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

The search for missing tramper Graham Garnett, 66, has been suspended.

This decision follows extensive searches of the area and is extremely difficult for all involved.

Police thank all the Land Search and Rescue New Zealand (LandSAR) groups and specialist teams, New Zealand Defence Force, Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand, and everyone involved in the search operation.

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Luke Vaughan:

Police have arrested and charged a 17-year-old man in relation to a firearms incident in Hornby on Christmas Day.

Police received calls shortly after 6:30pm on December 25 reporting a male being chased by others in Hornby, one with a firearm in their possession.

A person was later discovered in hospital with a suspected gunshot wound, which was not life-threatening.

An east Auckland man’s charges stepped up a gear after Police made an expensive and unexpected discovery at his property.

Police had executed a search warrant at an address in Juliet Avenue, Howick as part of an investigation into a series of petrol drive-offs across the wider area.

Senior Sergeant Simon Cornish, of Counties Manukau East Police, says upon arrival at the property, a man was seen at the back of the house attempting to flee.

“Police believed he was discarding evidence in the back yard.

Attributable to Acting Detective Sergeant Laura Murdoch:

Wellington Police investigating a number of serious assaults in Churton Park are appealing for information that may assist us in identifying the men pictured, as we believe they may be able to assist our investigation.

On Saturday 13 December 2025, Police were called to a premises in Churton Park where a gathering was taking place.

A teenager will face court over an aggravated robbery in Whangārei late last week.

It comes as Police continue to investigate a series of aggravated robberies targeting dairies in the community over recent weeks.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei CIB, says Police have been investigating the incident on Jack Street on 8 January.

“Our enquiries led us to a Te Kamo property this morning where a search warrant was executed,” he says.

“A 17-year-old male was taken into custody without incident.”

Please attribute to Superintendent Tony Hill, Canterbury District Commander:

Christchurch Police conducted a significant operation over the last week, as a number of gang members travelled into the region for a gang-related funeral.

The operation commenced last Thursday, 8 January as gang members began to travel into Christchurch, concluding yesterday, 13 January as gang members dispersed following the event.

A 63-year-old Southland man has sped his way into court after allegedly travelling at high speeds in Edendale.

On Wednesday 24 December, Police received multiple reports from members of the public of a black sports car speeding within the community.

Constable Julie Russell says it is alleged the man returned to the area multiple times, and in some instances took several people for rides in the vehicle.

“Thanks to information provided by the public, and through our initial enquiries, we identified the vehicle and its driver.”

Police have charged a man after a business owner was assaulted at work on Sunday evening.

The assault was reported in Whananaki just after 8pm on 11 January, when the victim was allegedly assaulted by a patron.

Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom, says Police have since located a 36-year-old Whangārei man, arresting and charging him over the incident.

“He has been charged with injuries with intent to injure and will appear in the Whangārei District Court next week,” she says.

Police can confirm the name of the man who died following a water-related incident in Mahia on Sunday 11 January.

He was 69-year-old Peter Reece Walker, from Mahia.

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

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

An earlier release stated the fatal crash on Taihape-Napier Road involved two vehicles and a pedestrian.

This is incorrect, the crash involved one vehicle and a pedestrian.

We ask media to please update their stories to reflect this.

We apologise for any confusion caused.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre