Northland Police have commenced a homicide investigation, following an Opononi woman’s death over the weekend.

The man initially believed to have been in the vehicle involved in the crash in Waiouru early this morning has been located.

There are no further concerns for his welfare and Police are speaking with him.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Attribute to Superintendent Shanan Gray, Counties Manukau District Commander: 

Two significant anti-social road user operations were led out by Police over the weekend, across Tāmaki Makaurau and Manawatū.

Tāmaki Makaurau Police were focused on the successful disruption of planned anti-social road user activities across three policing districts over the long weekend.

Attributable to Inspector Marty Gray, Manawatū Area Commander:

Police in Manawatū have spent King’s Birthday weekend successfully disrupting and deterring anti-social road user gatherings.

On receiving information that events were planned, Police stood up an operation to ensure high visibility and broad coverage.

Our communities won’t stand for menacing motoring behaviour – and neither will we.

Our staff have done an incredible job of suppressing these groups who tyrannise residents, businesses, and other road users.

A horror night on the roads with three fatal crashes is a sobering reminder for those travelling home today to drive safely, say Police.

Superintendent Steve Greally, Director – Road Policing, says five people have lost their lives overnight.

“One person died in a crash in Wairakei, one on Waiheke, and tragically, three people were killed in a crash in Waiouru,” he says.

“That is absolutely gutting.

“We are thinking of their families today, while they deal with the awful reality that their lives will never be the same.”

Three people have died after a two-vehicle crash in on State Highway 1, Waiouru, overnight.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 2.55am.

Sadly, three people were found deceased.

Two further occupants sustained serious injuries.

A further person, who Police believe was also in the vehicle, has not been accounted for. A search and rescue operation is underway to locate them.

The road remains closed, with diversions in place.

Motorists should avoid the area.

ENDS

To be attributed to Senior Sergeant Dan Scott:

A man charged with the murder of Flaxmere man Keith Pati has pleaded guilty.

Kereama Rewita, aged 30, entered the guilty plea at the High Court in Napier on Friday 29 May.

Mr Pati, aged 33, died after being taken to hospital following an assault in Camberley, Hastings on 16 February 2025.

Rewita will be sentenced at the High Court in Napier on 8 July.

Police would like to thank all those who have assisted our investigation into Mr Pati’s death.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

To be attributed to Senior Sergeant Debra Rasmussen: 

Gisborne Police are praising the efforts of bystanders today, after their actions resulted in the swift arrest of a woman for robbery.

The incident unfolded outside a superette on Roebuck Road at around 10am, when a 65-year-old woman using a walking frame was putting change from her purchases in her purse.

As she was doing this, a woman approached the 65-year-old, threatened her, and allegedly stole money straight from her hand.