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.