Northland Police are urging drivers to wear their seatbelts and take regular breaks following two fatal crashes in 24 hours at the weekend — one in Kaipara and the other south of Whangārei.

Inspector John Fagan, Northland’s Road Policing Manager, says two people lost their lives in crashes just hours apart.

Investigations are ongoing into both crashes, however initial indications suggest the occupants weren’t wearing seatbelts.

“That’s two more families whose lives have been completely changed by the loss of a loved one,” Inspector Fagan says.

To be attributed to Inspector Phil Ward, Manawatū Area Prevention Manager:

Police are appealing for information to help identify three offenders who stole a diesel trailer in Feilding overnight.

Police were called just after midnight after the three offenders were disturbed stealing a diesel trailer from an industrial site in Kimbolton Road.

The offenders fled, towing the diesel trailer with a utility vehicle which has since also been confirmed as having been stolen.

A man has since died following a crash in Red Beach last Wednesday night.

Emergency services responded to the crash between a van and pedestrian on Whangaparāoa Road just after 9pm on 20 May.

On arrival the male pedestrian was located with critical injuries, and was transported to Auckland City Hospital.

Sadly, he died in hospital overnight.

The Serious Crash Unit attended and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Northland CIB:

Police investigations are continuing following a serious assault in Tikipunga on Sunday.

Police were called to an address on Townsend Place at about 1.15am after reports a man had been stabbed.

Upon arrival Police located an injured man, who had suffered multiple stab wounds in the back.

He was taken to hospital in a stale condition and is recovering from his injuries.

The victim was at the address attending a party with around 20 other people.

Police making enquiries into the death of a diver at Whakatāne Heads are seeking information from two men.

The diver’s body was located around 9am on Saturday near the Whakatāne River entrance, after the alarm was raised around 1:30pm the previous day.

Acting Sergeant Renine Stansloski says police are keen to speak with two men who were seen with the diver before he entered the water.

“We know that the deceased diver arrived at Whakatāne Heads with a friend about 11am on Friday 23 May,” acting Sergeant Stansloski says.

One person has died following a serious crash in Oakleigh, Whangārei overnight.

Emergency services responded to the single vehicle crash on State Highway 1 at about 1.30am.

Sadly, one person died at the scene.

A second occupant was transported to hospital in a serious condition.

The Serious Crash Unit has completed a scene examination and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

A Head Hunters gang member who failed to stop for Police will have to patch up his ride after his tyres were spiked not once but twice.

Just before 1am, Police observed a Jeep Grand Cherokee travelling on Custom Street East and signalled for the vehicle to stop.

Senior Sergeant Shaun Richardson, of Auckland City Police, says the vehicle failed to stop and instead fled.

“No pursuit was initiated however the Police Eagle helicopter was quick to pick up the vehicle and track it as it travelled along the motorway and over the Harbour Bridge.”

One person has died in a single vehicle crash southeast of Dargaville.

Emergency services were notified shortly before 7.50pm on Sunday of the crash, which happened on Arapohue Road near Rowland Road.

The Serious Crash Unit was advised, and the circumstances of the crash are under investigation.

ENDS.

NZ Police Media Centre

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Waitakaruru this morning.

The single vehicle crash on State Highway 25, near Canal East Road was reported just before 11am.

The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

State Highway 25 remains closed between Canal East Road and Pouarua Road North, while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Police can now name the man who died following a crash on Te Puke Highway, Papamoa, on Wednesday 13 May.

He was Ramandeep Singh Dhillon, 35, from Papamoa.

Police extend our deepest condolences to Ramandeep’s loved ones during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre