Attributable to Acting Detective Sergeant Laura Murdoch:

Wellington Police investigating a number of serious assaults in Churton Park are appealing for information that may assist us in identifying the men pictured, as we believe they may be able to assist our investigation.

On Saturday 13 December 2025, Police were called to a premises in Churton Park where a gathering was taking place.

A teenager will face court over an aggravated robbery in Whangārei late last week.

It comes as Police continue to investigate a series of aggravated robberies targeting dairies in the community over recent weeks.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei CIB, says Police have been investigating the incident on Jack Street on 8 January.

“Our enquiries led us to a Te Kamo property this morning where a search warrant was executed,” he says.

“A 17-year-old male was taken into custody without incident.”

Please attribute to Superintendent Tony Hill, Canterbury District Commander:

Christchurch Police conducted a significant operation over the last week, as a number of gang members travelled into the region for a gang-related funeral.

The operation commenced last Thursday, 8 January as gang members began to travel into Christchurch, concluding yesterday, 13 January as gang members dispersed following the event.

A 63-year-old Southland man has sped his way into court after allegedly travelling at high speeds in Edendale.

On Wednesday 24 December, Police received multiple reports from members of the public of a black sports car speeding within the community.

Constable Julie Russell says it is alleged the man returned to the area multiple times, and in some instances took several people for rides in the vehicle.

“Thanks to information provided by the public, and through our initial enquiries, we identified the vehicle and its driver.”

Police have charged a man after a business owner was assaulted at work on Sunday evening.

The assault was reported in Whananaki just after 8pm on 11 January, when the victim was allegedly assaulted by a patron.

Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom, says Police have since located a 36-year-old Whangārei man, arresting and charging him over the incident.

“He has been charged with injuries with intent to injure and will appear in the Whangārei District Court next week,” she says.

Police can confirm the name of the man who died following a water-related incident in Mahia on Sunday 11 January.

He was 69-year-old Peter Reece Walker, from Mahia.

Our thoughts are with those close to him at this time.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

An earlier release stated the fatal crash on Taihape-Napier Road involved two vehicles and a pedestrian.

This is incorrect, the crash involved one vehicle and a pedestrian.

We ask media to please update their stories to reflect this.

We apologise for any confusion caused.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police can now release the name of the woman who died following a water-related incident in Okitu on Monday 12 January.

She was 42-year-old Sandie Lee Reihana, from Kaiti, Gisborne.

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

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Bay of Plenty Police are seeing a concerning increase of nitrous oxide use while driving.

Police are aware of some people illegitimately using small sliver cannisters while driving, putting all road users at significant risk.

Inhaling nitrous oxide can cause euphoria and dissociation, among other side effects. Whilst these effects are generally short term, they seriously impact a person’s capability to drive and make cognitive decisions.

A person has died following a crash in Rangitikei this morning.

The crash on Taihape-Napier Road, involving a truck and a pedestrian, was reported just after 11:20am.

The pedestrian died at the scene. The truck driver sustained moderate to serious injuries.

Taihape-Napier Road remains closed near Comet Road while a scene examination is conducted.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre