Police can now advise one person has died in a crash on State Highway 5, Tapapa this morning.

The single-vehicle crash was reported to Police at 10.45am.

The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit examines the crash scene.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

To be attributed to Acting Inspector Mel Robertson, Area Prevention Manager: 

Invercargill Police are investigating the theft of a number of burial plaques from grave sites at St Johns Cemetery. 

The plaques were stolen between 28 October and 22 November 2025.

Several of the stolen plaques were taken from the graves of Returned Service personnel who served in the First and Second World Wars, making this a particularly distressing crime for families and the wider community. 

Central District Police are on a mission – to make sure the festive season is merrier by taking impaired drivers off the roads.

As the Christmas period approaches, Central District Police’s Operation Rudolph has taken off, to remind motorists that drinking and driving is simply not okay.

Between Wednesday 26 November to Saturday 29 November, Taranaki road policing staff tested more than 18,000 drivers.

Manawatū Road Policing Services Team Leader Senior Sergeant Andy Reid is urging all motorists to take responsibility in keeping the roads safe.

Police are asking for the public’s help finding Metallica, who has been reported missing from the Manurewa area.

The 13-year-old was last seen at about 8.45am on 14 November.

Metallica is described as about 160cms tall with long black hair.

She is known to frequent the Wellsford area.

If you have seen Metallica or have information that might help us find her, please call 111 and quote reference number 251114/0125.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, Auckland Central Area Investigations Manager:

Police are now able to advise the body found in Pukekohe on 22 November has been formally identified as Te Anihana Pomana.

As always, our thoughts and sympathies are with Te Anihana’s whānau and friends at this difficult time.

Te Anihana’s death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Mark Leathem, Coromandel Hauraki CIB:

A man has been arrested after an incident yesterday where a firearm was discharged near a popular Thames swimming hole.

Police were called about 5pm to the location on Kauaeranga Valley Road after reports that a man had threatened members of the public and discharged a shot into the air.

He then allegedly discarded the weapon into vegetation before leaving in a vehicle with another party.

One person has died after a water-related incident in Glenbrook this morning.

Emergency services were called to the area near Falston Road, Glenbrook, about 8.40am after a person was pulled unresponsive from the water.

CPR was undertaken, however sadly they died at the scene.

The death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

One person has been found deceased after a serious crash in Wairoa this morning.

Police were alerted to the crash about 4.10am after a vehicle went into the water near the intersection of Carroll Street and River Parade.

One person has now been located deceased in the water outside of the vehicle.

While there is not believed to be anyone else outstanding, the Police National Dive Squad will attend to inspect the vehicle.

Cordons remain in place while emergency services staff work at the scene.

Motorists should continue to avoid the area, if possible.