Please attribute the following to Detective Sergeant Matt Lee:

Hamilton Police are appealing for information from the public in relation to a series of aggravated robberies.

Over the last few days, a male has committed three aggravated robberies at food premises within the Dinsdale Shopping Centre.

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch:

Today’s verdict brings an outcome to what has been an extremely challenging and difficult investigation. 

Police are pleased with the conviction today of the man who set the fatal fire that that killed five innocent men, injured others, and took the home of those who lived at Loafers Lodge.

I would like to acknowledge the families of the five victims whose loved ones were taken from them through the actions of this man, and recognise their patience and understanding during this long process.

Police have arrested and charged a further teenager in relation to the fatal stabbing of Kaea Karauria in Napier on 11 May.

Detective Inspector Martin James says the teen was taken into custody early this morning.

“The youth has been charged with injuring with intent to injure, and will appear in Youth Court at a later date.

“This arrest is another step further to providing closure for Kaea’s family and loved ones.”

The investigation into the matter will continue and further arrests cannot be ruled out.

A driver allegedly reaching speeds of more than three times the speed limit has been caught out by our eye in the sky.

The Police Air Support Unit was travelling over Pakuranga last night at about 11pm when they spotted a vehicle driving dangerously on Botany Road.

Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Ann Wilkie, says Eagle immediately contacted units on the ground and directed them to the vehicle’s location.

“The vehicle was estimated to be travelling in excess of 150kmh.

Two people have been arrested and charged following a violent assault outside a Pukekohe supermarket last week.

At about 12.30pm on 19 September, the victim and his family were in a supermarket carpark when two people approached him.

Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says the two alleged offenders then assaulted the man in an unprovoked attack.

“These alleged offenders have viciously attacked this man in broad daylight, punching him and kicking him while he was on the ground.”

Northland Police are appealing for information about suspicious activity in an ongoing investigation into a fire at a Raumanga property on Wednesday.

Police were called to the address on Raumanga Valley Road at around 6.20am.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei CIB, says upon further investigation the fire is being treated as arson.

“Officers have attended the scene again this morning and discovered two holes in one of the windows, which were not their when the fire occurred.

Please attribute to Inspector Grant Tetzlaff, Acting Auckland City District Commander:

At 5.40am Emergency services attended a two-vehicle crash on Victoria Street, Auckland Central.

At this point in our enquiries, we have established a vehicle has been traveling at high speed on Victoria Street West. It has continued down the hill where it has lost control, colliding with a Police car which was stationary at a red light.

The crash has caused extensive damage to both vehicles.

Three people have been taken into custody following a series of search warrants targeting traffic offending and anti-social trail bike use.

Police welcome the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) that a police officer’s actions during an incident in Motueka in March 2024 were justified. 

Officers were responding to several 111 calls regarding a man presenting a firearm at members of the public. 

Tasman District Commander, Superintendent Tracey Thompson, says the officer involved assessed the situation and responded accordingly, to ensure the safety of all who were present.