A 55-year-old man has been charged with drug and firearms offences following a search warrant in Russell last week.

Police executed the search at the property around 9am on Friday 10 October after the man, who was wanted to interview and required to arrest, self-presented to the Russell Police Station.

Police can now release the name of the man who died on Mount Taranaki on 30 September.

He was Vladimir Levchenko, 69, of Gulf Harbour, Auckland.

Police extend their condolences to his loved ones.

His death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers will be congratulating seven new patrol dog teams in the latest dog graduation on Thursday 16 October. 

Handlers and their dogs will be celebrating in front of their whānau and friends, and members of the New Zealand Police executive.

Graduating from the police patrol dog course are ‘Delta’ teams from Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Central, Tasman, and Canterbury Districts.

Media are invited to attend the prizegiving at the Police Dog Training Centre, Dante Road, Trentham.

Attribute to Rotorua Area Commander, Inspector Herby Ngawhika:

A man is facing court after a quick-thinking member of the public phoned 111 about his manner of driving in the Galatea/Murupara area.

On Sunday 12 October at around 6pm, Police received the call reporting someone allegedly driving dangerously along Troutbeck Road.

Police responded and located the vehicle a short time after and it was pulled over on Kopuriki Road.

A routine breath alcohol test was administered, to which the driver has blown around three times the legal limit.

Please attribute to Northland District Commander, Superintendent Matt Srhoj:

A critical incident investigation is underway following a fatal crash in Whangārei on the weekend.

At about 11.15pm on Saturday, a Police unit observed a Holden travelling at high speed along Dave Culham Drive.

The Police unit responded and the red and blue lights were activated on Riverside Drive.

The exact response will form part of the critical investigation.

From Riverside Drive the Holden turned onto Memorial Drive and crashed shortly thereafter.

Police are appealing for information about an Auckland teenager who is missing from her Mt Roskill home.

Dannii is 16-years-old and described as 163cm tall, with brown eyes and dark curly hair.

She is also known to be quiet by nature and keeps to herself.

Police and Dannii’s family have concerns for her welfare and would like to find her as soon as possible.

If you have seen Dannii or have any information that could help us find her please contact Police immediately on 111 and quote file number 251009/5045.

ENDS

It’s been a week of rescues for the crew in the sky, who have helped a number of people caught up in scary situations across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Last night, Police were called after an international visitor went for a stroll from Pine Harbour to Motukaraka Island but got caught out by the incoming tide.

Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen, of the Auckland Marine Rescue Centre, says officers located the man’s vehicle in the carpark on the mainland and Eagle conducted areas around the island.

Taranaki Police are expressing concern after finding 20 drivers over the legal breath alcohol limit, at the weekend.

Acting Area Commander Taranaki, Darin Haenga, says he wants to reinforce the message that motorists should not drive when impaired by alcohol or drugs.

“We are concerned by how many impaired motorists we found at our targeted checkpoints.

“This is excessive. It highlights the ongoing need for public awareness and responsible decision-making.”