To be attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons:

Police have charged a 19-year-old man with murder after a woman was found deceased at a Burnham property early this morning.

The man has also been charged with two counts of assault in a family relationship.

He is scheduled to appear in Christchurch District Court this afternoon.

Emergency services responded to a report of disorder at the Burnham School Road property at around 3.05am today.

On arrival, a woman was located deceased.

I am pleased to announce the provisional appointments of Jill Rogers as Deputy Commissioner for New Zealand Police and Cassandra Anderson as Chief of Staff.

Specialist technology is being used to ensure the safety of teams working on the recovery operation at Mount Maunganui.

The search area was evacuated at 11.50am yesterday, after a contractor driver noticed potential instability on the face of the slip. Following advice from two independent geotechnical experts, it was deemed too hazardous for teams to continue working.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson says the recovery effort resumed at 10.30am today.

Please attribute to Inspector Peter Cooper, Area Commander Canterbury Rural:

Police maintained a highly visible presence across North Canterbury throughout the Muscle Car Madness weekend, with officers focused on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the wider Rangiora community.

Over the course of the event, Police and Court bailiffs seized and/or impounded 11 vehicles, and completed enforcement action including four excess breath alcohol (EBA) detections and one related arrest.

One person died following a serious crash on Saturday 24 January on State Highway 1, Oakleigh, Whangārei.

Police and other emergency services responded to the crash around 2.20pm.

Sadly, one person died at the scene.

Three other people were transported to hospital, two in serious condition and one in moderate condition.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

The recovery effort resumed at 10.30am after specialist monitoring equipment was brought in overnight.

Police receiving reports of counterfeit $50 and $100 banknotes are urging the public to be vigilant when handling cash.

Attributable to Marlborough Area Commander, Inspector Simon Feltham:

Police have arrested a person in relation to a kidnapping incident in Blenheim early yesterday morning.

On Saturday 24 January around 3am, Police were called to the incident on Lakings Road.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested and charged with kidnapping. He is due to appear in Blenheim District Court tomorrow [Monday 26 January].

As the matter is now before the courts, Police are unable to comment further.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police have made the difficult decision to postpone recovery efforts at Mount Maunganui for today.

The search area was evacuated about 11.50am, after a contractor driver noticed potential instability on the face of the slip, Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson says.

“The safety of the people working on the recovery is at the front of our mind, and the risk today is too significant to allow us to carry on.

“Families have been told of the decision and our commitment to resume work as soon as possible.”

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson will speak to media regarding today’s recovery efforts

This will be held in Mount Maunganui at 4pm. Media are advised to RSVP to [email protected] for further details.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre