Police can now formally release the name of the man who died after being shot at Sylvia Park Shopping Centre on Thursday.

He was Hapai Otene, aged 33, of Auckland. 

The post-mortem examination and formal identification processes have been completed today.

Superintendent Sunny Patel, Auckland City District Commander, says: “Police extend our sympathies to Mr Otene’s whānau at this difficult time.

“The critical incident investigation remains ongoing and is piecing together the events that unfolded on Thursday.

Attribute to Senior Sergeant Brent Cook: 

One person has died in hospital following a serious crash involving a car and pedestrian in Hokitika this morning. 

Police were called to the incident on the corner of Fitzherbert and Park Streets just before 9am.

The roads reopened at 3pm.

Police are unable to make further comment as we work with next of kin and family. Our condolences are with their family and loved ones at this difficult time.

Police are issuing the following statement on behalf of the family of Richard Leman.

There are no words that can truly describe the pain our family has lived with since Richard was taken from us.

A critical incident investigation remains ongoing following the Police involved shooting at Sylvia Park Shopping Centre on Thursday afternoon.

Overnight, Police completed a scene examination at the shopping centre.

Superintendent Sunny Patel, Auckland City District Commander, says a post-mortem examination is underway today.

“As part of completing the scene examination, Ngāti Paoa led a blessing at the scene last night,” he says.

Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Sunny Patel will speak to media at 7pm tonight, following a serious incident at Sylvia Park Shopping Centre this afternoon.

The standup will be held at the Auckland City Police Hub, 13-15 College Hill.

Interested media are asked to RSVP to [email protected]

ENDS.

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police. 

Statement attributable to Superintendent Sunny Patel, Auckland City District Commander: 

An armed man fleeing from Police has been shot at Sylvia Park Shopping Centre this afternoon.

Earlier this afternoon, at around 2pm, Police received information about a theft of an air rifle at Gun City in Penrose.

The offender has fled in a vehicle and units have been dispatched.

The Police Eagle helicopter deployed to the area and has located the white Suzuki Swift travelling near Sylvia Park.

One person has died following a crash in Te Awamutu this morning.

The single vehicle crash at the intersection of Rickit Road and Hazelmere Cres was reported just after 9:20am.

The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

The road remains closed, and motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Police acknowledge and accept the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority released today concerning a fatal unjustified pursuit three years ago.

On 13 July 2023, a road policing checkpoint was being carried out on Lincoln Road in Henderson. 

A Police motorcycle officer noticed a man weaving his own motorcycle through traffic and he was signalled to stop.

He failed to stop and a pursuit at high speed ensued, ending when the motorcycle crashed near Tauhinu Road, Greenhithe and resulting in the rider’s death.

Two shotguns and a variety of illicit substances have been seized and three people arrested in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay.