Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Overend:

Police are appealing for information to help locate Stacey, who has been reported missing since after failing to return home from her usual morning walk in Christchurch.

Stacey left her home in Redgrave Street between 8am and 9am on Monday 14 September and went for a walk, which is part of her normal daily routine. Her walks are typically no longer than two hours.

Police acknowledge yesterday’s convictions in the High Court at Wellington in relation to the death of 82-year-old Ian David Moller in 2024.

A 41-year-old from Naenae and a 34-year-old from Stokes Valley were found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter and arson. A third man was found not guilty of murder, manslaughter, and arson.

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Todd says in October and November 2024, three arsons occurred at a Hanson Grove property, one of which resulted in the death of Mr Moller who was asleep in his bed.

Please attribute to Police Commissioner Richard Chambers:

NZ Police acknowledges the findings and accepts the recommendations of the Public Inquiry into the Disappearance of the Phillips Children. 

As the Inquiry noted, this was a complex and unique situation and the investigation was undertaken in a very physically challenging environment over nearly four years.

Attribute:  Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Matenga Gray 

Two people have died and another has been taken to hospital following a water incident near the mouth of the Tangimoana River, Manawatū.

Emergency services were first called to the scene at approximately 8.35am after a report of a capsized boat.

Three people were reported to be in the water. 

Sadly, two people died, while another sustained injuries and has been taken to hospital.

The deaths are expected to be referred to the coroner.

ENDS

A man who spent the night surrounded by water after becoming trapped on rocks following an afternoon of fishing is today thanking his lucky stars, as well as emergency services.

At about 7.45pm last night, the man’s friend raised the alarm after he had set off with his rod and nothing else towards Te Anina Point but failed to return.

Northland Police Search and Rescue Team Leader, Senior Constable Sam Davidson says the pair had arrived at Tauranga Bay about 2pm.

Police are currently in attendance at an incident involving a capsized boat at Tangimoana Beach, Manawatu.

Police were first made aware of the incident at 8.35am.

Emergency services are on scene and more information will be provided when available.

A Tauranga man has been charged after an alleged vandalism spree targeting political hoardings, with Police warning potential copycats to think again.

The first hoardings were targeted on Parton Road in Papamoa about 6.30am on 10 September. 

All up, about 30 hoardings of various kinds were damaged in a two-hour period across Papamoa, says Senior Sergeant Shannon Clifford, Area Manager – Response.  

“The damage in some cases is significant and unfortunately, that’s an unnecessary cost for the people who own them. 

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Dave Marshall:

Police can confirm one person has died in a house fire on Matakana Island this morning. 

Emergency services were called to the fire, on Paama Court, about 4.10am.

Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand attended the scene, with an investigation now under way to establish the cause.

At this stage we can advise that one person was located deceased inside the property.

One person was also treated for burns. 

Police will remain on scene through the day.

ENDS

Attribute to Inspector Phil Gillbanks:

Police are continuing to search for missing 52-year-old man Billyjoe Pereniki.

Billyjoe was reported missing from his home address in Opape Beach Road, Ōpōtiki on Monday 7 September having last been seen on the afternoon of Sunday 30 August.

Billyjoe is described as comfortable in the bush and is well known in the local area, however, the length of time that he has been away and not in contact with family is now considered unusual.

Please attribute to Detective Inspector Stu Harvey:

Police are now able to release the name of the motorcyclist who died after a crash on Clyde Street, Invercargill last night. 

He was Whetu Taylor, 41, from Invercargill. 

Police extend our thoughts and sympathies to his family and loved ones.

Police are investigating on behalf of the Coroner, and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre