Police Maritime responded to a search and rescue incident this afternoon after a group of kayakers were reported overdue off the coast in the Stanmore Bay area.

The group had set off from Mahurangi intending to paddle to Manly Beach. When one double kayak failed to arrive as expected and sea conditions deteriorated, with rough seas and winds of 15–20 knots, a member of the group contacted Police.

Police have seized a dirt bike and arrested its rider following dangerous and unlawful behaviour on Taupō roads.

We’re targeting the use of off-road motorcycles on local roads says Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Yardley, Taupō Area Investigations Manager.

“We’ve had numerous complaints about dirt bikes speeding in residential areas and on public roads where they’re quite simply not permitted. 

“Yesterday we executed several search warrants after numerous complaints from members of the public.

Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a male involved in a burglary at Glen Innes home early on Friday morning.

An investigation is underway after occupants awoke to an unknown male inside their home on Chiltern Crescent at around 4.30am.

Police are releasing an initial description of the man in an effort to identify and locate him.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Kirk, of Auckland City CIB, says an occupant of the property was awoken at around 4.30am.

Attributable to Inspector Neil Forlong, Whanganui Area Commander:

Investigators undertaking a scene examination at a house fire in Rangataua located one person deceased yesterday afternoon.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) were alerted to the house fire on Kaha Street at around 6.40pm on Thursday 16 April.

The fire was extinguished by Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), and Police were notified at around 7.25pm.

A scene guard was put in place overnight, to allow for a scene examination to be conducted during daylight hours yesterday.

Western Bay of Plenty Police are investigating incidents where people have received a scam phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer.

Acting Sergeant Gea Grilli is urging members of the Western Bay of Plenty community to be alert to the scam.

The ‘officer’ will call from an unknown number, and provide details in order to seemingly prove their identity.

A man has landed himself a court date after he was caught fishing in a protected marine reserve.

Police are urging people to be wary of unsolicited tree trimmers or gardeners, after a Masterton man was charged an exorbitant amount for shoddy work.

Attributable to Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander:

A release yesterday stated the two people that had died following a water-related incident in Kawerau were aged 10 and 12.

This is incorrect, the two boys that died were aged 10 and 11.

Police apologise for any confusion that has been caused, and ask media to please update their stories to reflect this.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Police can now release the names of the two people that died following a crash on Wairere Drive, Hamilton on Monday 13 April.

They were Jrusc Wilson and Reef Gurnick, both aged 15.

Our thoughts are with those close to them.

Two people remain in hospital in a serious condition following the crash.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

As Christchurch prepares for an exciting fortnight of big events in the city, Police are asking eventgoers to support a safe and positive environment for everyone to enjoy.

Christchurch Metro Area Commander Superintendent Lane Todd says two major first-time events are creating a high-energy and vibrant atmosphere for the community.

“The Repco Supercars Championship and the Super Rugby Super Rounds are bringing large crowds into the city, and we are proud to play our part in helping people enjoy them safely.

Attributable to Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander:

Two people have died after a water-related incident in the Tarawera River near Boyce Park late this morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 11.30am after a report of a party becoming stuck under a bank.

Sadly, two people were located deceased a short time later.

The deaths will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

A man attempting to evade Police by hiding in the backseat of a vehicle has been arrested after tallying up a list of charges.

On 14 April, Northland Police were trying to locate a man who was wanted in connection with a series of burglaries across the region.

Mid North Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Mark Barratt, says officers were making their way to an address of interest when they came across a vehicle known to be used by the suspect.

An alleged fuel thief and his partner have been arrested in the Waikato thanks to a working security camera and a quick tip-off.

Police were called to a commercial property at Horsham Downs about 8pm yesterday after a person noticed a suspicious character and vehicle on a CCTV feed. While they were on the phone they watched as the person started siphoning more than 200 litres of diesel from a tank at the property.

Waikato Western Area Commander Inspector Andrew Mortimore says timing was everything.

Police are appealing for information following a public brawl in Kopeopeo, Whakatāne this afternoon.

At around 12.30pm, Police were called to the intersection of James and King Street with reports that a fight had broken out involving several people.

Officers responded immediately, however the majority of the group had already fled in vehicles. There were no reported serious injuries.

Senior Sergeant Anthony Hay, Area Prevention Manager, says this was an alarming incident for the public to witness.

A woman who allegedly burgled a Manurewa laundromat repeatedly will face court today.

On eight separate occasions between 26 March and 13 April, the offender and several associates allegedly burgled a Jellicoe Road laundromat.

Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager, Inspector MinHo Lee, says the offending followed the same pattern.

“During each burglary, washing machines and dryers were broken into, and coins were stolen from the deposit boxes.”

But just like a short wash cycle, this offender’s time was almost up.

Attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Luke Vaughan, Christchurch CIB: 

Police have arrested and charged a young person in relation to two aggravated robberies last week in Christchurch.

On Monday 6 April, Police were called to two aggravated robberies of commercial businesses, one around 8.10pm on Briggs Road, Shirley, and another around 8.20pm on McBratneys Road, Dallington.

In both incidents, two offenders entered the stores with weapons and assaulted one of the workers before fleeing in a vehicle.

A man who stole a vehicle with a dog inside and drove dangerously across Auckland will now face court. 

Police were called to Lincoln Street, Ponsonby at around 1pm on Tuesday after a dog walker’s vehicle was stolen.

Inside was Otis, the Border Collie.

Auckland City East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Tony Ngau Chun, says the vehicle was initially sighted travelling in Onehunga.

“Spikes were deployed, but the driver increased his speed and continued northbound.

Police are disheartened in the number of fatal crashes on our roads across the country over the last few days and are urging drivers to exercise caution.

Director of Road Policing, Superintendent Steve Greally says nine people have lost their lives in crashes since Friday 10 April, and there have been many more serious crashes – some sadly involving young people.

“This is incredibly frustrating.

Police want to find the owners three rings, that were recovered during a search warrant in Gisborne.

Police conducted a search warrant today, at an address on Taruheru Crescent. During the search, the pictured rings were found and are believed to be stolen.

The rings are quite distinctive, and Police would like to return them to their rightful owner.

A man has been arrested after a routine traffic stop yielded drugs, cash, and weapons yesterday in Lower Hutt.

Wellington Police Dog Section Officer in Charge, Senior Sergeant Paul Fleck, says a Police dog handler unit and partner stopped a vehicle that was seen to be speeding, around 5pm on Waterloo Road.

“Officers quickly noticed a hammer that appeared out of place in the driver’s door that could be easily accessed and used as a weapon, which raised safety concerns,” he said.

Ambulances have been targeted and damaged at two Hato Hone St John bases in Manukau and Ōtāhuhu.

Police are at the scene of a serious crash involving a car and truck, which has blocked Wairere Drive at Harrowfield, Hamilton.

The crash was reported about 2.30pm and happened between Pukete and River roads.

One person has critical injuries while several others are reportedly in serious condition.

The Serious Crash Unit is carrying out a scene examination and Pukete Bridge remains closed while emergency service work at the scene.

Members of the public are asked to avoid the area, and diversions are in place.

Media are invited to the Wing 394 Reverend Tieki Kaa recruit graduation.

Manawatū Police Search and Rescue, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, and Coastguard New Zealand are urging people to remain vigilant and to be prepared when heading out on the water.

Sergeant Marcus Fellerhoff says over the summer there were eight incidents in the Kapiti, Horowhenua, and Manawatū coastlines that required emergency assistance.

“Early last week, Police Search and Rescue were alerted to a person in difficulty off Otaki Beach after falling from their kayak.

One person has died following a two vehicle crash in Sanson this morning.

Emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway One on Bulls Bridge at around 10.55am.

Sadly, despite the efforts of emergency services, one person died at the scene.

State Highway One remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a scene examination.

Motorists are advised to follow diversions and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

A Northland man has been charged in connection with more than $250,000 of damage to aircraft, following a burglary at the Kaikohe Gliding Club.

Two people have died after a serious crash in Gisborne overnight.

Emergency services were called to a single vehicle crash on Tucker Road at around 11.40pm.

Sadly, upon arrival, two people were located deceased.

Two people were transported to hospital in a critical condition, and two others received moderate injuries.

Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this difficult time.

The Serious Crash Unit have conducted a scene examination, and the road has reopened.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

One person has died early this morning following a single vehicle crash.

The crash involved an electric bicycle on Banks Road, Rongotea about 12.40am.

Sadly the rider died at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination, and the road has now reopened.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police are praising rescue staff who have retrieved two climbers from a precarious mountainside near Sabre Peak in Fiordland National Park today.

About 4.30pm on Wednesday, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) was activated in the Sabre Peak area. 

A Southern Lakes Helicopter was dispatched, however, due to heavy rain and low cloud, a rescue was unable to be carried out. The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) passed information to Police so they could launch a search and rescue operation.

Police have now arrested eight people in relation to a fight at the Common Room bar on 8 March.

Detective Sergeant Heath Jones says more than 30 charges have been laid amongst those arrested.

“We are pleased to have held some of those responsible to account. Our team of three investigations staff have worked incredibly hard to bring about this result.

“This was a violent incident that was understandably traumatising for the victims and those who witnessed it.

“Our enquiries are ongoing, and we are likely to lay further charges.”

A speeding motorist has led Auckland Police to discovering a loaded firearm and nitrous oxide.

On Thursday evening, a road policing unit was carrying out usual patrols in Epsom when a speeding saloon caught an officer’s attention.

Senior Sergeant Dave Plunkett, from Auckland City Road Policing, says a traffic stop was carried out on Green Lane West around 5.30pm.

“As an officer was approaching the vehicle, he has observed the two occupants allegedly trying to hide balloons,” he says.

One person has died following a crash in Lower Moutere this afternoon.

The two-vehicle crash involving a car and a cyclist at the intersection of Edwards Road and Central Road was reported just after 12:40pm.

The cyclist died at the scene.

Road closures remain in place while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Attribute to Hutt Valley Field Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Haley Ryan:

Police have launched a homicide investigation after a man was located unresponsive in Lower Hutt yesterday.

At 8.15am, Police were called to Malone Road, Waterloo, after a man was reported to be lying on the ground outside an address.

Upon emergency services’ arrival, the man was confirmed to be deceased.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish what exactly has occurred, however Police are now treating the death as a homicide.

Police are in attendance at a sudden death on Malone Road.

At 8.15am, a report was received of a man being located on the ground outside an address.

Emergency services at the scene have confirmed the man has died.

The immediate area has been cordoned off as inquiries are undertaken.

Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

A Police dog unit was hot on the scent of four young males this morning in Miramar, which saw them taken into custody within an hour.

Police were called shortly after 2:10am to reports of multiple alarm activations minutes earlier at a store on Tauhinu Road.

Officers were on scene within five minutes, and upon arrival saw the front door smashed in and a vehicle dumped at the scene.

Another vehicle of interest was subsequently identified on traffic cameras.

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Rebecca Podmore: 

The post-mortem examination for the person who died in Papanui, Christchurch, yesterday has been completed.

Police can confirm that the death was not of a suspicious nature and has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police are investigating two assaults believed to have occurred in Sydenham and are seeking information from the public as part of ongoing enquiries.

On Wednesday 18 March at around 10:15pm, Police were notified of a stabbing at Bradford Park.

The victim was transported to hospital for treatment and was released shortly after.

Enquiries to date indicate a second assault occurred earlier that evening on Colombo Street, just south of Fisher Avenue, at around 9:30pm.

Police believe the two incidents are linked.

Dunedin Southern Motorway, Burnside, has reopened following an incident this morning and Police are now asking the public for information.

At around 10.40am, Police responded to reports that a digger had partially come off the back of a truck and was blocking multiple lanes.

Dunedin Southern Motorway was closed in both directions, between the Main South Road on-ramp and Caversham Valley Road, while the digger was uplifted, and it re-opened around 1.40pm.

Assistant Commissioner Tusha Penny says we are continuing to monitor fuel thefts, and we have started to see an increase in diesel thefts.

Police can now release the name of the woman who died following an e-scooter crash in Twizel on 28 February.

She was Amber Rose Young, 42, from Geraldine.

Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this difficult time.

The death was referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police delivered an early Easter surprise to a Christchurch gang member, who was arrested and charged in relation to drug supply last week.

Police in Christchurch remain committed in their efforts to locate missing woman Rowena Walker, nearly eight months after her last confirmed sighting.

Attributable to Inspector Kai Shao:

Police are making enquiries following a crash involving an unmarked Police vehicle in Newton Road, Eden Terrace last night.

The two-vehicle crash was reported just before 8:50pm.

Two people sustained minor injuries in the crash, the driver of the second vehicle involved, and a Police officer.

Two other Police officers in the unmarked vehicle were uninjured, however both vehicles have sustained extensive damage.

Newton Road was closed for a period of time following the crash, re-opening at around midnight.

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Scott McKenzie:

A man has been arrested this morning in relation to an incident in West Huntly on Thursday 2 April.

At around 7pm, a group of men approached an address armed with firearms. A verbal altercation with the occupants of the address followed.

A firearm was then discharged from within the address towards the group that had approached the property, before that group returned fire into the house.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

One person has died following a crash on State Highway 1, Waipu this morning.

The single vehicle crash involving a motorcycle, near the intersection with Waipu Gorge Road was reported just before 9:40am.

The rider died at the scene.

State Highway 1 remains open.

The Serious Crash Unit have conducted a scene examination and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Four people have been arrested, two vehicles seized and dozens of infringements issued after an anti-social road user event in Manawatū.

Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Matenga Gray says two patrol cars were damaged after the group launched projectiles, but the 200 vehicles involved in the event “spent their night dealing with Police rather than tearing up local roads and causing distress to communities”.

Ahead of the planned event, Police launched Operation Golf in order to disrupt dangerous and anti-social driving activity before it could escalate.

One person has died following a single-vehicle crash in Kaitaia overnight.

Emergency services were alerted to a vehicle hitting a tree, near the intersection of North Road and Farrimond Place, about 10.30pm.

Sadly, the driver, the sole occupant, died at the scene.

Police are providing their family with support.

Enquiries into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

One person has died following a crash in Tasman yesterday.

The two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Coastal Highway (SH60) and Easton Loop was reported at around 2:45pm.

One person died at the scene, a second person sustained moderate injuries.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Attributable to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard, Wellington District Crime Manager:

A young person has been arrested in relation to the death of a man in Wainuiomata yesterday.

Police were called to Wainuiomata Road about 9am after a report of the man having been found unresponsive.

He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

While his death was initially being treated as unexplained, Police are now investigating the matter as a homicide.

The young person has been charged with assault with a weapon, and enquiries are ongoing.

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Batey, Officer in Charge Counties Manukau East CIB: 

Police have arrested and charged two people following a kidnapping and aggravated robbery in Botany earlier this week.

On Tuesday 31 March, a woman was allegedly kidnapped in her own vehicle from outside a shopping centre on Chapel Road, Botany.

Following Police enquiries, Officers have arrested and charged two women in relation to the incident.

Police responding to reports of a possible firearm sighted on East Street in Petone have taken three people into custody.

Emergency services were called around 7.20am to the Lower Hutt suburb, and armed police were quickly deployed as a matter of precaution.

Roads from East Street to Waione Street were closed in the area to ensure safety during the incident but are open now with cordons and diversions removed.

Police will continue to investigate the matter.

Appropriate charges are being considered.

Attribute to Detective Inspector Stephen Ambler, Field Crime Manager:

Police are investigating the deaths of two people in Hamilton East this evening.

Police were notified around 4pm after two people were found deceased at an address on York Street.

Enquiries into what exactly has occurred at the address are ongoing, however at this stage the deaths are being treated as unexplained.

Cordons remain in place at York Street while Police carry out a scene examination and a scene guard will remain in place overnight.

Police are urging sports and community clubs across Hawke’s Bay to be vigilant following a number of burglaries targeting club premises.

Since February, Police have investigated nine burglaries at clubs across the region, with offenders causing damage and stealing items including cash, alcohol, and equipment.

While enquiries into these incidents are ongoing, Police are reminding clubs and community organisations to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of becoming a target.

Here are some ways to keep your premises safe:

An offender who fled Northland Police in a stolen vehicle was located drenched, defiant and in possession of methamphetamine yesterday.

At around 1pm, an officer in Kaeo sighted a vehicle reported stolen following a burglary.

Mid/Far North Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Clem Armstrong, says the driver saw Police and took off.

“The driver fled but was not pursued.”

A short time later, the vehicle was sighted on Waiare Road, Kaeo. The vehicle was then abandoned, and a man was seen running into the bush.

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.

ENDS

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.

ENDS

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.

ENDS 

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.

ENDS

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.

ENDS

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.

ENDS

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.