Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now name the person who sadly died following a single vehicle crash on Anaura Road, Gisborne, on 1 February.
He was Harry Papuni, 24, from Anaura Bay.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Radio New Zealand
Our chocolately recipe recommendations include a simple dairy-free cake by kitchen queen Alison Holst, a bananana-fied caramel slice and a chocolate-chip shortbread recipe nicknamed ‘Why Would I Make Another Chocolate Chip Cookie Ever Again?’.
Sweet-tart summer berries and dark chocolate equals instant love connection.
Rich baked banana-infused caramel packed into a malty biscuit base.
After eating cookies that were either too sweet, too soft or too chocolate, Alison Roman invented an instant classic.
Sure-to-be-moist brownies with a bit of extra nutrition.
Ascend to creamy, chocolate-y, nutty, spicy heaven when you’re low on time and energy.
The iconic Kiwi chef added a little spice to a simple dairy-free chocolate cake from her 1991 classic The Best of Alison Holst.
A cookie-pie loaded with dark, dark chocolate and sugar-pillows of marshmallow.
Studded with chunks of dark chocolate and topped with crunchy sesame seeds, these cookies are the perfect combination of flavours and textures.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: New Zealand Police
A Police operation in Pukekohe quickly rounded up several persons of interest in recent aggravated robbery investigations.
The situation unfolded on Thursday afternoon with Police resource flooding into the township, resulting in three sought offenders being arrested.
Detective Inspector Karen Bright, from Counties Manukau CIB, says an off-duty officer located a group near the Michael Hill jewellery store.
One of the group was sought in connection with an aggravated robbery at a Napier Michael Hill store on 3 February, and a Papatoetoe bar on 10 February.
“The group were acting suspiciously near the chain’s Pukekohe store before leaving in a vehicle,” Detective Inspector Bright says.
“Upon realising the risk that a further robbery may be imminent additional Police resource was deployed into the township; on the ground and in the air.
“Our staff were highly visible and there was nowhere this group could go.”
Meanwhile, the National Retail Investigation Support Unit notified Michael Hill whose stores implemented additional security measures.
Prevention patrols were also initiated across the Auckland region at other locations.
A breakthrough moment came when a unit sighted the vehicle of interest on Manukau Road.
With the Eagle helicopter also overhead, Police had eyes in many locations.
“Despite the vehicle being abandoned on a side road, our frontline staff quickly deployed into the area,” Detective Inspector Bright says.
“A short time later, a suspicious activity report came in where a group of young people were seen changing their clothes at a nearby high school.
“Units were soon on scene stopping two young people, while Eagle observed two other males trying to walk away from the area.”
They were no match for frontline staff who quickly gave chase on foot on Harris Street, with both males giving up and being arrested.
Detective Inspector Bright says with people in custody, the Counties Manukau Major Crime Team worked into the night to lay appropriate charges.
– A 17-year-old male has been charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, for the Napier and Papatoetoe incidents, as well as four counts of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
– A 15-year-old male has also been charged with aggravated robbery over the Papatoetoe incident on 10 February.
– Another 17-year-old male has been charged with aggravated robbery over an incident at a Takanini vape store on 23 January. He also faces several charges relating to vehicle crime.
“This is an outstanding result by every single staff member involved in responding on Thursday,” Detective Inspector Bright says.
“Between a highly visible Police response and partnerships with retailers, we have prevented further offending from taking place.
“These young people are now all before the Manukau Youth Court.”
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
A dangerous driver allegedly travelling on the wrong side of the road with his children in the car will now face court.
At about 12.20am, Police attempted to stop a vehicle seen travelling at excess speed on Pilkington Road, Panmure.
“The vehicle failed to stop and has then been observed running a red light before continuing on,” Auckland City East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Tony Ngau Chun, says.
“Units have managed to spike the vehicle in Ōtāhuhu and again in Manukau, where the vehicle has continued at low speed on the wrong side of the road.”
Senior Sergeant Ngau Chun says the driver was eventually blocked by Police and quickly taken into custody.
“Four family members were inside the vehicle at the time, and the driver’s behaviour was extremely concerning.
“We work hard to stop and prevent dangerous driving because we know this can, and does, result in serious crashes with sometimes dire consequences.
“If you see any dangerous driving activity please contact Police on 111 if it’s happening now or 105 if it’s after the fact.”
A 40-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court on 19 February charged with failing to stop and ill-treatment/neglect of a child under 18.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
Trained Oranga Tamariki staff will shortly be able to administer life-saving medicines, in a common sense move that will also allow young people to access the services of Nurse Practitioners.
“Previously only a doctor or nurse could administer EpiPens and Glucagon Pen Kits, and if there wasn’t a doctor or nurse at the residence when a young person had a severe medical reaction, staff in the room were unable to respond,’ says Minister Chhour.
“This put young people at serious risk, it is unconscionable and defies common sense, we could not let that continue.
“Trained staff will shortly be authorised to administer emergency injectable medications in residences and potentially save lives.”
The changes introduced include:
“We expect these changes to come into effect by mid-2026 and Oranga Tamariki will be working closely with residence staff to ensure they are well-trained and confident in their ability to use these medicines in an emergency situation,” says Minister Chhour.
Training and authorisation for staff will start shortly, beginning with EpiPen use. Annual refresher training will follow.
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 13 February 2026
Periods of rain, some it heavy, are predicted for Coromandel through 13, 14 and 15 February. A MetService Orange Weather Warning for the area was issued at 11 am today.
DOC’s Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly says the Trigger Response Action Plan for Mautohe Cathedral Cove requires tracks to close whenever weather warnings are issued amid rainfall events.
“DOC has a vital responsibility to manage visitor risk at the site,” Nick says.
“That approach means closing the tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove when we see heavy rain events coming in.
“We want people to be safe, that’s our priority. This is not the time to go naturing at Mautohe Cathedral Cove – do not put yourself at risk.
“The local team hopes to reopen the tracks to the cove once the storm passed, and inspections have been undertaken by DOC staff,” Nick says.
Nick says DOC’s north Coromandel campsites are open – but visitors should consider whether camping is sensible with wet weather forecast, and should check Thames Coromandel District Council and NZTA websites for road information.
DOC closed the tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove on 21 January due to a storm that swept across the North Island. The tracks were damaged and remained closed until 30 January while a geotechnical inspection was undertaken.
Earlier geological assessments at Mautohe Cathedral Cove have also shown there is a residual risk of landslides and rockfalls as the soil above and around the cove dries out following rain events.
The cove can still be accessed from the sea but anyone planning to do this should think carefully about the risks – including the possibility of rockfall and further landslides – and whether visiting is sensible at this time.
Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Garbrielle. DOC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: Radio New Zealand
Wellington Airport is taking safety measures for planes following the Moa Point failure. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Wellington Airport says it has noticed increased bird activity near its runway this week, and it is taking safety measures for planes following the Moa Point failure.
The sewage plant melted down last week, flooding the building with waste and sending raw sewage into the nearby south coast.
Nearby beaches remained off limits due to tens of millions of litres of screened but untreated sewage flowing out the plant’s 1.8-kilometre outfall pipe each day.
Wellington Airport’s location is very close to Moa Point.
With the risk of bird strike for aircraft in mind, its head of operations, Matthew Palliser, told RNZ they were monitoring the animals.
“We are keeping a close eye on bird activity around the airport and have noticed some increased activity at times this week, but we are always prepared for this.”
Palliser said the airport had regular patrols checking the runway and that they worked closely with the Airways control tower.
“When required, we use a range of tools to scare birds off, including different noises.
“We also have a full-time Wildlife Officer who monitors bird activity.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: Radio New Zealand
RNZ / REECE BAKER
One person has died following a crash in north Canterbury that left multiple people trapped.
Emergency services were called to State Highway 7, north of Waikari, at about 6.40am on Friday after a car went off the road.
At least four Fire and Emergency NZ crews worked to help free people trapped in the car.
Police said despite best efforts of emergency services, a critically injured person died at the scene.
St John said two others were in a serious condition and a third person was in a moderate condition.
State Highway 7, between McRaes and Mt Alexander roads, was blocked as a result of the crash, a police spokesperson said.
“The road remains closed while emergency services work at the scene.
“Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.”
St John had sent three ambulances and a helicopter to help.
The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.
“Traffic management is in place and motorists should expect delays.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are working to locate Steven Te Maru Walters, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.
Walters, 40, is wanted by Police in relation to breaching his release conditions and is known to frequent the Whangārei area.
It’s believed he is actively avoiding Police.
If you have seen Walters or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 250220/4117.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey on her first official visit to New Zealand today.
“The Commonwealth plays an important role in bringing countries together around shared values,” Mr Peters says.
“New Zealand welcomes the Secretary-General’s engagement in the Pacific and her focus on reform, and we look forward to continued engagement on priorities of mutual interest.”
In their talks in Auckland, Mr Peters emphasised New Zealand’s support for a Commonwealth that is effective, accountable, and focused on its core strengths, including democracy, good governance, human rights, and the rule of law.
Discussions also focused on the Secretary-General’s ambitious reform agenda and the importance of initiatives such as the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration in delivering tangible impacts for small states, including the Pacific.