Police can now release the name of the woman who died following a water-related incident in Okitu on Monday 12 January.

She was 42-year-old Sandie Lee Reihana, from Kaiti, Gisborne.

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

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Bay of Plenty Police are seeing a concerning increase of nitrous oxide use while driving.

Police are aware of some people illegitimately using small sliver cannisters while driving, putting all road users at significant risk.

Inhaling nitrous oxide can cause euphoria and dissociation, among other side effects. Whilst these effects are generally short term, they seriously impact a person’s capability to drive and make cognitive decisions.

A person has died following a crash in Rangitikei this morning.

The crash on Taihape-Napier Road, involving a truck and a pedestrian, was reported just after 11:20am.

The pedestrian died at the scene. The truck driver sustained moderate to serious injuries.

Taihape-Napier Road remains closed near Comet Road while a scene examination is conducted.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police are issuing a reminder on water safety after two people have died in two separate water-related incidents across the Eastern District in the last 24 hours.

A man died following an incident off Wainuiorangi Road in Mahia at around 9:20pm yesterday.

Today, a woman was pulled from the water unresponsive near Whangara Road, Okitu at around 11:40am.

Both deaths will be referred to the Coroner.

Eastern District Commander, Superintendent Jeanette Park says water safety is often overlooked by most, but extremely important especially at this time of the year.

Police have a visible presence in the Highbury suburb of Palmerston North, as officers respond to a serious incident.

Police were called to the address on Pioneer Highway about 3.15pm.

Cordons are in place around Pioneer Highway, between Cardiff Street and Botanical Road. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area.

Further information will be provided when it becomes available.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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

Bay of Plenty Police are continuing to investigate the deaths of two people at an address on Old Coach Road in Pukehina.

Police are able to confirm that the death of the woman is being treated as suspicious, and the death of the man as unexplained.

A 50-year-old man is due to reappear in Tauranga District Court on 30 January on a charge of assaulting a person in a family relationship.

One person has been arrested and enquiries are continuing following an aggravated robbery in Okaihau yesterday.

At about 2.30pm, Police were notified of two people entering a superette on Settlers Way and taking a number of items before presenting a firearm towards the store worker.

Detective Sergeant Natalie Syddall, Northland CIB, says the pair then fled on foot.

“A witness then reported seeing two people matching the description of the offenders on Lake Road.

Police can name the man that is missing after a water-related incident on Saturday 10 January.

He was 25-year-old Teananga Tiotia, of Hamilton.

Police are supporting the family in this difficult time.

Emergency services remain on scene carrying out a search of the area, and enquiries are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police are urging anyone going near waters, no matter how strong at swimming, to take basic precautions to keep themselves safe.

Inspector Andrea McBeth, Area Commander for Hamilton City, says that each year Police see tragic outcomes in and around water.

“If you’re heading out to enjoy the water, be prepared. Water can be unforgiving. We want to have everyone come home safe and well to their whānau.

An earlier release referred to a water-related incident in Tauriko. 

This was incorrect. The correct location is Poripori Road, Lower Kaimai.

Apologies for any confusion caused.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre