Attributable to Inspector Neil Forlong, Whanganui Area Commander:

Investigators undertaking a scene examination at a house fire in Rangataua located one person deceased yesterday afternoon.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) were alerted to the house fire on Kaha Street at around 6.40pm on Thursday 16 April.

The fire was extinguished by Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), and Police were notified at around 7.25pm.

A scene guard was put in place overnight, to allow for a scene examination to be conducted during daylight hours yesterday.

Western Bay of Plenty Police are investigating incidents where people have received a scam phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer.

Acting Sergeant Gea Grilli is urging members of the Western Bay of Plenty community to be alert to the scam.

The ‘officer’ will call from an unknown number, and provide details in order to seemingly prove their identity.

A man has landed himself a court date after he was caught fishing in a protected marine reserve.

Police are urging people to be wary of unsolicited tree trimmers or gardeners, after a Masterton man was charged an exorbitant amount for shoddy work.

Attributable to Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander:

A release yesterday stated the two people that had died following a water-related incident in Kawerau were aged 10 and 12.

This is incorrect, the two boys that died were aged 10 and 11.

Police apologise for any confusion that has been caused, and ask media to please update their stories to reflect this.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Police can now release the names of the two people that died following a crash on Wairere Drive, Hamilton on Monday 13 April.

They were Jrusc Wilson and Reef Gurnick, both aged 15.

Our thoughts are with those close to them.

Two people remain in hospital in a serious condition following the crash.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

As Christchurch prepares for an exciting fortnight of big events in the city, Police are asking eventgoers to support a safe and positive environment for everyone to enjoy.

Christchurch Metro Area Commander Superintendent Lane Todd says two major first-time events are creating a high-energy and vibrant atmosphere for the community.

“The Repco Supercars Championship and the Super Rugby Super Rounds are bringing large crowds into the city, and we are proud to play our part in helping people enjoy them safely.

Attributable to Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander:

Two people have died after a water-related incident in the Tarawera River near Boyce Park late this morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 11.30am after a report of a party becoming stuck under a bank.

Sadly, two people were located deceased a short time later.

The deaths will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

A man attempting to evade Police by hiding in the backseat of a vehicle has been arrested after tallying up a list of charges.

On 14 April, Northland Police were trying to locate a man who was wanted in connection with a series of burglaries across the region.

Mid North Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Mark Barratt, says officers were making their way to an address of interest when they came across a vehicle known to be used by the suspect.