A routine traffic stop in central Auckland resulted in the seizure of firearms and cash, but also cocaine allegedly concealed in a man’s underwear. 

Mid-afternoon on Thursday saw Police stop an Audi motor vehicle, that should not have been operating on a road, on Hobson Street.

While impound procedures were underway, the driver’s associate arrived to pick him up.

Auckland City Central Area Commander, Inspector Grae Anderson says the Audi driver allegedly removed items from his vehicle and placed them into the vehicle belonging to the associate. 

Eastern Bay of Plenty Police are acknowledging frontline staff’s outstanding work on a series of burglaries around Ōpōtiki that resulted in multiple arrests, the recovery of stolen property, and significant reassurance for victims and the wider community.

Within days of a residential burglary at Waiotahi, where a home was ransacked and several vehicles were stolen, Police launched a coordinated investigation that quickly identified suspects and enabled a series of search warrants to be executed across the Ōpōtiki district.

Police are now able to release the names of the two people who were found deceased after an incident involving a capsized boat at Tangimoana Beach, Manawatu on Monday 14 September.

They were Ming Xiu, 70, and Chung-Hsuae Lee, 75, both from Palmerston North.

Police extend our deepest condolences to Xiu and Lee’s families and loved ones during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the deaths are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Five illegal firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, and a stolen generator have been seized and one person arrested following searches in Ruatoria and Tokomaru Bay last week.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Love says the operation was in response to reports of firearms used in the area.

“Gisborne residents have had enough of illegal firearms. This is very much intertwined with the gang members that reside here and with that comes other unlawful activity.”

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on Takitimu Drive on 5 October. 

He was 48-year-old Warren Craig Cochrane, from Otumoetai.

Our thoughts are with his family as they go through this difficult time. 

Enquiries into the crash remain ongoing. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

A man is due to appear in court on serious driving charges following an incident on State Highway 1, Waikanae last night. 

Just before 8:25pm Police noticed a person driving at nearly twice the speed limit travelling south on the Kāpiti Expressway towards Waikanae. The driver failed to stop for Police and a pursuit was not initiated due to the manner of driving. 

Police can confirm the man reported missing from Porirua, and had items belonging to him found in Greytown, has been found safe and well.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police accept the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) in relation to an incident where use of force was justified.  

On 16 June 2025, two officers were called to a hotel in Naenae following report a man was behaving aggressively.

Police informed the man he was under arrest. He then walked away and got on a bus, refusing to get off.

Due to his behaviour, Police used OC spray to assist in bringing him safely off the bus.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Police have arrested two people and recovered a significant amount of suspected stolen property after search warrants were executed in Te Kaha. 

Detective Sergeant Nicola Klein says Eastern Bay of Plenty CIB and Prevention staff have been investigating a series of burglaries in the area from April and July.

On Tuesday Police recovered a large quantity of property believed to be stolen, including a large-screen television, washing machine, tools, household linen, a torch, mobile phones, garage equipment and paint equipment.

Attribute to Inspector Mark Miller, Taranaki Area Commander:

Police have arrested one person after investigating an assault in New Plymouth.

Around 7am on Tuesday 29 September, a man walking on the Coastal Walkway was assaulted by a motorcycle rider.

The victim was pushed onto nearby rocks and suffered serious injuries.

The offender was also aggressive to members of the public who witnessed the incident before speeding off.

When Police arrived on scene, the victim was bleeding and in pain.

Attending ambulance transported him to hospital.