Police can now release the name of the man found deceased at a Waiomio property on 7 September.

He was Tau Henare Kopa, aged 35 of Kawakawa.

Detective Inspector Michele Gillespie, of Northland CIB, says Mr Kopa’s remains were found at a Waiomio Road property and Police have been working to establish the full circumstances of what has occurred.

“At this stage his death is still being treated as unexplained and our enquiries remain ongoing.

“Police extend our condolences to his family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”

Attribute to Detective Inspector Stu Harvey:

The young child injured in an incident in Otautau, Southland, on Sunday 20 September has now sadly died.

Emergency services were called to an address around 6:50pm on Sunday, and the child was transported to hospital in critical condition.

They were later flown to Starship Hospital in Auckland; however, they sadly died this afternoon.

Police are now treating this as a homicide investigation.

Police are seeking information as part of an investigation into an unprovoked assault on a teenage boy in Henderson.

Footage has been obtained of three people Police would like to speak to in the investigation.

An assault occurred around 2.09pm on 9 September 2026, at a bus stop on Swanson Road, near the intersection with Mihini Road.

Senior Constable Paul Stanko, Waitematā West Police, says the victim had been waiting for a bus at the time.

“The 16-year-old student observed three adult males sitting inside the bus shelter drinking beer.

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Andrew Knox:

Police will have a visible presence around Hastings in coming days in relation to a gang tangi.

While the exact timeline is yet to be confirmed, there is expected to be an increased presence of gang members in the city and the wider Hawke’s Bay area, including members travelling into the region.

Police’s role is to ensure the safety of all while allowing whānau and friends the space to grieve peacefully. Lawful expectations are being conveyed to local gang leaders. 

Police have arrested and charged four people following an aggravated burglary in Kaikohe. 

The charges come after an elderly man and a dog sustained serious injuries at a residential address on Cottage Court on 13 September.  

Detective Sergeant Bart Graham, Northland CIB, says several people were allegedly responsible for the violent offending, and an investigation was launched to locate them. 

“Early yesterday morning, CIB alongside the Armed Offenders Squad executed a search warrant at an address in Kaikohe.

A neighbour who heard a car alarm and spotted three people running from a vehicle in Papatoetoe is being praised by Police for their quick thinking.

During the early hours of Monday morning Police received a call from a person who saw a group of people running along Wintere Road and the sound of an alarm blaring.

Counties Manukau West Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Mohammed Atiq, says Police arrived within a couple of minutes and sighted two vehicles which had been tampered with.

Whanganui Police have arrested two people following an extensive investigation into a series of dishonesty and wilful damage offences targeting local dairies and businesses across the district. 

The arrests were made yesterday after staff from the Whanganui Retail Crime Unit, Tactical Crime Unit, and Field Intelligence officers executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing investigation into multiple shoplifting, theft, and wilful damage incidents. 

Police can now name the woman who died following a crash in Invercargill on 18 September.

She was 52-year-old Jacqueline Mary Jones, from North Taieri.

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

Police’s enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre