Attributable to Detective Liam Mitchell:

Police have paused the search for missing man, Gareth Anderson, who was swept down a river near Craigieburn Forest Park on Thursday 27 August.

The search has been paused due to adverse weather in the area.  

It is reported Gareth and his friend were hiking the Cass-Lagoon Saddle track just after midday. 

While crossing the river, Gareth fell and was swept downstream. Gareth’s friend sought help on State Highway 73 and was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Four gang members have been arrested after a Police operation targeting gang offending was terminated in Christchurch this week.

Detective Sergeant Kate Taylor says yesterday Police executed warrants at five addresses, where four people were located and have subsequently been arrested.

“We also located and seized firearms and ammunition from one of the addresses.

A woman who allegedly ransacked four Sunnyhills homes while the owners were away on holiday is now facing a slew of charges.

On Sunday Police received reports of a burglary at a Fordyce Avenue address where a vehicle along with a number of luxury handbags and other items were stolen.

Inspector Rod Honan, Counties Manukau East Area Commander, says the home was allegedly targeted sometime between 28-30 August.

“On Monday, Police were made aware of the stolen vehicle spotted travelling in the Ōtāhuhu area.

Attribute to: Detective Senior Sergeant David Thompson

Police this morning have located a body at Lake Rotokākahi near Rotorua. Prior to work being done to recover the body, Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao blessed the area.  

Officers made the discovery at about 8am, while making enquiries in relation to a homicide in Pahiatua, which occurred in October 2025.

While formal identification is ongoing, it is believed the body may be that of a person of interest related to the homicide investigation.

Police can now confirm the name of the person who died following a serious crash involving a car and pedestrian in Hokitika on 14 August.

She was Mary Schimanski, 87, of Hokitika. 

Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this time.

Enquiries to determine the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Attribute to Kāpiti Mana Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Middlemiss:

Police are investigating a serious incident that occurred after hours at a school near Spinnaker Drive in Whitby, Porirua, on Thursday 27 August.

The incident occurred around 5.30pm at the playground, where a teenager reportedly assaulted a child.

The victim did not receive any physical injuries, but they and their family were understandably very shaken by the incident.

Police were quick to find the hiding spots of three men who allegedly fled after a dangerously driven vehicle crashed in Onehunga overnight.

Around 1.20am, Auckland City officers were on patrol when they were alerted to a Mazda Azela travelling on Church Street.

Senior Sergeant Tony Ngau Chun, Auckland City East Area Response Manager, says the vehicle was observed conducting a u-turn before driving at speed along Victoria Street.

“Due to the dangerous manner of driving, the vehicle was not pursued.”

The assault occurred on Tuesday 25 August, around 1.10am, near the Crew Room Bar entrance on Ballarat Street in Queenstown.

Police can now confirm the name of the man who died following a house fire on Forest Hill Road, Henderson on 29 August. 

He was Kenneth John McDougall, 72, of Auckland.

Our thoughts are with Kenneth’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

The fire is not believed to be suspicious, and his death has been referred to the coroner. 

ENDS.

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police.