Police in Southland have a warrant to arrest Lawrence Bennett, following a bail breach. Police advise the public not to approach him and to call 111 immediately.

Attribute: Senior Sergeant Hamish Keer-Keer

Two Canterbury youths had their plans of stealing a distinctive car spiked by police last night.

The pair aged 13 and 16 stole a pink Toyota Vitz in Rolleston at approximately 9.45pm.

But their joy ride was over 30 minutes later after Police spotted the car and deployed spikes in Yaldhurst. 

The vehicle safely stopped in Hornby with no other damage to the vehicle or injuries reported.

Attribute to Detective Inspector Jamie Woods, Field Crime Manager, Wellington Police:

Police have arrested two people in relation to the death of Nathaniel Sturmey who died at a Malone Road, Waterloo address in April 2026.

Multiple search warrants were executed this morning with the assistance of the Armed Offenders Squad at addresses in the Moera and Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt areas.

A 25-year-old male has been arrested for murder.

A 46-year-old female has been arrested for accessory after the fact to murder.

Police acknowledge and accept the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) in relation to the fatal shooting of Tom Phillips in September 2025.

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Wallacetown on 21 July.

The two-vehicle crash on Riverton/Wallacetown Highway was reported at around 5:20pm.

One person was critically injured, they have since passed away as a result of their injuries in hospital.

A second person was seriously injured in the crash.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Have you seen Sione Maile Tonga?

Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of Sione Maile Tonga, 28, who has a warrant to arrest and is wanted by Police. 

It is believed Tonga may be in the Waikato or Bay of Plenty area. 

If you see Tonga, please do not approach him and instead call Police on 111 immediately with as much information as safely possible. 

Information regarding his whereabouts can be provided to Police online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105. 

Please use the reference number 260731/6125.

Have you seen Sione Maile Tonga?

Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of Sione Maile Tonga, 28, who has a warrant to arrest and is wanted by Police. 

It is believed Tonga may be in the Waikato or Bay of Plenty area. 

If you see Tonga, please do not approach him and instead call Police on 111 immediately with as much information as safely possible. 

Information regarding his whereabouts can be provided to Police online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105. 

Please use the reference number 260731/6125.

Police’s investigation into the tragic incidents at Mauao and Welcome Bay in January remains ongoing.

Police are appealing for information after several brass memorial plaques were removed from central Christchurch last week.

Police investigating a crash earlier today in Timaru are seeking information from the public. 

At around 11:40am today (18 August) Police were called to a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian near the intersection of Wai-iti Road and Wilson Street.

The pedestrian was critically injured and remains in hospital.

We’re seeking information from anybody who witnessed the crash, including any CCTV or dashcam footage.