxley and the Huxley River South Branch, both on foot and via helicopter.

We remain closely connected with Connor’s family and we continue to feel for them, and support them, as our search efforts continue.

Tomorrow we will be using the Recco device, with the Mount Cook Alpine Cliff Rescue team, to assist with the search.

Attribute to Sergeant Jonny Evans, Police Search and Rescue.

The search is continuing for a tramper overdue in the Baton area of Kahurangi National Park.

Graham Garnett, 66, went tramping in the Baton/Ellis River area. He was expected to return on 30 December, but did not.

Today five helicopters were used in the search, including a Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90. Two specialist canyon teams searched the steep terrain with specialised equipment and a field team also scoured the search area.

A woman critically injured in a crash on State Highway 3 south of Turakina on 2 January has died.

The injured woman had been transported to Wellington Hospital after the crash and passed away in hospital on 5 January.

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

Two other people critically injured in the crash remain in hospital in critical condition.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

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Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Police are working to locate William Nelson-Bell, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.

Nelson-Bell, 23, is wanted by Police in relation to assault and theft offences and is known to frequent the Counties Manukau area.

It’s believed he is actively avoiding Police.

If you have seen him or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 251005/1597.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

To be attributed to Senior Sergeant Blair Dalton:

A significant search effort is continuing for missing tramper Connor Purvis.

Yesterday’s searches were focused in the upper South Temple Valley, Mt Huxley and the Huxley River South Branch, both on foot and via helicopter.

A continued effort again today will focus on Mt Huxley, the Huxley River South Branch and upper Ahuriri River.

Attribute to Sergeant Jonny Evans, Police Search and Rescue.

A search is continuing for a tramper overdue in the Baton area of Kahurangi National Park.

Graham Garnett, 66, went tramping in the Baton/Ellis River area. He was expected to return on 30 December, but did not.

We will be using a radar tomorrow so ask members of the public to steer clear of our search areas.

Tomorrow the following areas in the Baton Valley will be closed while Police Search and Rescue teams search for Graham.

Attributable to Sergeant Dougall Henderson – Invercargill Police Search and Rescue Coordinator

The rescue of two boaties in a remote area of Fiordland over the weekend has highlighted the importance of being prepared when heading out on the water.

The two men were on a fishing and diving trip just south of Milford Sound when the batteries in their 6.4 metre recreational boat failed on Saturday night and left them stranded.

Police investigating a mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland are appealing for the public’s assistance in identifying the people pictured in these CCTV images.

At about 3.40am on Sunday 28 December emergency services were called to the disorder involving about 50 people.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greaves, Auckland City CIB, says the Police investigation remains ongoing into three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the incident.

Police are working to locate Bruce Tautari, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.

Tautari, 21, is wanted for failing to appear in court and is known to frequent the wider Northland and Tāmaki Makaurau regions.

It’s believed he is actively avoiding Police.

If you have seen him or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 251203/7734.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

One person has died following a crash on Roche Street, Wanaka this morning.

The crash was reported at around 10:45am.

One person has died at the scene.

An area of Roche Street remains closed while a scene examination is completed.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Police are seeking any witnesses to a serious crash involving a cyclist and vehicle in Palmerston North on Friday.

The crash happened on Tennant Drive, outside Massey University, about 4.30pm on 2 January.

The cyclist received critical injuries and remains in intensive care in Wellington.

Acting Detective Sergeant Grant Christian said both the cyclist and the vehicle were heading towards the Fitzherbert Bridge when the crash occurred.

Please attribute to Sergeant Regan Price, Cromwell Police.

Police investigating an assault are seeking information from the public.

A fight occurred at the Champagne Gully camping area about 10pm on Friday 2 January.

One man, 33, has been charged with assaulting three people and is due to apear in Dunedin District Court tomorrow.

Police would like to speak with anyone who was at the campsite who has witnessed the incident, or who has information or footage.

Contact Police through 105 either online or over the phone using reference number 260103/2900.

Please attribute to Sergeant Regan Price, Cromwell Police.

Central Otago Police investigating a burglary in Alexandra yesterday are seeking the public’s help to locate a related vehicle.

After the burglary on Saturday 3 January, a first stolen vehicle was dumped near Ōmakau.

A second vehicle, a white Holden Colorado ute, was stolen from Ōmakau about 1pm – and it is this vehicle Police are seeking.

A trailer, and the ute owner’s dogs, were with the ute at the time it was stolen.

The trailer has been found, but the ute and dogs have not yet been located.

Two people have died following a water related incident on Ripirō Beach between Mahuta Gap and Glinks Gully yesterday.

Police were called about 6.50pm with a report that two men could be seen struggling in the water.

Police and other emergency services responded immediately, and the men were pulled from the water unresponsive.

First responders provided first aid but sadly both men died at the scene.

Our thoughts are with their family and friends during this difficult time.

The deaths have been referred to the Coroner.

Police investigating an unexplained death in Devonport are seeking help from the public.

Emergency services were called to the Kerr Street address around 11pm on 1 January to discover a person deceased at the scene.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting says a scene examination at the property is ongoing, and people can expect to see a Police presence in Kerr Street throughout the weekend.

A post-mortem is being conducted today.

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Neilson

Four people will appear in the Hamilton Youth Court tomorrow on a number of charges following an aggravated robbery in Thames today.

Two men, aged 20, 18, and two 14-year-old boys are charged with aggravated robbery, unlawfully using a vehicle and failing to stop for Police.

About 8am today, Police received a report of an aggravated robbery at a business on Pollen Street, Thames.

A teenager, who was stuck in a rip, was safely brought back to shore after a Police Officer and a member of Surf Lifesaving entered the water after them.

Around 7pm Thursday 1 January, Police received a call reporting that a teenager was caught in a rip at Paritutu Beach (also known as Back Beach) and was unable to get themselves back to shore.

Police responded immediately, and a water rescue operation was launched including tasking a rescue helicopter.

During this time, the teen was floating further and further away from shore.

Last night, Police disrupted a crowd of approximately 1000 youth who congregated at Williamson Park, Whangamatā, and 300 youth near the Surf Club Resort, Pauanui.

Around 10.30pm bottles were thrown towards Police, who were completing foot patrols within the park, with one officer being hit – fortunately, they were not injured.

Fireworks were also let off within the crowd.

Police directed the crowd to leave the park, using a loud hailer microphone, several times – each time they were ignored, and officers were forced to move the crowd on.

To be attributed to Inspector Ashley Gurney – Acting Area Commander – Manawatū:

A police investigation has been launched into a serious crash near Levin last night that left three people injured, one of them critically.

One of the vehicles, a Holden Captiva, had been sought by Police in relation to a number of driving complaints prior to the crash.

Attribute to Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson: 

Police are investigating the deaths of two people at an address on Old Coach Road in Pukehina.

Around 3pm yesterday [Thursday 1 January], Police were notified of a woman that had sadly died at an address on Old Coach Road, Pukehina.

Police have arrested and charged a man in relation to the woman’s death.

Attributable to Inspector Danny Kirk, Tairāwhiti Area Commander:

It’s been a particularly busy time for Tairāwhiti Police over the last few days.

With the annual Rhythm and Vines Music Festival attracting thousands, reports of anti-social road user events planned in the area and New Year celebrations across the region, mixed in with heavy rain.

Festival goers braved the wet weather and overall, their behaviour was good. There were four arrests for supplying drugs and breaches of bail, possession of an offensive weapon and behaving threateningly.

A search and rescue operation has concluded at Whare Flat, Dunedin, following a report of a person calling for help.

About 9.30am today, Police received a call from someone walking the Mackie Dackie track, who could hear a person yelling for help but could not locate where the voice was coming from. A Search and Rescue operation was launched, however searchers have been stood down, after finding no sign of a person or people in distress.

Police are appealing to the public for any information after receiving reports that someone was heard yelling for help near the Mackie Dackie track, off Flagstaff-Whare Flat Road, Whare Flat, Dunedin, this morning.

Around 9.30am today, Police received a call with a report from someone who was walking the Mackie Dackie track and could hear a person yelling for help but could not locate where the voice was coming from.

Police have conducted initial enquiries and have walked the Mackie Dackie track but have been unable to hear or see anyone.

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, Waitematā CIB:

Police investigating the incident on Kaipara Coast Highway, Makarau, Auckland, where a person was found deceased on the road, are appealing to the public for information.

Around 5.20am today [Thursday 1 January], Police were called with a report that someone was deceased on Kaipara Coast Highway, between Tuhirangi Road and Makarau Road.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing, however Police believe it is likely that the person was struck by a vehicle.

One person has been located deceased on Kaipara Coast Highway, Makarau, Auckland, this morning.

Police were called to an incident around 5.20am where a person was found deceased on the road.

The death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries into the circumstances are underway.

A scene examination is taking place, and the road remains closed with cordons in place at the West Coast Road intersection and the Makarau Road intersection.

The public is advised to avoid the area, and motorists should take alternative routes.

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Police investigating today’s crash in the southbound lane of Auckland’s Southern Motorway at Randwick Park, between Hill Road and Takanini, are seeking help from the public to further understand the circumstances of the crash.

The crash involved a car and a motorbike around 12.30pm today. One person was seriously injured.

The motorway was closed while the scene was examined and has now reopened.

Police are strongly interested in dashcam footage of the vehicles immediately prior to the crash, from people driving along the motorway around the same time.

Police can now name the man who died in hospital after being struck by a car on McGrath Street, Napier, on 26 December.

He was Carl Louis Duncan. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing and Police are still wanting to speak with any witnesses, or people who provided assistance to Mr Duncan before emergency services arrived.

If you can help, please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 251227/1644.

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Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Police have arrested and charged a man after a routine traffic stop led to locating a firearm, ammunition, methamphetamine, another offensive weapon, and drug paraphernalia.

On Tuesday 30 December, around 10.10pm, Police clocked a vehicle exceeding the 50km/h speed limit on State Highway 11, Kawakawa.

The vehicle was subsequently stopped by officers, who found that the vehicle had been reported stolen the week prior.

Upon speaking with the driver, he advised Police of a firearm that was in the vehicle which resulted in officers conducting a warrantless search.

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Tangoio earlier today.

The single vehicle crash on State Highway 2 was reported just after 11:40am.

The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

State Highway 2 has since re-opened.

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Issued by Police Media Centre 

Police have arrested and charged a 20-year-old man following an antisocial road user gathering in Gisborne overnight.

In the early hours of this morning, 30 December, Police were alerted to a group of around a dozen vehicles participating in antisocial road activity on the corner of Whatatutu and Matawai roads.

Constable Jak Rowe said Police received multiple reports from disgruntled members of the public, and upon arrival the group quickly dispersed.

Police can now release the name of the person who died following a house fire in Trelawney Crescent, New Plymouth on 24 December.

He was 49-year-old Dion Thompson, of New Plymouth.

Our thoughts are with his family and those close to him at this difficult time.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the fire.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Quick thinking and local knowledge by Hamilton Police have helped recover more than $1700 worth of stolen groceries in the city this morning.

Members of the Hamilton Retail Crime Team were conducting enquiries at commerical premises when a call came in regarding a shoplifting incident at another commercial premises.

Staff were verbally abused when they tried to prevent a woman from stealing a large trolley of groceries.

Dunedin Police are thanking members of the public for their assistance leading to four youths being apprehended for a burglary in Dunedin Central today.

At around 12:50pm, Police were called after a Stuart Street resident heard a window smashing at an unoccupied property down the road.

Police in the area responded immediately, as four people ran from the address towards Cargill Street.

The four youths were located by Police within a matter of minutes, and taken home following some words of advice from Police.

The four have been referred to Youth Aid.

An 80-year-old man was saved by a mum and her two teenage children after he got lost hiking in the Kauaeranga Valley area on Sunday night.

Police are urging motorists to plan ahead and expect hold ups, with an influx of traffic to Tairāwhiti over the holiday break.

With Rhythm and Vines on, and people travelling to see their families, the roads will be busy, says Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Danny Kirk.

“If you’re on the road, remember that you’re sharing it with people who might be new to the region. While you might know the terrain, our visitors might not.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance after the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of this morning.

Police are urging motorists to plan ahead and expect hold ups, with an influx of traffic to Tairāwhiti over the holiday break.

Police successfully coordinated a water rescue of three people in the Manukau Harbour last night after their boat started taking on water.

Three fishermen set off from the Mangere Bridge Boat ramp and were approximately two kilometres away from Puketutu Island when their boat sunk. They managed to call Police just after midnight but did not know exactly where they were.

Police Eagle has sadly located a body at Port Waikato, which is believed to be the man who went missing while jet skiing on Christmas Day.

Police will be referring the matter to the Coroner.

Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with the man’s family at this extremely difficult time.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers will be on the beat in Nelson on New Year’s Eve working alongside frontline staff, as well as policing at Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne in late December.

Commissioner Chambers says: “Being in Nelson this New Year’s Eve is the right place for me to be. It will be a year since our much-loved colleague Lyn Fleming was killed and I wanted to be there to back up the staff who’d worked alongside her, and to remember her.

Police received report of a person washed away by waves on Piha Beach around 12.30pm.

The Police Eagle was deployed to help locate the person, sadly they were located and confirmed deceased around 1.20pm.

Their death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Luke Vaughan:

A man was due to appear in court today following an incident in Hornby yesterday evening.

Police received multiple calls shortly after 6:30pm reporting a male being chased by others on Amyes Road, one with a firearm in their possession.

Several vehicles in the area then fled the scene.

Police went to the hospital, where one person was found to have a suspected gunshot wound which is not considered life threatening. Officers also spoke to several other people at the hospital.

Please attribute to Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett:

The 29-year-old man Police required to speak to about a double homicide in Ruatiti on Saturday 13 December has handed himself into Police custody.

Police launched a homicide investigation following the deaths of 56-year-old Brendon Leigh Cole and 54-year-old Trina Michelle Cole at a rural property in Ruatiti.

The man was identified as someone Police needed to speak to in relation to the investigation.

Police have arrested three youths following a swift response to reports of an aggravated robbery in Hamilton this morning.

About 6:40am, Police were alerted to the aggravated robbery on Mill Street, involving a stolen vehicle.

Thankfully, nobody was injured, however the offenders made off with two cash tills, among other items, says Hamilton City Area Commander Inspector Neil Faulkner.

“Police acted on previous information that a number of stolen vehicles had been dumped on Horne Street, and began making enquiries in the area.

Please attribute to Detective Inspector Daryl Smith, District Manager Criminal Investigations:

Police have arrested and charged a man with murder in relation to the death of Jason Poa, also known as Jason Tipene, in Hamilton last week.

Mr Poa died at a Lake Crescent address last Thursday, 18 December.

Today, Police arrested a 21-year-old man at an address in Chartwell. He is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court on Friday 26 December on a murder charge.

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

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Hawke’s Bay Police are reasonably pleased with the results of an operation targeting drink driving on Friday 19 December – but four impaired drivers let the side down.

With the holiday season in full swing, Police set up a checkpoint at the roundabout of Pakowhai Road and Te Aea Kahikatea in Hastings.

Across the afternoon operation, Police stopped over 1100 vehicles, with four people blowing over the legal alcohol limit.

In addition to this, a number of infringement notices were issued for licence breaches and failing to wear a seatbelt.

A Police investigation has identified an offender allegedly behind two targeted wilful damage incidents in an Auckland suburb.

The development comes after Waitematā West Police scoured across Whenuapai to get answers.

A local man has been gifted a court appearance after a search warrant was executed on Christmas Eve at his home.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, Waitematā West Area Investigations Manager, says two incidents occurred under the cover of darkness on 9 and 11 December 2025.

Wellington Police have disrupted multiple planned anti-social road user gatherings overnight.

Hutt Valley Area Commander Inspector Wade Jennings says checkpoints and a visible Police presence at key locations stopped the convoy of vehicles from setting themselves up.

Operation Kereru focused on 200 vehicles coming from areas such as Whanganui, Levin, and Palmerston North, with the intent of descending on the Wellington area to carry out dangerous driving activities.

One person has been located deceased following a house fire in New Plymouth overnight.

Emergency services were called to a property on Trelawney Crescent around 2:30am today to reports of a house fire.

Sadly, one person was located deceased.

A scene examination is ongoing at the property, and Police will work alongside Fire and Emergency NZ to determine the circumstances of the fire.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

A sliver of cell phone reception led to the rescue of three young men, after they endured a cold and wet night stranded in a gorge.

Wellington District Search and Rescue coordinator Sergeant Jonathan Westrupp says the trio intended to float down the Hutt River in the Kaitoke Regional Park, but their planning was flawed.

“They set off late in the day on Monday to traverse the river on inner tubes but were wearing only light clothing and soon found themselves in a dangerous situation with darkness descending and impassible cliffs on both sides of the river.

Attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant John Love: 

Police have arrested four people of interest following the investigation into the murder of Bill Maangi in Gisborne.

Mr Maangi died in hospital, after being shot in the early hours of Monday 29 September at an address on Ormond Road.

Between Wednesday 9 December and Thursday 11 December, Police executed search warrants at multiple addresses in the Gisborne area, in relation to the homicide investigation. This included a search of a section of the Taruheru River by the Police Dive Squad.

Attribute to Detective Inspector Daryl Smith, District Manager Criminal Investigations: 

Police investigating a homicide in Lake Crescent in Hamilton on Thursday 18 December can now release the name of the person who died.

He was 55-year-old Jason Poa, also known as Jason Tipene.

Emergency services were called to a Lake Crescent address at about 6:15pm last Thursday, where two people had been injured.

One of the victims later died at the scene, and the other was taken to Waikato Hospital in serious condition.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has today provisionally appointed four new District Commanders in the regions of Waikato, Wellington, the Bay of Plenty and Eastern District.

Two people who allegedly stole an E-Bike from two teenagers in Belmont last weekend have been caught by Police.

At about 2.30pm on Saturday two teenagers riding their E-Bikes along Lake Road were confronted by two people who pulled up next to them in a vehicle.

Waitematā East Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams, says the male passenger has allegedly demanded the bike and presented a knife towards the victims.

“The man has then allegedly pushed one of the victims off the bike before assaulting him and riding off on the bike.

The Henderson Beat Team had a list, they checked it twice, finding out two shoplifters were not nice.

The tale unfolded at a Henderson supermarket on Sunday afternoon.

Sergeant Rachael England says the team were patrolling when supermarket workers alerted them to offending taking place.

“Two women allegedly stole a large number of groceries from the store in their trolley,” she says.

“Our team arrested the pair a short distance from the store.”

A boatie was lucky to survive after being caught out on a fishing expedition on Lake Taupō – prompting a warning from Police and local iwi.

Police were alerted around 6:45pm yesterday, within minutes of Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) receiving initial reports of a boat fire on Lake Taupō, seen by residents of Kinloch. 

FENZ from Kinloch arrived to find fully-engulfed wreckage, and then discovered that the sole occupant of the boat was missing.

An investigation into a stolen Bentley has led North Shore Police to recover almost half a dozen stolen vehicles and a shotgun.

Waitematā East’s Tactical Crime Unit began investigating a burglary on the North Shore in the early hours of 1 December.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams says a luxury Bentley Bentayga SUV was stolen during a burglary.

“In the early hours, an unknown person entered a house taking the keys to the Bentley and driving away in the SUV,” he says.

Police have arrested one person while investigating a complaint from the member of the public that sighted a vehicle repeatedly crossing the centre line heading from Gore to Te Anau.

Around 7.30am on Sunday 21 December, Police signalled the vehicle in question to pull over on Main Street in Gore.

A strong smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech greeted officers when they walked up to the driver.

Emergency services are responding to a report of a person missing in the water near Waikawau boat ramp.

Police were called about 9.45am after someone was reported to be in difficulty in the water off the Thames Coast Road.

One person had made it safely to shore and raised the alarm that a second party was still in the water.

Police, including Police Eagle, Coastguard Howick and Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand have responded.

The second person has not been located at this stage and the search is ongoing.

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Counties Manukau Police have arrested one person in a bizarre incident when carrying out patrols in an unmarked vehicle last night.

Inspector Kerry Watson said officers on duty noticed a station wagon following them equipped with a flashing bar of red and blue lights – a typical Police signal for the vehicle in front of them to pull over to the side of the road.

“Our officers were perplexed and quickly clocked the car was not Police-official.

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Graeme Muir, Wellington Criminal Investigation Branch:

Police have arrested one person while investigating a recent stabbing at an Allen Street bar in Wellington.

A 34-year-old woman has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and will appear at the Wellington District Court on Monday 22 December.

What we know is around 1:30am on Saturday 13 December, Police were called to the Ace of Spades bar following reports a man had been stabbed.

Police in Tairāwhiti are urging motorists to keep vehicle security top of mind, especially over the busy summer season.

“We’ve seen a rise in recent weeks in the number of thefts from vehicles, as well as reports of vehicles being stolen or interfered with,” says Acting Inspector Bryan Smith, Tairawhiti Area Prevention Manager.

“We want to remind people that some basic steps can help secure your vehicle and prevent it from being targeted by opportunistic criminals..

“Always lock your vehicle when you leave, it, and remove any valuables – especially anything visible.

Police are responding to a sudden death near Waiotapu Loop Road, Waiotapu.

Emergency services were alerted to an incident about 6.15am where one person had been pulled from the water unresponsive.

Enquiries are now underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the death, which is being treated as unexplained.

A scene examination will take place this morning. One person is currently assisting with enquiries.

Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Selwyn Police have prevented Christmas chaos, after a courier van, full of packages destined for underneath Christmas trees, was reported stolen on Friday 19 December.

Following this report, Police received numerous calls from the public about three suspicious men carrying courier packages in Birdlings Flat.

Acting Sergeant Daniel Ingram says Police responded immediately, and saw a vehicle leaving the area, which later attempted to hide from Police on a rural roadside.

Attributable to Detective Inspector Gerard Bouterey, Field Crime Manager, Central District CIB:

Police are continuing to make enquiries to locate 29-year-old Mitchell Cole, who we want to speak with in relation to a double homicide in Ruatiti on Saturday 13 December.

As part of our enquiries, Police want to identify a man who was seen near the intersection of Pukekaha and Rautiti roads at around 6pm on Saturday 13 December.

Earlier today Police were alerted to human remains being located on Coppermine Island (Mauipane), east of Whangārei.

Police have since recovered the remains and commenced the formal identification process.

At this early stage, Police are unable to advise how long the remains may have been on the island.

The formal identification process is expected to take some time and no further information is available at this time.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Police are continuing to investigate following an arson in Queens Park, Windsor on Wednesday 3 December.

Police received a report at around 12:20am that four vehicles had been deliberately set alight.

As part of our investigations, we would like to hear from anyone who was on or around Queens Drive between 12am and 12:30am on Wednesday 3 December , or anyone with information that could assist.

Please contact Police via 105 either over the phone or online, referencing file number 251203/6133.

A former travel agent with no hesitations in ripping off her former employers and acquaintances will face 12 months home detention. 

The 29-year-old Waihi woman has been convicted on 16 fraud offences including making a false statement, after a lengthy investigation run by the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit.

Her victims were deceived out of more than $62,000.

This week in the Auckland District Court a reparation order was made for $15,102 to be paid within 14 days of sentencing and $40,904 to be paid at $200 week.

Waikato East Police arrested and charged five people when executing search warrants in relation to suspected local drug suppliers.

Approximately 16 staff from Waikato East Criminal Investigation Branch, Prevention and Public Safety Team undertook warrants for drug offending in Matamata, Te Aroha and Whangamatā over three days last week.

In Matamata, two women from separate addresses were arrested and charged with supplying methamphetamine. They are due to in Hamilton District Court on 5 and 15 January.

The new oral fluid screening testing has netted its first result after a man tested positive for methamphetamine at a checkpoint in Wellington.

People who have consumed impairing drugs should simply not be on our roads, says Superintendent Steve Greally, Director of Road Policing.

“We make no apology for screening drivers to see if they’ve recently used drugs, and getting a drugged driver off our roads makes them safer.”

A 40-year-old man, who had his young daughter in the car, was asked to pull into a checkpoint on Hutt Road last night just before 9pm.

On behalf of New Zealand Police, we wish all our media friends a safe and happy holiday season.

Like many of you, we’ll continue to be available throughout the holiday period.

The Media Centre will operate from 6am to 9pm weekdays, excluding Christmas Day, when the team will be available from 7am.

Our usual weekend hours of 7am to 9pm remain unchanged. 

As always, information on any significant events outside these hours will be issued proactively.

Please note that Police National Headquarters is closed for the holiday period from the end of today.

Seventy-seven new hats flew into the air as wing 391, the final graduating police wing of 2025, celebrated the end of their initial training from the New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) this afternoon. 

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, members of the police executive and wing patron, Louisa Wall – Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Waikato, Ngāti Hineuru congratulated the 77 new graduating constables alongside their families and friends. 

Police investigating the murder of 37-year-old Teishallia Te Paea in Camberley in October are hoping an offender profile released today will help identify them.

Emergency services were called to an address in Kotuku Street, Camberley, on 29 October, after Teishallia’s body was located.

Sadly, her body had lain undiscovered for likely several weeks, as attempts had been made to conceal her.  

Detective Inspector Martin James says Police are determined to get answers for Teishallia’s family.

After several weeks of training, two front line Patrol Dog teams and two Detector Dog teams celebrated today at a ceremony formally recognising their graduation to become working police dog teams.

“It’s a proud day for the graduates and the families of all four dog teams. The training has been busy and demanding for the handlers, but they’re all extremely competent, effective, and have demonstrated resolve,” says Inspector Todd Southall, National Coordinator of New Zealand Police Dogs.

One person has died after an incident involving a commercial mower in Te Kouma, Coromandel today.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Te Kouma Road about midday.

Despite the best efforts of staff and members of the public at the scene, sadly the person died.

The death has been referred to WorkSafe and the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Hutt Valley Police are continuing to investigate a serious assault that left a person with critical injuries.

At around 5am on Wednesday 10 December, Police received reports of an assault at an address on Trinity Avenue, Epuni.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Cusin says Police continue to explore multiple avenues of enquiry and are asking the public for their help.

A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to five years and four months imprisonment for indecent communications, distributing objectionable material, and threatening to commit a mass stabbing attack, following a joint investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs and New Zealand Police.

Police investigating the homicide of a Rotorua man are urging residents near the scene to check their properties for discarded items.

Thirty-seven-year-old Nicholas Patrick Mitchell was found deceased in a vehicle on Ford Road shortly before 8:30pm on Friday.

Rotorua Area Investigations Manager Senior Sergeant Mark Van Kempen said Police were working “at pace” to find the offender, and asked residents on and near Ford Road to check their properties for possible evidence.

Please attribute to Inspector Danny Meade:

Police have quickly arrested a man in central Auckland after being located carrying a samurai sword.

Just before 4pm, Police responded to information that a person was believed to be carrying a firearm on Upper Queen Street.

Armed units immediately responded to the area and made enquiries. Any presence of a firearm in the area was unable to be substantiated.

A large-scale marine search and rescue (SAR) exercise involving specialist Police personnel off the New Plymouth coastline has been hailed a major success.

A moped rider may now have seen the light after failing to stop for Police in Auckland overnight.

Just after 12.30am, a unit spotted a moped travelling without a headlight on in the Mt Albert area.

Senior Sergeant Guy Baldwin, Auckland City West Area Response Manager, says the moped was signalled to stop.

“The moped was not only travelling without a headlight on but was also travelling at speed, which was very concerning for us,” he says.

“The rider failed to stop and was not pursued at the time.”

Police are issuing an advisory to media around interim suppression orders in place concerning Operation Hawkin, the Mt Wellington homicide on 5 December 2025.

A Coroner’s non-publication order is due to expire tomorrow, 17 December 2025, at 5pm.

However, media should be aware that an interim suppression order is still in place in the District Court.

This interim suppression includes: the defendants’ names, the victim’s name, and any reference to specific gangs.

Media are invited to the 391 Louisa Wall recruit wing graduation.

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Reece Durston:

Two youths have been arrested in relation to an aggravated robbery in Hamilton.

On Sunday 14 December around 5.30pm, Police were called with a report of an aggravated robbery at a business address on Crawford Street.

It is reported that a group of six people, believed to be teenagers, entered the premises with at least one person allegedly armed with a knife.

It appears that the group made demands to the workers however were confronted by another staff member.

Attribute to Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett:

Police investigating a double homicide in Rutatiti are continuing to make enquiries to locate Mitchell Cole, 29.

Cole is believed to be in the Ruatiti area and should not be approached if seen.

Police have concerns for Cole, and we also want to speak to him in relation to our ongoing enquiries.

If you see him, please call 111 immediately.

Additional Police staff remain in the Ruatiti area to assist the investigation.

Police investigating a stolen trailer and motorcycles in the Christchurch area are seeking help from the public.

On Monday 15 December, Police received a report that the trailer [pictured] had been stolen sometime overnight on Sunday 14 December, from an address on Kairua Road in Hornby.

The trailer – registration U110C – was then used in a burglary of four motorcycles from an address on Almond Lane, Prebbleton on Monday 15 December.

Drivers in Wellington experienced roadside drug driving tests for the first time this afternoon, signalling the start of the rollout with Police now able to detect and deter drug drivers on our roads.

For Police to now be in a position to screen drivers for the recent use of drugs is a milestone moment in our continuous efforts to keep everyone safe on the roads and reduce harm, says Superintendent Steve Greally, Director of Road Policing.

“The introduction of roadside drug testing is a significant change that aims to address a serious issue occurring on New Zealand roads.

Attributable to Acting Waikato District Commander Will Loughrin:

Police have launched a critical incident investigation following a fatal crash in Waipā last night.

Shortly before the crash at around 8.40pm, Police saw a black BMW travelling in excess of the speed limit on Arapuni Road.

Police have turned around activating red and blue lights intending to stop the speeding vehicle.

It appears the offending vehicle has collided with a second vehicle.