Police can now release the name of the person who died following a crash in Waimangu on Tuesday 11 August. 

She was 39-year-old Clara Joan Apiata, of Whakatane. 

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

Enquiries remain ongoing into the circumstances of the crash. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Attribute to Inspector Mark Miller, Taranaki Area Commander:

Taranaki Police issued dozens of infringements, impounded vehicles and charged unlawful drivers following a road policing operation over the weekend.

Checkpoints were conducted on Friday and Saturday nights throughout New Plymouth, Ōakura, Bell Block, Inglewood and Waitara with assistance from the Manawatū and Whanganui Impairment Prevention teams.

The operation resulted in:

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Daniel Overend: 

Police are now able to release the name of the young child who died following an incident at a property in Aranui. 

He was Sonny-Charles Watson, aged one. 

Sonny’s parents have shared the following message: 

“Sonny was not just the light of our lives but everyone he came in contact with. The most beautiful little boy, full of love and laughter for everyone. Shine bright our ray of sunshine.” 

A scene examination continues on Churchill Avenue in Maeroa, Hamilton, following a serious incident on Saturday night.

Attribute to Sergeant Luke Thompson, Hamilton Police:

A man is in custody following a serious incident in Maeroa, Hamilton tonight.

Emergency services were called to Churchill Avenue at about 8.55pm to reports of a serious assault.

One person has critical injuries. One person has serious injuries, and two other people are injured. They have now been transported to hospital with suspected knife wounds.

Two people have died following a serious crash last night in Ōwhata, Rotorua. 

Police were called to the crash, involving a car and a motorcycle, near the intersection of Te Ngae Road and Rotokawa Road around 9.40pm. 

Sadly, the motorcycle’s driver and passenger were located deceased at the scene. 

The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination and it re-opened around 5.40am today. 

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Overend:

Police are continuing to make enquiries into the fatal dog attack in Aranui yesterday.

This includes speaking with those who live at the home, as well as providing them with support. 

The dog has been removed from the address, and Police are in touch with Council Animal Control.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

One person has died following a crash in Geraldine last night. 

Police were notified of the single-vehicle crash on Orari Station Road, around 8.15pm. 

Sadly, the sole occupant of the vehicle was found deceased at the scene. 

The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination and it re-opened around 2.30am today. 

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Overend:

Police can confirm a young child has died following a dog attack in Aranui this afternoon.

At around 4.45pm, emergency services were called to a Basingstoke Street address following a report of a child sustaining serious dog bite injuries.

Upon arrival, emergency services located a young child in a critical condition. Despite the immediate efforts of first responders, and a member of the household, the child sadly died at the scene.

Police can confirm one person has died in the two-vehicle crash reported on Tahuna Road earlier today. 

The incident was reported to emergency services just before 3pm. 

One person died at the scene, despite the efforts of emergency personnel. 

A second person remains in moderate condition.  

Enquiries into the circumstances of crash is ongoing. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre