Hamilton Police have arrested and charged a 26-year-old woman after an investigation targeting recent online marketplace scams. 

Detective Sergeant Logan Oliver says Police launched an investigation after having received several reports of similar scam-related incidents. 

“It is believed marketplace sellers have met with the woman, who has then allegedly provided fake bank transfers to purchase and receive the item.”

Following enquiries, Police identified and located a 26-year-old woman where she was taken into custody.

Attributable to Inspector Phil Ward, Acting Manawatū Area Commander:

One person has been taken into custody following an earlier Police operation.

At around 11:50am, emergency services were called to an address on Whangaehu Village Road, north of Marton following reports of a serious assault. 

The victim was transported to hospital in a critical condition.

The alleged offender left the scene in a vehicle before Police arrival.

Southland Police have arrested and charged four people in connection to an alleged assault at a hotel in Mataura on 27 June. 

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Baird says the assault took place in the hotel carpark just before midnight.

“Police staff, assisted by the Armed Offenders Squad, executed a number of search warrants in Mataura on 3 July.

“CCTV footage of the incident has assisted our enquiries to date.”

Police are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with footage of the incident, to please come forward.

Police are seeking sightings of Nikora Geros-Nikora as part of an investigation into a violent aggravated robbery at a bar in Three Kings earlier this month.

A warrant to arrest has been issued for the 19-year-old man following the 5 July incident at the Brass Boxer Sports Bar.

Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill, of Auckland City West CIB, is appealing for anyone with information on the whereabouts of the man to come forward.

“Members of the public are advised not to approach Mr Geros-Nikora directly.

Police have charged a man after locating a large amount of drugs and cash during a traffic stop in North Dunedin last night. 

Around 10.30pm, Police saw a suspicious vehicle driving around the North Dunedin student area, where hundreds of students were believed to be celebrating Re-O’ Week. 

Since becoming operational across New Zealand from July 1, every driver can expect to be tested at the roadside anytime and anywhere for recent use of drugs. 

Police prioritises the safety of everyone on roads, and with the growing trend of drivers who take drugs and then are involved in deaths or serious injuries, this is a welcome additional tool to detect and deter drivers from causing harm on our roads. 

The 18-year-old woman reported missing from Torbay has been located safe and well.

Police thank those who have provided information that assisted in locating her.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police 

Two men have been arrested and charged after allegedly defrauding a vulnerable person out of a significant amount of money in the Bay of Plenty. 

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Van Kempen says the victim was manipulated into withdrawing cash from his bank account and handing it over as part of an elaborate scam. 

“Scammers are highly convincing and often prey on people when they are vulnerable or under pressure,” Detective Senior Sergeant Van Kempen says. 

Police have charged a man following an assault on a bus driver in west Auckland yesterday. 

At around 3.10pm, a Waitematā CIB officer was driving through Te Atatū when they located a stationary bus with a driver who had just been assaulted. 

Acting Detective Inspector Megan Goldie, Waitematā CIB, says enquiries established there had been an earlier traffic incident involving the bus and a vehicle on Alderman Drive, Henderson.

“The vehicle then followed the bus for several minutes as it travelled towards Roberts Road.

Police can confirm one person has died following a collision between a car and bus south of Cardrona this afternoon. 

Emergency services were alerted to the crash on Crown Range Road about 10.15am.  

Sadly, the sole occupant of the car died at the scene.  

The Serious Crash Unit has carried out a scene examination.  

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and Police are providing support to those involved. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police are asking for the public’s help finding 18-year-old Khushi, who has been reported missing from the Torbay area.

Media invitation/Advisory

What:                  Polar Plunge Wellington, take part or donate:  www.torchrun.org.nz

Where:               Freyberg Beach, Oriental Bay Wellington

Police are seeking location of a stolen vehicle, sought in connection with an investigation into an aggravated robbery at a Three Kings bar.

Two people have been charged over the robbery at the Brass Boxer on Mount Albert Road on 5 July, but a Police investigation continues.

Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill, Auckland City West Area Investigations Manager, says detectives are seeking a stolen Toyota Premio, registration JLC150.

A man who attempted to run from Police during a routine traffic stop should have stayed put.

At about 2.30am this morning, officers conducting routine traffic stops along Roscommon Road, Clendon Park signalled for the driver of a Mazda Axela to pull over.

Inspector MinHo Lee, Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager, says the driver stopped and got out before attempting to run away.

“Officers quickly apprehended the man and after smelling cannabis coming from the vehicle a search was carried out.

Police need your help in a case about a family’s beloved parrots being stolen.

Two of the trampers were seriously injured, and one was stuck due to icy conditions.

Two people have died following a crash in Ahipara this morning.

Police were called to the two-vehicle crash on Kaitaia-Awaroa Road at around 9:40am.

Two people died at the scene, a third person was critically injured.

The road remains closed while a scene examination is carried out.

Detours are in place, motorists are advised to expect ongoing delays as the road will remain closed for several hours.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police have charged one person following a serious stabbing at a gathering in Te Kamo last week. 

Whangārei Police were called to a Forest View Road address at 11.50pm on 3 July to reports of an altercation in which one person was stabbed.

Detective Senior Sergent Shane Pilmer, Northland CIB, says officers located a young person with severe injuries and immediately provided first aid before paramedics transported him to hospital.

“The victim underwent surgery and remains in hospital in a stable condition.”

Police investigating an alleged copper theft in Wellington last week are seeking the public’s assistance. 

Between 6am and 7am on Friday 3 July, Police were notified that railway signal cables had been tampered with at the southern end of the Takapu Road platform in Tawa.

The damage caused multiple signal issues and disrupted rail services.

Police are seeking to identify the person pictured, as we believe they may have information that could assist our enquiries.

Police are working to locate Rogan Hare-Huru, who has a warrant for his arrest and is actively avoiding Police. 

The 30-year-old wanted by Police for a firearms offence and is known to have connections across Auckland.

Hare-Huru is considered dangerous and should not be approached.

If you have seen Hare-Huru or have any information that may assist in locating him, please contact 105, using the reference number 260427/2719. 

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

ENDS.

Police have charged a man in connection with a series of burglaries in central Auckland, following a public appeal for information.

Last month, Police released images as part of an investigation into burglaries at storage facilities in the Auckland City area between April and June. 

Acting Auckland City Area Commander, Inspector Beth Houliston, says Police executed a search warrant at a North Shore address this morning.

“A 42-year-old man was arrested and charged with six counts of burglary.

A determined investigation over months has led to arrests over a serious aggravated robbery at a west Auckland gaming venue. 

Waitematā detectives have been investigating since the offending occurred on the night of 8 May in Glen Eden, as the business was closing.

Offenders, allegedly carrying weapons, forced two staff members back inside.

Detective Senior Sergeant Adam Lough, Waitematā CIB, says the offenders were heavily disguised at the time of the offending.

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Darren Pritchard:

Police acknowledge the sentence handed down to Kereama Rewita today in Napier High Court.

The 30-year-old was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 10 years, after pleading guilty to the murder of Tulasunu’i Pati last year.

Tulasunu’i Pati, known as Keith, sadly died after being stabbed outside his property in Hastings on Sunday 16 February 2025.

A treasured taonga stolen from a local Waikato museum and church history facility has been located and returned to its spiritual home by Waikato Police. 

Leaders of the Pacific Church History Museum at Temple View in Hamilton are grateful to police staff for the swift return of the valued piece of pounamu.

The greenstone mere, representing a piece of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints history, was reported stolen from the museum over the weekend of July 4.

Police are seeking information on the whereabouts of Arthur Ashby. 

The 20-year-old has a parole recall warrant, and Police are working to locate him.

We believe Ashby may be in the wider Auckland area, but he also is known to have connections in the Northland region.

If you have information on Ashby’s whereabouts, contact Police on 105 using the reference number 260525/9475.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police. 

Police are appealing for sightings of Saxzin Steedman, who has been reported missing from Dargaville.

Saxzin, 22, was last seen leaving Cranley Street on Tuesday 30 June at about 4pm.

He is believed to be wearing black pants, a black sweatshirt and red shoes.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen Saxzin in the Dargaville or wider area from about 3.30pm on Tuesday 30 June.

Dargaville residents are also asked to check their sheds and backyards in the event he is seeking shelter.

A dodgy driver has landed himself a court date after failing to stop for Police in Whangārei overnight.

At about 1.30am, an officer spotted a vehicle travelling on Kiripaka Road, Tikipunga and signalled for it to stop.

“The vehicle has then failed to stop and continued on into Corks Road,” Whangārei Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Rene Rakete says.

“The officer has then disengaged and pulled over, where they have seen the vehicle driving without it’s lights on towards Kamo Road.”

Police acknowledge the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s findings into a critical incident that occurred at Ōrere Point in March 2025.

On 2 March 2025, Police located a vehicle in the Papakura area that was sought in connection with two aggravated robberies where a firearm had been presented. 

This vehicle was tracked by units to Ōrere Point where it came to a stop on the beach.

Police are seeking information as part of an investigation into an aggravated robbery at a Three Kings bar on Sunday night. 

Six offenders entered the bar on Mount Albert Road just before 10pm.

Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill, Auckland City West Area Investigations Manager, says some of the offenders were carrying weapons. 

“All six arrived in a stolen vehicle, quickly entering the bar and targeting cash on site,” he says.

Police seized drugs, a firearm and ammunition following two separate vehicle stops just minutes apart.

At around 1am this morning, officers observed a white Audi travelling on Sandstone Road, Whitford.

Counties Manukau East Station Sergeant, Sergeant Robert Smith, says the vehicle was linked to a driver who should not have been behind the wheel. 

“Police stopped the vehicle on Whitford Park Road, and the driver was arrested for driving while forbidden. 

Police were called to a report of a fight between two people at a Forest View Road address at about 11.50pm on Friday.

One person has died after a single-vehicle crash on Port Albert Road, Port Albert, this evening. 

Emergency services were called to the scene about 5.25pm.

One person was located in critical condition, and they sadly died a short time later. 

The road is closed, with diversions in place, while the Serious Crash Unit works at the scene.

Motorists should avoid the area. 

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police have charged a man following a firearms incident in Raglan yesterday. 

Around 8.45am, Police were called with a report that a person had been injured with a firearm on Whaanga Road. Police responded immediately, and a 54-year-old man was arrested. 

The victim received minor injuries and was assessed by ambulance at the scene. 

Detective Sergeant Rahul Badri, of the Waikato West CIB, says immediately following the arrest Police executed a search warrant and conducted a scene examination. 

Two off-duty constables in Kerikeri have been instrumental in the arrest of a man wanted for multiple burglaries across the Mid North.

It’s a broken-down van off Kerikeri Inlet Road that caught the attention of one off-duty constable, who clocked that one of the occupants was wanted to arrest after a series of burglaries, including the theft of a $40,000 boat. 

A phone call to on-duty staff led officers to the van where they located a masked passenger. Their main man, however, was on a mission to find petrol, miles from anywhere. 

One person has died after a crash in Rangiriri overnight.

About 1.05am, Police were called to Te Ohaki Road after a report of a car colliding with a pedestrian near Norquay Road.

Upon arrival, one person was located deceased.

There are no other reported injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit has conducted a scene examination.

Police’s enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Huntly Police investigating a serious assault in May, have arrested and charged two people. 

The assault occurred on Main Street, around 1.30am on Sunday 17 May. The victim received moderate injuries and was understandably very shaken by the incident. 

Police executed search warrants this week at two addresses in the Huntly area and two men have subsequently been arrested in relation to the incident. 

Detective Sergeant Rahul Badri, Huntly CIB, says these arrests are an excellent outcome for this investigation. 

Police are investigating after thieves targeted businesses across Christchurch early this morning. 

Six businesses, including liquor stores and a pharmacy, were targeted within 90 minutes. 

Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel says Police believe the events may be linked. 

“We are following every line of enquiry available to us to locate the people we believe are responsible. 

Attributable to Acting Inspector Mel Robertson, Southland Area Prevention Manager: 

Southland Police have arrested and charged two youth following a ram raid in Otatara, south of Invercargill.  

About 4.35am on Thursday 2 July, Police were called to Dunns Road after a vehicle had been used to unlawfully enter a commercial premises.  

The alleged offenders have targeted alcohol and other items before leaving the area in two vehicles. 

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Aleki Maka, Nelson Tactical Crime Unit: 

A 32-year-old alleged serial burglar in Nelson has been arrested and remanded in custody. 

The man will appear in the Nelson District Court on 14 July facing numerous burglary charges. 

Police located the local suspect after investigating their latest burglary on Washington Road. 

A search warrant executed at his home address found a stash of stolen items. 

Attributable to Inspector Jamie Keenleyside:

A man is due to appear in Rotorua District Court after members of the public have dobbed in alleged dangerous driving behaviours which later revealed alleged drug-related offending. 

About 6.35pm yesterday, Police received several 111 calls about a vehicle allegedly driving in a dangerous manner by crossing the centreline and fluctuating speeds. 

In one instance, the vehicle has allegedly narrowly missed a collision with another vehicle.

Police have charged a 33-year-old woman with manslaughter following the death of her child in Devonport on New Year’s Day.

Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe, Waitematā CIB, says the woman was charged as part of the ongoing investigation into the three-year-old’s death at a residential address on Kerr Street.

Emergency services were called to the address at around 11pm on 1 January where they found the child deceased at the scene.

“This is an extremely tragic case and as the matter is now before the courts, we will not be making any further comment.”

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

Meads, 45, is wanted for assault related offences and is known to frequent various locations across the North Island.

It’s believed he is actively avoiding Police.

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

Please use the reference number 260510/7144.

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

ENDS.

Waitematā Police have this morning shut down a suspected methamphetamine manufacturing laboratory after executing a search warrant in Riverhead. 

Operation Tugboat was targeting a group with links to the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, believed to be involved in the manufacturing of methamphetamine. 

Detective Senior Sergeant Josh Lautogo says the investigation led officers to a Ridge Road address, in north-west Auckland, with officers executing a search warrant at 5.30am. 

Attribute to Senior Sergeant Nathan Snell, Wairoa Area Response Manager:

Police have arrested an offender found hiding in a property following ongoing investigations into recent burglaries in Wairoa.

Police attended reports of residential and commercial burglaries around the Wairoa area in June, with Police following lines of enquiry to narrow down suspects.

On Monday 29 June, Police responded to a report of an open door at a property on Delhi Street.

Police have arrested a dirt bike rider in Hamilton after they tried to evade the scene of a crash yesterday. 

Around 3.50pm, a dirt bike reported to be driving dangerously collided with a car on Victoria Street in central Hamilton. 

Thankfully, no one was injured, but the dirt bike rider immediately ran from the scene. 

Little did he know, an off-duty officer was watching this incident unfold and followed the man until on-duty Police arrived. 

Attribute to Acting Senior Sergeant Rob Irvine:

A regular patrol for Darfield Police led them to a trove of hidden drugs, ammunition and weapons yesterday.

Around 1.30pm, Police sighted a known offender driving while suspended on West Coast Road in Selwyn and turned on lights and sirens to signal the driver to pull over.

The driver fled instead, accelerating at speed on the highway and driving on the wrong side of the road, dramatically trying to avoid Police.

Due to the manner of driving, Police did not initiate a pursuit.

Police are seeking information on the whereabouts of Dukemei Topia-Himiona who is missing.

The 23-year-old is currently missing in the Auckland region and was last seen on 16 June 2026.

Police have recently received information which has caused concerns for his health and wellbeing.

Police are seeking any information on Dukemei’s whereabouts.

He is described as being about 182cm in height.

He has been known to frequent the Mount Wellington and Onehunga areas.

If you see Dukemei, please contact Police on 111.

Police are working to locate Kaisa Griffin, who has a warrant for his arrest and is actively avoiding Police. 

The 19-year-old is wanted by Police for breaching his bail conditions and is believed to be in the Auckland region.

Griffin is considered dangerous and should not be approached.

Any sightings should be reported to Police on 111, using the reference number 260316/5075

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

ENDS.

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police. 

Attribute to Area Commander Inspector Scott Miller:

A swift response by Police ensured four offenders were caught as they tried to flee across districts following a violent assault yesterday.

Officers in Hamilton responded to a report of an aggravated burglary around 10pm on Ulster Street where an address was forcefully entered and one person seriously assaulted before attempting to steal their motorcycle.

The offenders fled the scene in a vehicle, and making their way to Auckland via the motorway.

Attribute to Senior Sergeant Craig Ellison: 

Police can confirm one person has died following a two-vehicle crash in Rangiora this afternoon. 

The crash occurred on Percival Street about 12.45pm. 

Despite the best efforts of first responders and emergency personnel, one of the drivers died at the scene. Police are providing support to their next of kin. 

Another person was treated for moderate injuries.

The road has since reopened and enquiries into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

In a year-long operation looking into illegal drugs run by organised crime, Waikato Police have made dozens of arrests across three gangs, taken drugs and guns off the streets and seized millions in assets.

Detective Inspector Albie Alexander of the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) says Operation Texas was commenced in early 2025 looking into a widespread drug issue linked to the Waikato chapter of the Comanchero MC.

Police responding to multiple calls of dangerous driving and traffic offending in Waikato West have taken one person into custody. 

Around 8.15pm yesterday, several calls were made about a blue sedan reportedly doing burnouts and putting other vehicles at risk on Old Mountain Road in Karamu. 

Police located the vehicle sometime later crashed into a ditch, where the driver and passenger fled the scene, but Police caught up to them. 

A Police dog unit was on the scent of youths who crashed a stolen car in Auckland early this morning. 

At around 4.40am, Auckland City officers observed a Mazda Axela acting suspiciously on Hobson Street.

Auckland Central Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Shaun Richardson, says a unit signalled for the vehicle to stop, but the driver fled at high speeds.

“Due to the dangerous nature of the driving, the vehicle was not pursued.

Whangārei Police are appealing for information from the public in relation to a robbery in Tikipunga on Saturday night.

At about 8.45pm, a group of five offenders arrived at the Mobil service station on Kiripaka Road in a stolen Subaru, which has been taken from outside a Keyne Street address earlier in the day.

Detective Sergeant Ryan Cooper, Northland CIB, says some of the offenders entered the store carrying weapons (not firearms).

Police are seeking the public’s help identifying the man seen in these photos.

We believe he may be able to assist us with our ongoing investigation into a series of burglaries in the Auckland City area.

One of the burglaries took place at a self-storage facility on Cook Street on 7 May at about 7.30am.

If this is you, or you have any information that could assist us, please get in touch through 105, either online or by phone.

Please reference file number 260524/4790.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

A coordinated effort between Feilding, Marton, and Bulls Police has resulted in the arrest of a 28-year-old man in relation to a series of property offences across the Rangitīkei and Manawatū districts.

The man faces a total of 17 charges, including 11 burglaries, two unlawfully takes of motor vehicles, three shoplifting offences, and one charge of using a stolen bank card.

The offending includes a burglary at Feilding High School, as well as several residential burglaries in Bulls and rural Feilding.

Attributable to Detective Inspector Anna Grant:

Another case of a suspected GHB/GBL overdose has been detected in the Wellington region overnight, this time in Wainuiomata.

The person is in a serious condition and remains in hospital today.

This brings the total number of suspected overdoses to six since last Friday. 

We continue to investigate the matter as a priority given the risk to the public.

This includes working to identify if the cases are connected, and find out where the supply has originated. 

Attributable to Detective Scott Vollweiler, Alexandra CIB: 

Cromwell Police investigating a burglary at a commercial address in Tarras last weekend are seeking information from the public. 

The burglary on the corner of Jollys Road and Deep Creek Road occurred sometime between 5pm Friday 19 June and 7am Monday 22 June. 

A number of items vital for day-to-day operations were taken, as well as around 1000 litres of fuel.