Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant John Love:

Police are investigating an unexplained death in Kaiti, Gisborne.

Emergency services were called to the Crawford Road address just before 1:50am on Tuesday 21 July.

The public can expect to see an increased Police presence in the area over the coming days as investigations continue.

Anybody with information that could assist Police is urged to contact 105, either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz.

Please reference the file number 260721/0838.

A funeral service will be held next week for an infant that was found in Marlborough on 19 May.

The body of the stillborn baby was discovered on Wairau Bar Road.

Details of the service:
Date: Wednesday, 29 July 2026 
Time: 10.30am 
Place: Fairhall Cemetery children’s memorial area.

Detective Sergeant Jason Hillgrove says local businesses and community groups have generously donated time, services, and resources to assist with the arrangements for this service.

A community icon has been rescued overnight, after a keen-eyed Sergeant intercepted a mastermind heist.

Police are continuing to appeal for sightings or information on missing man Benjamin Barrett, who was last seen in Russell at the end of May.

Attribute to Inspector Wade Jennings, Hutt Valley Area Commander:

A man is due to appear in court tomorrow facing a range of charges following an incident in Silverstream this afternoon.

At about 3.10pm, Police located a stolen vehicle in Silverstream. During an interaction it is alleged the driver ran over an officer’s feet and rammed a Police vehicle, causing minor injuries to the officer and significant damage to the Police vehicle.

The stolen vehicle then fled the scene. Due to the manner of driving, Police did not pursue it.

One person has died following a crash in Whakatāne on Thursday 16 July. 

At around 9:30pm, Police were called to the single vehicle crash on Troutbeck Road, Galatea.  

The sole occupant of the vehicle was sadly located deceased. He was 20-year-old Sean Raymond Bridgeman. 

Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time. 

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

One person has died following a single vehicle crash in Levin this afternoon. 

The crash on State Highway 1 was reported just before 1pm and occurred between Kawiu Rd and The Avenue. 

Sadly, one person died at the scene. A second person was transported to hospital with critical injuries. 

State Highway 1 remains closed with diversions via Koputaroa Road and Kawiu Road. 

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

A man has been charged after three memorial brass plaques were stolen, recovered, reinstated, and then stolen again. 

Eastern Bay of Plenty Police have since recovered the World War One and World War Two memorial plaques for a second time, however they have been significantly damaged. 

Senior Sergeant Anthony Hay says the plaques were first stolen from Mitchell Park in March. The plaques were recovered and returned to their rightful place. However, they were stolen again between April and May. 

Attribute to Inspector Wade Jennings, Hutt Valley Area Commander:

Police have arrested three burglars after they stole items and a car from a Lower Hutt home this morning.

The homeowner made a 111 call at 5am after having strangers in their house. 

Thankfully, no one was hurt in the incident, and Police are providing support to the victim.  

The house had been ransacked, and items of value were stolen, including their car from the garage. 

Seven youths have been arrested following a swift and coordinated Police response to a shoplifting incident in Hamilton.

On Friday 17 July, Police were notified of a group of youths entering a store on Te Rapa Road at around 3.10pm. 

Inspector Hywel Jones says the alleged offenders targeted a number of items, including a mobile phone and a knife, before leaving the area. 

“Although the youths had left before Police arrived, they did not get far.