Police want to thank Southland locals and visitors for excellent behaviour on the roads and at events over the Waitangi weekend.

“We’re pleased to say there have been no real issues throughout the Burt Munro event, which is outstanding,” says Southland Area Commander, Inspector Mike Bowman.

“We want to thank our community and people that travelled to Southland for playing their part in keeping our roads safe.”

As the weekend comes to an end, Police are reminding people to take their time and drive to the conditions.

One person has died after a single-motorcycle crash on Horseshoe Bush Road, Dairy Flat, early this morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 1.30am.

Sadly, the sole rider died at the scene.

The scene has been examined by the Serious Crash Unit and the road has now reopened.

The death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

One person has died following a water related incident in Thames.

Emergency services were called to Tararu Road just before midday.

The person was pulled from the water unresponsive, and despite emergency medical treatment they died at the scene.

The death will be referred to the Coroner.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Ryan Kemsley of Hawke’s Bay Crime Squad:

An investigation has been launched into the water-related death of a five-year-old boy who went missing in Napier’s Westshore area sometime between the hours of 6.00 and 8.30pm on Thursday night 5 February.

The boy was located deceased in the water at 1.30am, this morning [6 February] by emergency services.

In a desperate bid for freedom, a Porirua man fled from Police in a boat today, only to be pursued across the water by Wellington Maritime Unit’s vessel Lady Elizabeth IV.

Officers had gone to the Mana Twin Bridges public boat ramp about 8.30am and told the 27-year-old Porirua man he was under arrest for breaching bail conditions. Rather than face the consequences of his actions on a public holiday, the man jumped into his boat and fled towards the horizon.

The quick action of Police has resulted in the arrest of one person following an investigation into a suspicious fire at a commercial premises on Oruanui Street in Taupō.

The fire was reported to emergency services around 10.30pm on Tuesday 3 February.

One property sustained substantial damage, and spread to the adjoining building, which sustained minor fire damage.

Thankfully, the premises were unoccupied, and no injuries were reported.

A fire investigator inspected the scene on Wednesday morning, indicating the fire was lit deliberately.

Police have thwarted a small crime wave across a west Auckland suburb, with a man facing a raft of burglary charges.

Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit has been investigating the spree of offending in recent weeks in Glen Eden.

Police have laid four burglary charges, with a further 10 burglaries still under investigation.

Detective Sergeant Mike Mead says Police first became aware of an increase in reports of property crime in Glen Eden in late January.

“Our team started looking into instances of burglary and shoplifting around the area,” he says.

Police can now release the name of the person who died following a crash in Springston on 4 February.

He was 10-year-old Alexander Bennett, of Springston.

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

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

A brazen offender allegedly ripping off elderly people across Hamilton and Auckland communities will face court.

Police executed a search warrant at a Rānui property today, investigating fraud and burglary offending between December 2025 and January 2026.

A 37-year-old woman has been arrested and now faces court, as enquiries continue.

Detective Sergeant Mike Mead, from the Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit, says thousands of dollars had allegedly been stolen from the victim’s accounts.

Friends and family members from all over New Zealand celebrated with their loved ones at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua today, when Wing 392 graduated from their initial course.

Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Pannett addressed the wing alongside members of the police executive and wing patron, Raelene Castle, Ngāpuhi ONZM.

“Once you’re in your district and in your community, you will be focusing on being visible, reassuring and responsive. Through this you will deliver on our mission – to prevent crime and harm.

Please attribute the following to Detective Senior Sergeant Nik Leigh:  

Police investigating a homicide in Crichton, Clutha, have arrested one person following the death of a woman on Friday 23 January.

Emergency services were called to Adams Flats Road around 6.10pm where a woman found deceased, and a second person was critically injured.

A man has now been charged with murder following a bedside hearing today.

One person has sadly died following a serious crash on Leeston Road, Springston, this afternoon.

Police were notified of the crash, which involved a car and a pedestrian, around 3.30pm today [Wednesday 4 February].

Police can confirm that the pedestrian was a child, who, despite best efforts of emergency services, sadly died at the scene.

Leeston Road remains closed between Goulds Road and Bethels Road, while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

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Three alleged offenders had getaway plans foiled after an aggravated robbery in Manurewa this morning.

The Counties Manukau Major Crime Team have charged three teenagers after the incident which first occurred at around 7.15am.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Paea says three offenders entered the superette on Mahia Road.

“One of these offenders was allegedly carrying a hammer and threatened a worker at the store,” he says.

“After stealing the till and other products, the offenders fled in a stolen vehicle and dumped it in a nearby street.”

Two men linked to the Comanchero Motorcycle Club will face serious drugs and firearms charges, after searches at south-east Auckland properties.

Investigators from the Motorcycle Gang Unit, part of the wider National Gang Unit, executed three search warrants across Flat Bush this morning.

Detective Inspector Wayne Gray, from the National Gang Unit, says two men were arrested at separate addresses.

“Today’s enforcement activity targeted a patched member and an associate of the Comancheros,” he says.

One person has died following a crash involving a car and a pedestrian on Mapuia Road on Friday 30 January. 

Police were notified of the crash around 4.40pm, on a private driveway.

Sadly, the victim passed away yesterday from their injuries.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Police can advise the 45-year-old woman previously reported as missing from the Manurewa area has been located safe and well.

We would like to thank those people who provided information.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Police are appealing for information following a firearms incident in Napier today.

At around 3am this morning [Wednesday 4 February], Police responded to an incident where it was reported that a firearm had been discharged on Thackeray Street, Napier.

Police attended and found one person nearby, with injuries consistent with a gunshot wound. They were transported to hospital in moderate condition.

The alleged offender fled the scene in a vehicle but was located later at a Barker Street address.

Please attribute to Inspector Will Loughrin, acting Waikato District Commander:

A man is in Waikato Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after being shot at by Police in Hamilton this morning.

Police responded to reports of a vehicle driving erratically on Cambridge Road, Te Awamutu just before 9am.

Initial information suggested the driver was wanted by Police in relation to prior serious incidents.

Police monitored the vehicle’s movements, and deployed units to Ulster Street, where the vehicle was located trying to leave a carpark.

Acting Waikato District Commander Inspector Will Loughrin will be available to speak to media about a critical incident in Whitiora, Hamilton this morning.

The stand-up will be held at 2pm.

Media area asked to RSVP to [email protected] for the specific location.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Jackie Wheeler’s family have provided the following photo for media to use.

The family will not be providing further comment and ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Please attribute to Superintendent Naila Hassan, Waitematā District Commander:

Two protest groups gathered in central Auckland have now dispersed.

From the outset, Police have been clear that there would be no unlawful access on to the motorway network or Auckland Harbour Bridge.

In Victoria Park, at its peak Police estimate 1,200 people gathered and marched to our Fanshawe Street cordon, before dispersing.

No arrests have been made today.

The following is a statement on behalf of the family of Susan Knowles.

Sue was a mother, sister, aunty, grandmother, and loving wife. Her grandkids called her Granna, she was a friend to many and loved by all.

In many ways she was larger than life and will be dearly missed.

Sue had a positive impact on so many people’s lives, through her work and her hobbies outside of work.

We like to refer to her as an active relaxer, somebody who was always on the go and looking for her next adventure.

The following is a statement on behalf of Natallia and Carmine, Sharon’s mum and dad:

Our hearts are broken following the passing of our beautiful daughter Sharon Maccanico.

Sharon was born in Italy. At age 3, she moved to Australia and at age 8, moved to New Zealand.

This was where her passion for dance began. Sharon wanted to be a professional dancer, and she would often practice for hours every day.

She participated in seven solo competitions at regional and national level and won all seven. Last year she also won an international competition in Belarus.

The recovery effort at Mount Maunganui following last week’s landslide remains ongoing today, as the operation moves into week two.

Superintendent Tim Anderson, Bay of Plenty District Commander says this has been a challenging operation for everybody involved.

“As this operation reaches week two, it gives a great indication of the sheer scale of what we are working with here.”

Police continue to call on staff from out of district

The following is a statement on behalf of Lisa’s husband, Travis:

We are absolutely devastated following the loss of our beloved Lisa.

Lisa was a cherished daughter, mother, aunty, sister, grandmother (Nan Nan) and wife, and we all loved her dearly.

Lisa was very spontaneous and adventurous. She was always looking for new things to do and would never shy away from a challenge.

Aucklanders are advised of possible delays on part of the motorway network and roads near the central city, on Saturday, due to protest activity.

A large-scale Police operation will be running to prevent any unpermitted pedestrian access to the Auckland Harbour Bridge or motorway network.

The Freedom and Rights Coalition’s permit to march on the bridge was declined in December by New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

Police have clearly advised the group that it will not facilitate access for the group.

Attributable to Detective Kelsey Smith:

Police acknowledge the sentence handed down to patched Mongrel Mob member Lou Daniel Harmer today in Napier District Court.

Mr Harmer was sentenced to 12 years and 6 months imprisonment for significant sexual offending, after being found guilty on 14 counts of charges relating to sexual offending against multiple young girls.

We are pleased to see justice done for his victims who had the bravery to come forward and tell their stories.

Standing up to an abuser to relate their account requires a huge amount of courage.

A statement on behalf of Nils and Anders, dad and uncle of Måns Loke Bernhardsson:

Måns was a super kind and loveable member of our family.

Back home in Sweden, he had many friends and was loved by all those friends and family very deeply.

He was a fantastic artist and was extremely talented. Måns was artistic, which was one of the many things we loved about him.

He was incredibly athletic and loved downhill skiing and gymnastics.

Måns was on holiday in New Zealand on what was a ‘hastily’ booked trip with two of his friends.

Attributable to Investigations Manager Tauranga, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Varnam:

A man has been charged with murder after the death of a woman in Pukehina on New Year’s Day.

Police were called to the Old Coach Road property about 3pm on 1 January, where a woman was found deceased.

A 50-year-old man was initially charged with assaulting a person in a family relationship, however he now faces a charge of murder. He is due to appear in Tauranga District Court tomorrow.

A youth has been arrested and charged following a serious assault on a bus driver in Massey last night.

At about 7pm, Police responded to reports of a person had been injured on a bus on Colwill Road.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, Waitematā West Area Investigations Manager, says upon arrival the alleged offender had fled on foot.

“The bus driver was transported to hospital in a moderate condition.

“This was an understandably frightening ordeal for the victim and we are continuing to support them.”

The recovery operation at Mount Maunganui has resumed, several hours after being suspended this morning.

Detective Inspector Lew Warner says work restarted officially at 2pm, after the team received confirmation from experts that the area was safe to enter and resume operations.

“Following consultation with a number of experts on the ground, the recovery teams have been given the green light to continue with the recovery.

One person has died following a crash this afternoon on State Highway 7/Mouse Point Road, Tekoa Range, Hurunui.

Police were notified of the crash, involving a motorcycle and a car, around 12pm.

Sadly, despite emergency services best efforts, the motorcyclist died at the scene.

The road remains closed, between Hanmer Springs and Culverden, while the Serious Crash Unit carry out a scene examination.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Whangārei CIB is seeking a motorist who gave a lift to the victim of an assault in Onerahi early this morning.

That motorist is not being sought over the offending, but their information could help progress enquiries.

“Sometime between 4am and 4.45am, the assault victim has been picked up in the Onerahi area by a member of the public,” Detective Sergeant Pieter Serfontein says.

“Our enquiries are still in the very early stages, but we know that the motorist drove the victim to a property in Raumanga before carrying on.

The recovery effort to reunite loved ones with their families following last week’s landslide at Mount Maunganui is continuing, supported by Police from across the country.

Dog handlers, family liaison officers, specialist search teams and other staff have been arriving in the Bay of Plenty District to provide support to the dozens of staff who have been on the ground since Thursday’s slip.

Inspector Will Loughrin, Acting Bay of Plenty District Commander, says recovery teams are making good progress but they still have days of work ahead of them.

Attribute to Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander, Inspector Renée Perkins:

Two people have died in a helicopter crash north of Wellington this morning.

Police were notified to the crash in the Paekākāriki Hill area at about 7.30am.

Tragically, both the pilot and the sole passenger were located deceased following the crash.

Our thoughts are with their families at this time.

Work is ongoing to recover the deceased and to examine the crash scene, which will be done in conjunction with investigators from the Civil Aviation Authority.

Police have arrested and charged a man in relation to the shooting at Marriner Reserve, Palmerston North, earlier this month.

On Monday 12 January, emergency services responded to a report of gunshots heard on Marriner Street, where they located a victim with serious gunshot related injuries.

Police conducted extensive enquiries to identify a person of interest in relation to the matter, including appealing to the public for CCTV of the area.

Please attribute to Sergeant Lee-Ann Grant

Police are investigating a robbery in Napier overnight where cash from the tills were taken.

Four males have entered the Z Service Station on Tennyson and Station Streets at about 1.15am today.

The males have threatened staff and taken cash tills and fled in a vehicle.

Police are seeking the public’s help to locate the vehicle, a blue Mazda Familia Station wagon.

No one was harmed during the incident; however those involved will be referred to Victim Support services.

Police can now confirm the names of the two people who died during a landslide on Welcome Bay Rd, Papamoa on Thursday.

Ten-year-old Austen Keith Richardson and his grandmother, 71-year-old Yao Fang (pronounced Fung), died after the house they were in was extensively damaged by a landslide.

Police continue to support the family through this extremely difficult time.

Their deaths have been referred to the Coroner.

The following is a statement released on behalf of Keith and Angel:

To be attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons:

Police have charged a 19-year-old man with murder after a woman was found deceased at a Burnham property early this morning.

The man has also been charged with two counts of assault in a family relationship.

He is scheduled to appear in Christchurch District Court this afternoon.

Emergency services responded to a report of disorder at the Burnham School Road property at around 3.05am today.

On arrival, a woman was located deceased.

I am pleased to announce the provisional appointments of Jill Rogers as Deputy Commissioner for New Zealand Police and Cassandra Anderson as Chief of Staff.

Specialist technology is being used to ensure the safety of teams working on the recovery operation at Mount Maunganui.

The search area was evacuated at 11.50am yesterday, after a contractor driver noticed potential instability on the face of the slip. Following advice from two independent geotechnical experts, it was deemed too hazardous for teams to continue working.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson says the recovery effort resumed at 10.30am today.

Please attribute to Inspector Peter Cooper, Area Commander Canterbury Rural:

Police maintained a highly visible presence across North Canterbury throughout the Muscle Car Madness weekend, with officers focused on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the wider Rangiora community.

Over the course of the event, Police and Court bailiffs seized and/or impounded 11 vehicles, and completed enforcement action including four excess breath alcohol (EBA) detections and one related arrest.

One person died following a serious crash on Saturday 24 January on State Highway 1, Oakleigh, Whangārei.

Police and other emergency services responded to the crash around 2.20pm.

Sadly, one person died at the scene.

Three other people were transported to hospital, two in serious condition and one in moderate condition.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

The recovery effort resumed at 10.30am after specialist monitoring equipment was brought in overnight.

Police receiving reports of counterfeit $50 and $100 banknotes are urging the public to be vigilant when handling cash.

Attributable to Marlborough Area Commander, Inspector Simon Feltham:

Police have arrested a person in relation to a kidnapping incident in Blenheim early yesterday morning.

On Saturday 24 January around 3am, Police were called to the incident on Lakings Road.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested and charged with kidnapping. He is due to appear in Blenheim District Court tomorrow [Monday 26 January].

As the matter is now before the courts, Police are unable to comment further.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Police have made the difficult decision to postpone recovery efforts at Mount Maunganui for today.

The search area was evacuated about 11.50am, after a contractor driver noticed potential instability on the face of the slip, Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson says.

“The safety of the people working on the recovery is at the front of our mind, and the risk today is too significant to allow us to carry on.

“Families have been told of the decision and our commitment to resume work as soon as possible.”

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson will speak to media regarding today’s recovery efforts

This will be held in Mount Maunganui at 4pm. Media are advised to RSVP to [email protected] for further details.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Attribute to Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson

Recovery work at Mount Maunganui has been halted as a precaution this morning. At 11.50am, recovery efforts were paused after concerns from the grounds about a potential slip.

Geotechnical experts are assessing the area and teams will resume work as soon as they are cleared to do so.

Delays like this are frustrating but the safety of everyone supporting the recovery effort is paramount.

We will resume our search as soon as possible.

My love for Max is impossible to explain, no words are big enough to describe this love or loss. What I can say is from the moment I first looked at his beautiful blue eyes almost 16 years ago he had my whole heart, he was my sunshine. Max was an incredible, kind, and beautiful human being. He was a wonderful son, a devoted big brother, grandson, nephew, friend, teammate, and boyfriend. He was such a good kid, and he is so deeply loved.

The search for victims of Thursday’s landslide at Mount Maunganui is now moving into a recovery phase.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said the operation was formally handed over to Police by Fire and Emergency New Zealand at 11:20am today.

“Every single person involved in this operation has been focused solely on saving the lives of the people under the slip. Search teams have been working through the slip layer by layer, but tragically it is now apparent that we will not be able to bring them home alive.

A media stand-up regarding weather-related incidents in Western Bay of Plenty will be held in Mount Maunganui at 12:30pm.

This will be held outside the surf club, at the corner of Marine Parade and Adams Avenue.

Police, alongside Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Civil Defence will be present.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Hayden Smale:

A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a woman in Crichton, Clutha last night.

Emergency services were called to Adams Flat Road at around 6:10pm.

A man remains in a critical condition in hospital following the incident.

A scene guard is in place at the address while Police staff conduct a scene examination.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident remain ongoing.

There is not believed to be any risk to public safety following this incident.

Please attribute to Inspector Nicky Cooney, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander:

An operation is underway to locate a man who is unaccounted for following a water-related incident in Opotiki.

Police were called to the Waioeka River at around 5.30pm yesterday after a report that a man had fallen off his boat and was swept downstream.

Emergency services carried out an initial search of the area and located the vessel nearby.

A rescue helicopter and private helicopters were also engaged in the search, as well as local jet boat operators.

Police can now release the name of the person who died following a workplace incident on Taihape-Napier Road, Rangitikei, on Tuesday 13 January.

He was Keith Rupene Douglas Pokiha, 17, from Paeroa.

Our thoughts are with Keith’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Searching will be wound down for the day around the Mahurangi River, as part of the ongoing effort to locate a man missing since Wednesday.

Today, around 30 personnel from various agencies have been involved in searching.

This includes Police Search and Rescue, Land Search and Rescue, a Police drone, and a Fire and Emergency water rescue team.

The Auckland Police Maritime Unit also deployed its jet ski to search on the water.

Sadly, the man and his vehicle remain unaccounted for.

Police are in attendance at a sudden death at Cheltenham Beach on the North Shore.

At 3.14pm, a report was received of a man being pulled out of the water unresponsive.

Emergency services have attended the beach and provided the man with medical assistance.

Sadly, despite best efforts we can confirm the man has died on scene.

The immediate area has been cordoned off at this stage.

Police will make enquiries into the man’s death on behalf of the Coroner.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant John Kean:

Police are asking for the public’s help finding Kevin John Singh Belling, who was reported missing from the Invercargill area.

The 62-year-old was reported missing on Sunday 18 January, however he was last seen and spoken to on Friday 9 January at his place of business in Motu Rimu.

Police have conducted a series of enquiries but have unfortunately been unable to locate him, and are now seeking help from the public.

It is believed that Kevin could still be in the Invercargill area.

Attributable to Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson:

Police can now confirm six people are currently confirmed as unaccounted for, including two teenagers, following yesterday’s landslide at Mount Maunganui.

The youngest of those missing is 15 years old.

We have been unable to establish the whereabouts of three further individuals. While we do not currently believe they were involved in the slip, further enquiries are required to rule it out.

Police can confirm that one person has died as a result of a crash on Tennent Drive, Palmerston North on 2 January.

A cyclist was critically injured in the crash, and sadly died in hospital on Wednesday 21 January.

The death will be referred to the Coroner.

Investigations into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Police are appealing for witnesses of an assault in Nelson earlier this month, to come forward.

On Saturday 10 January, Police received a report that a person had been assaulted the night before [Friday 9 January], around 11pm, on Collingwood Street.

The victim sustained serious injuries and is understandably very shaken by the incident.

Police are wanting to speak with a man and a woman who potentially witnessed the assault and tried to help the victim.

Search efforts are ongoing across the Bay of Plenty as emergency services work to rescue people in slips the region.

Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Tim Anderson says two rescue operations are concurrently running at Mount Maunganui and Welcome Bay Road.

“Police, alongside Fire and Emergency New Zealand are working to locate and rescue people trapped in a landslide that came down off Mount Maunganui at 9:30am today.

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Carl Fowlie, Waitematā North Police:

Police are winding down its presence near the Mahurangi River for the day, as part of the search for a man missing near Warkworth.

At 7.41am on 21 January, Police were advised the man had been swept away in water.

While the water level in the river has dropped about a metre today, conditions are still not suitable for further searching.

Police Search and Rescue have been in the area this afternoon.

Police have deployed drones to carry out aerial searches.

Police have arrested 18 people as part of Operation Thor, a targeted operation focused on burglary, theft, vehicle crime, firearms offending and drug activity in the Feilding area.

Over the last two months, Police have carried out a series of search warrants and enquiries and as a result, several arrests have been made, stolen property recovered as well as firearms, ammunition and drugs seized.

Attributable to Inspector Simon De Wit, Acting Wairarapa Area Commander:

Police will maintain a highly visible presence in Masterton on Friday in response to a gang-related funeral scheduled to occur in the area.

We anticipate an influx of gang members travelling into Masterton from across the Wairarapa and other regions to attend the event.

Police are seeking the public’s assistance to locate missing 23-year-old Liam, who has been reported missing from Bulls.

He was last seen in Bulls, on Watson Street and Walton Street between 11am and 2pm on Monday 19 January.

Police are wanting to hear from anyone in the area who might have seen Liam.

Police and his family have concerns for his wellbeing.

He is described as approximately 170cm tall with sandy brown hair. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, brown trackpants and a small gold chain necklace.

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a water-related incident in Hahei on Monday 19 January.

He was 37-year-old Jack Oliver-Hood, of Mount Eden, Auckland.

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

His death has been referred to the Coroner.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Carl Fowlie, Waitematā North Police:

Efforts will continue this afternoon to locate a man reported missing near Warkworth this morning.

Resources from several emergency agencies have been deployed around the Mahurangi River, and we acknowledge their crews’ assistance.

Unfortunately the man remains outstanding.

Police Search and Rescue are still deployed and will carry out shore-based searching near the river this afternoon.

Police are appealing for information following a serious crash in Nelson yesterday.

At around 4pm, emergency services were called to the crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at the intersection of Tasman and Weka streets.

One person was transported to hospital with serious injuries.

The vehicle involved was a grey double cab ute with a snorkel, that left the scene. Police are making enquiries to locate the vehicle and driver.

The Serious Crash Unit attended and a scene examination was conducted.

Police can now name the woman who died following a fatal crash on State Highway 6, Winton on Thursday 15 January.

She was 75-year-old Patrizia Botti, from Balano, Italy.

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

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Two men face charges after being disturbed interfering with a vehicle in central Auckland this morning.

Auckland Central Police responded to reports of two men rummaging through a Mazda Demio parked on Cross Street at around 1.43am.

“A resident had heard a disturbance and had seen two men allegedly rummaging through the vehicle and trying to start it,” acting Inspector Mark Clayton, acting Auckland Central Area Prevention Manager says.

“We had a unit on scene within minutes, who stopped the pair in their tracks before they could leave the area.”

Auckland City Police are continuing to make progress in investigating a firearms incident in Onehunga on Friday morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce says a vehicle of interest has been seized by the investigation teams in recent days.

“We can confirm a dark coloured Toyota van was seen pulling up in front of the Arthur Street address just after 11am,” he says.

“As the van pulled into the driveway a group of people got out and fired shots towards the victim through the closed front door, before getting back in the van and driving away.”

One person has died following a water-related incident in Hahei this afternoon.

At around 3.15pm, Police were alerted to a man in need of assistance in the water near Tutaritari Road.

The man was located in the water and was taken ashore in a critical condition.

Sadly, despite best efforts by emergency services, the man died at the scene.

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Please attribute to Superintendent Matt Srhoj, Northland District Commander:

An investigation is continuing into the circumstances around the death of a pedestrian in Haruru Falls at the weekend.

A male pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Puketona Road just after 12.10am on Sunday, 18 January.

Sadly, he died at the scene despite medical assistance being provided at the time.

At the time of the crash, a marked Police patrol vehicle was in the area. This unit had slowed down on Puketona Road to speak with pedestrians who had been seen walking on the road.

Please attribute to Sergeant Jonny Evans, Police Search and Rescue

Disoriented by heavy cloud and with weather conditions closing in, one wrong turn was all it took to send Graham Garnett deep within the Kahurangi National Park for almost three weeks.

His family did not know if they would see him again. However, incredibly, he was found alive – and his loved ones want to ensure his ordeal reminds others to take safety precautions before heading into the bush.

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch:

Police investigating serious assaults in Churton Park can confirm a further two offenders have been taken into custody.

A 21-year-old man will appear in the Wellington District Court on 22 January and a 17-year-old man will appear in the Wellington Youth Court on 27 January. They jointly face wounding, assault to injure and common assault charges.

A man has died after a water-related incident in Rotorua late last night.

Emergency services were called to a geothermal area on Tukiterangi Street, Whakarewarewa, about 9.40pm, where a man had been pulled from the water unconscious.

Sadly he was unable to be revived.

His death will be referred to the Coroner.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Please attribute to Sergeant Jonny Evans, Police Search and Rescue.

Graham Garnett, 66, has been found sheltering in a hut in Kahurangi National Park, alive.

Graham went tramping in the Baton/Ellis River area and did not return as expected on 30 December.

An operation got underway involving Land Search and Rescue New Zealand (LandSAR) groups and specialist teams, New Zealand Defence Force, Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand and many volunteers and supporters.

One person has died following a serious crash in Tahuna Road, Whakatāne yesterday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the single vehicle crash around 3.40pm.

Sadly, one person has died.

Another person remains in a serious condition in hospital.

The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination and it has now been reopened.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

One person has sadly died following a serious crash in Haruru early this morning.

Around 12.10am today, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Puketona Road, near the Garden Court intersection.

Sadly, despite emergency services best efforts, the pedestrian died at the scene.

Puketona Road was closed between Haruru Falls Road and Te Karuwha Parade while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination, and has since re-opened.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the death are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Attributable to Senior Sergeant Bill Fisher, Bay of Plenty District Deployment Coordinator:

Police conducting a rescue operation of all those stranded in slip-struck Waioeka Gorge on State Highway 2 can confirm the people have been airlifted out of the gorge.

The rescue operation commenced last night, following Police being alerted to slips along the gorge road trapping people from travelling either way.

A man remains in a critical condition in hospital following a firearms incident in Onehunga yesterday.

Police located the victim at an Arthur Street property shortly after 11am, following reports a person had been shot.

Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce says a scene examination is ongoing at the residential address.

“Several people arrived at a residential address and discharged firearms at the front of the house, and the victim has been struck as a result of this. Investigators are making a number of enquiries to locate the people involved.

Police investigating the circumstances of the fatal crash in Tikitere last week are appealing to the public for information.

Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash around 4.20am, Thursday 15 January, on State Highway 30. Two people were sadly found deceased at the scene and another with moderate injuries.

Police would like to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage between the areas of Fenton Street, Rotorua and Curtis Road/SH30, Tikitere, between 2am and 4.20am on Thursday 15 January.

Attribute the following to Inspector Nicky Cooney, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander:

Police are commencing a rescue operation to remove members of the public stuck in between land slips on Waioeka Gorge, State Highway 2 between Ōpōtiki and Matawai.

Police are working with partner agencies on the rescue operation.

If you have any loved ones travelling on State Highway 2 in the area, that haven’t checked in with you, please contact 105.

Please quote event number P065149924.

Joint statement between New Zealand Police and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi:

A planned protest across the Auckland Harbour Bridge has had its permit declined, and access to the bridge will not be facilitated by Police.

The event is being organised by The Freedom and Rights Coalition for 31 January 2026.

A number of agencies have been working together in planning, and are well placed to respond to any protest activity taking place in the Auckland region.

Auckland Police investigating a firearms incident in Onehunga this morning are seeking information from the public after a person suffered critical injuries.

Shortly after 11am Police were called to a property on Arthur Street after reports a person had been shot.

Upon arrival a person was located with a gunshot wound and was transported to hospital, where they remain in a critical condition.

Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce says Police are asking the public for information about the incident.

Police can now release the name of the person who died following a crash in Hamurana, Nort of Rotorua on Tuesday 13 January.

He was 21-year-old Te Peeti Melahkai Raki, of Hamilton.

Two people remain in hospital following the crash.

Police are continuing to investigate the crash, and are still seeking any CCTV footage or dashcam video of a silver Lexus sedan, carrying the registration DZS7, on State Highway 1 and State Highway 5, between 4pm and 5:30pm on 13 January.

Please attribute to Detective Inspector Marty James:

Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man in Marewa this morning.

Emergency services were called to Savage Cres just before 11:10am after receiving reports a man had been assaulted.

Upon arrival, the man was located with critical injuries. Despite the best efforts of first responders, he died at the scene a short time after.

A 26-year-old woman was taken into custody at the scene, and is due to appear in the Hastings District Court tomorrow (17 January) charged with murder.