Police in Hawke’s Bay will be working hard to ensure the community remains safe this long weekend.

Hawke’s Bay is expected to get an influx of visitors for its anniversary tomorrow; Hawkes Bay A & P Show; Six60 concert; and a gang-related celebration in Hastings.

“People can expect to see police on our roads and at many of the events that are on this weekend,” says Inspector Sycamore, Hawke’s Bay Area Commander.

Road Policing teams will have fatigue stops and impairment checkpoints in and around Hawke’s Bay to ensure roads are safer over the weekend period.

Police are asking for the public’s help finding Aimee, who was reported missing from the Palmerston North area.

The 17-year-old was reported missing to Police on Wednesday 15 October, unfortunately initial enquiries into locating Aimee have been unsuccessful and we are now appealing for sightings or information.

Aimee has not been physically seen since Friday 26 September and it is possible that she could be in wider Manawatū area.

Police and Aimee’s loved ones have great concerns for her welfare and would like to find her as soon as possible.

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, Northland Police Search and Rescue Team Leader.

Northland Police are urging boaties and water users to take safety seriously ahead the first long break of the warmer season.

“This is when the weak links show up,” says Detective Sergeant Paul Overton. “Flat batteries, petrol leaks, faulty ignitions, and no working radio comms — these are the kinds of issues that can quickly turn a day on the water into a rescue operation.”

Officers have made 23 arrests across Manawatū after a targeted operation to locate people with warrants.

Operation Maxim has launched this week, resulting in the arrested people appearing in courts across Manawatū yesterday.

Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Grantham says this is not a one-off, but a continuous operation focused on locating those who fail to appear in court and holding them to account for their offending.

Police will be part of something special this weekend, supporting Bay of Plenty’s Special Olympics athletes to carry the Flame of Hope in support of The Special Olympics Games.

Media is invited to come along to the Bay of Plenty leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run hosted by Rotorua Police.

Please attribute to Superintendent Tony Hill, Canterbury District Commander: 

Police are urging Canterbury residents to prepare, and to take extra care, with a red wind warning and state of local emergency declared for Thursday 23 October. 

Avoid non-essential travel.

Consider if you really need to leave home. You may need to adjust any travel plans you have made. Roads and highways are already impacted, and some roads may be closed. 

If you must travel, drive to the conditions and take extra care. 

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Karli Whiu,

Hastings Police investigating a suspicious approach in the Whakatu area would like to advise parents to be alert, not alarmed.

At around 3.15pm on Tuesday 21 October, a man approached a young girl and began interacting with her as she was walking home.

We acknowledge the girl who has done the right thing by avoiding the man, making her way home, and telling her caregivers.

Police are still working to understand exactly what has occurred and our enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Northland Area Investigations Manager:

Police can now confirm that a death in Bank Street, Whangārei is not being treated as suspicious.

Police had been called to Bank Street at around 5.40am today, after a 56-year-old woman was located deceased.

A post mortem will be completed tomorrow and the matter will be referred to the Coroner.

We would like to thank those impacted by the cordons in place on Bank Street today, for their patience and understanding.

ENDS

Police are aware of strike action planned in central Auckland tomorrow, which is expected to cause significant disruption on the roads.

The rally is due to start about midday at Aotea Square, and will include a march down Queen Street to Te Komititanga Square, where the event will conclude.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and avoid Queen Street and the surrounding areas if possible.

Plan ahead and allow extra time.

Public transport users should check Auckland Transport’s website for information on changes to services.

Please attribute to Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua, Counties Manukau CIB:

Police investigating the fatal fire at Bucklands Beach are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a distinctive container we believe may help us with our enquiries.

At 2.30am on Thursday 2 October Emergency Services responded to the house fire on Murvale Drive.

Police have confirmed it is being treated as a double homicide and are calling for the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible for the fire.