Three people have been arrested and charged on a range of drug-related offences following a planned operation in Invercargill.

After an intensive investigation into the supply and sale of illicit drugs in the Invercargill area, Southland Police’s Organised Crime Group terminated Operation Mist on 6 and 7 September 2025, preventing “astronomical” harm across Southland.

Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Kayci Tapine, 27, who has a warrant for her arrest.

Police believe someone may have information on her whereabouts.

Tapine is known to have connections in the Bay of Plenty, Counties Manukau, and Waikato regions.

Anyone with information is urged to call 111 immediately and quote file number 250208/8621.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

To be attributed to Detective Inspector Jamie Woods, Field Crime Manager:

A homicide inquiry is ongoing after a man died in Waikanae yesterday afternoon.

Police were called to Kakariki Grove at around 3.15pm yesterday, where a man was located critically injured and subsequently passed away.

Three men – aged 20, 25 and 26 – have been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in relation to the incident that resulted in the man’s injuries. Further charges are currently being considered.

A 41-year-old man has been charged with nine offences after a spate of thefts and burglaries in Feilding.

The offending goes back to 18 September, when the man is alleged to have broken into a vehicle and stolen personal possessions on Willowbank Crescent.

What followed was multiple instances of dishonesty offences around Feilding, including burglaries from commercial and residential premises and the theft of a vehicle and bank cards.

Please attribute to Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers, Counties Manukau CIB:

Two separate investigations are underway following several complaints received in relation to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Election.

Police can confirm that at this stage we are investigating 16 complaints, forwarded to us from Election Services.

This investigation remains in the early stages, however they relate to allegations of electoral fraud.

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Sheffield this afternoon.

The two-vehicle crash on State Highway 73, at the intersection with Deans Road was reported at around 2:50pm.

A further two people sustained minor injuries in the crash.

The Serious Crash Unit are in attendance and the road is expected to remain closed for several hours.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area, detours are in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Kylee Cusin:

Police searching for 61-year-old Anita Hart, who was reported missing from the Upper Hutt area on 13 November, have sadly located her deceased.

Police, along with multiple Search and Rescue teams, have been extensively searching the area working to locate her, and while this is not the outcome we hoped for, we hope it will help provide some closure for her family and loved ones.

Police would like to thank the public and everyone who helped in the search.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

Attribute to Western Waikato Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Mary van Dongen: 

Police arrested two people, impounded a dirtbike and located firearms during a search warrant yesterday at an address in Te Kauwhata, after the alleged driver fled from Police on Monday.

At around 7:40pm Monday 17 November, Police witnessed a man riding a dirtbike with no helmet on Main Road. Officers signalled the driver to stop, however they failed to do so – due to the nature of driving Police did not pursue, and instead noted down the details of the bike for follow up.

Media is invited to attend the Tasman Law Enforcement Torch Run event to take photos and interview participants, including some of the local Special Olympics stars.

What: Law Enforcement Torch Run in Nelson

Where: Meet outside the Nelson Police station at 9am. Departing at 9.15am, and finishing at the church steps at the top of Trafalgar Street.

When: Saturday 22 November 2025

Who: Tasman District Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police

Police are releasing the name of the man who died in a hit and run incident in Henderson at the weekend.

Dion Raymond Kainamu, 58, sadly died after being critically injured on Tango Place, Henderson, in the early hours of 16 November.

Police extend our sympathies to Mr Kainamu’s family for their loss at this very difficult time.

It’s alleged a vehicle struck Mr Kainamu and left the scene.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, of Waitematā West CIB, says a woman was arrested at West Auckland address on Sunday afternoon.