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Woman charged over retirement village burglaries

Source: New Zealand Police

A prolific burglar allegedly targeting a west Auckland retirement village is facing numerous charges in court.

The arrest comes as Police investigate other burglaries at villages across the Auckland region.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, Waitematā West Area Investigations Manager, says five charges have been laid so far.

“We have been investigating a spree of offending on one day in late January, where five residents were allegedly targeted in their residences,” he says.

“Three residents have been the victims of burglaries with expensive jewellery and cash allegedly stolen.”

Police estimate the offending to be valued at nearly $8,000.

The 60-year-old has been charged with three counts of burglary and two counts of being unlawfully in a building.

She will appear in the Waitākere District Court today.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says following Thursday’s arrest, enquiries are ongoing into recent burglaries reported at other Auckland retirement villages.

Further charges cannot be ruled out, he says.

“It’s unfortunate when vulnerable members of the community are targeted in this matter, and we will oppose the woman’s bail at her court appearance.”

  • Remain vigilant:

Recent burglaries are a reminder for residents at retirement villages to be cautious.

“It’s important that residents be mindful of people who might be out of place in these villages, and keep an eye out for your neighbours,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.

“Never let someone inside your unit unless you know who they are or have confirmed their identity with management.

“I’m encouraging families to check in on their loved ones and reiterate this advice.”

Always keep your valuables hidden and secure wherever possible.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Name release: Fatal crash, Port Chalmers

Source: New Zealand Police


Location:

Southern

Police can now release the name of the man who sadly died following a crash on Wickliffe Road, Port Chalmers, on Friday 30 January.

He was John Douglas Taylor, 44, from Milton.

Police extend condolences to John’s loved ones.

ENDS

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What you need to know ahead of sixth NZ A-League derby

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Phoenix captain Alex Rufer and Auckland FC’s Lachlan Brook scored for their sides the last time they met in the A-League in December. Photosport

Wellington Phoenix vs Auckland FC

Kick-off: 5pm Saturday February 21

Sky Stadium, Wellington

Live blog updates on RNZ

A one-sided rivalry is still a rivalry.

That is the opinion of the Auckland FC players and coach ahead of the sixth New Zealand A-League derby between the Wellington Phoenix and Auckland.

Auckland have won all five previous derby matches, including the two games this season.

In December Auckland won 3-1 at home and a month earlier Auckland had won 2-1 in Wellington.

Across all derbies there is an average of 3.8 goals a game and only one clean sheet in the first game played back in November 2024.

Injuries and unavailability have hit both teams and prevented two of the competition’s leading goal-scorers going head-to-head on Saturday.

One of the Phoenix’s key signings Sarpreet Singh will not play in his first derby after his return to the A-League club was cut short after picking up a long-term injury in his first game back in seven years.

Despite Singh’s absence there are still All Whites in both sides hoping to get on the plane to the Football World Cup in June and to use the match-ups against their national team team mates to impress All Whites coach Darren Bazeley.

Form

Auckland are sitting in second on the A-League ladder coming off a 1-all draw to Sydney FC on Tuesday night.

The Black Knights are trying to move on from a start to the calendar year which included three losses, two draws and a win in January.

The Phoenix are 10th following a 2-all draw with Central Coast Mariners in the last round.

Last month Wellington had two wins, two draws and a loss.

By the numbers

Across the season the Phoenix have lost more times than they have won at home this season – three wins, four losses.

Whereas Auckland have won more times on the road than they have lost – four wins, two losses.

In derby games, the Phoenix have scored four goals compared to Auckland’s 15.

This season Phoenix have had 11 different goal-scorers, while Auckland have had six different players find the back of the net.

The Phoenix are ranked the most accurate team in the league when it comes to shooting, with 91 of 160 shots on target. Auckland sit in fourth in this statistic with 97 of 210 shots on target.

Auckland can be vulnerable at set pieces with five goals conceded including three from corners. Wellington have conceded three goals from set pieces.

Squads

Sam Cosgrove will miss the derby. photosport

Auckland FC will be without striker Sam Cosgrove who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, which requires him to miss a match.

Marlee Francois has bone bruising following Tuesday’s game and is in doubt to play.

Auckland FC squad: Michael Woud, Hiroki Sakai, Jake Girdwood-Reich, Nando Pijnaker, Louis Verstraete, Cam Howieson, Felipe Gallegos, Sam Cosgrove, Guillermo May, Marlee Francois, Jimmy Hilton, Francis De Vries, Callan Elliot, Jesse Randall, Jake Brimmer, Dan Hall, Logan Rogerson, Jonty Bidois, Lachlan Brook, Bailey Ferguson

Sarpreet Singh will miss the derby after getting injured in his first appearance for the Phoenix in seven years. www.photosport.nz

All Whites attacking midfielder Singh will be sidelined for up eight weeks after getting a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury in his left knee in the last round. Fullback Tim Payne has also been ruled out of the derby with a hamstring injury.

Wellington Phoenix squad: Joshua Oluwayemi, Alby Kelly-Heald, Eamonn McCarron, Lukas Kelly-Heald, Isaac Hughes, Matthew Sheridan, Bill Tuiloma, Manjrekar James, Jayden Smith, Dan Edwards, Tim Payne, Tze-Xuan Loke, Alex Rufer, Paulo Retre, Anaru Cassidy, Fin Roa Conchie, Kazuki Nagasawa, Carlo Armiento, Sarpreet Singh, Sander Kartum, Luke Brooke-Smith, Ramy Najjarine, Nathan Walker, Nikola Mileusnic, Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues, Ifeanyi Eze, Corban Piper, Luke Supyk

What they said

Nando Pijnaker. Photosport

All Whites defender Nando Pijnaker said Auckland’s dominance put a bit of a burden the players.

“I’ve never really been a part of something like this where we’ve won so many times in a row so it’s interesting. Every game that goes by that we win I guess puts a little bit more pressure on you because you want to keep winning and you want to make this the normality which I don’t think it is, but we’re really confident.”

Auckland FC coach Steve Corica said despite winning five out of five it was still a rivalry with the Phoenix.

“We don’t want to get carried away with that, we want to continue winning obviously we want to make it six from six in the first two years but we know it’s going to be a tough game. I think they’re playing some good football we’re going to have to be on our game definitely need to perform well, we need three points as badly as they do.”

Bill Tuiloma and Paulo Retre of Wellington Phoenix. www.photosport.nz

Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano said he felt good heading into the derby despite the record.

“I must have smashed a couple of mirrors somewhere because the amount of bad luck we’ve had over the last couple of seasons, especially in the derbies, we haven’t had things go for us but I feel like we’re due for one.”

Another All Whites defender Bill Tuiloma will play in his first New Zealand derby after joining the Phoenix at the start of the year and said there was a “determination” to get the first win over Auckland.

“I’m just fired up and I’m excited… you could see it that I’m playing against my home team from where I’m from but I’m very excited, the whole team’s pumped for it.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Police warn Clutha and Gore farmers: be aware

Source: New Zealand Police

Southern District Police urge people in rural areas of Clutha and Gore to keep an eye out after reports of multiple burglaries. 

A number of burglaries in the heart of Southland are under investigation. Offenders have targeted fuel and equipment on farming properties in the Clutha and Gore districts. 

Sergeant Tim Coudret, from Southern District Police, urges people to help Police by reporting suspicious behaviour. 

“If you see something, say something. 

“Look around you and let us know if you notice something, or someone, out of the ordinary.” 

Suspicious or illegal activity should be reported by calling 111 immediately if it’s happening now, or via 105 if it’s afterwards. 

“We’ve had an increase in reports of burglaries lately. 

“Update your inventory of farm equipment, including model and serial numbers. 

“Lock up, even if you’re still on the property, and call 111 if you see something happening.” 

Sergeant Coudret says there are crime prevention actions you can take to secure your home and buildings.

He recommends that you keep an eye out, reduce the risk of theft, keep in touch with neighbours and report anything that you find suspicious. 

“If it looks dodgy it probably is dodgy, no matter how minor, we want to know.” 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Road closed, West Coast Road/SH73, Arthurs Pass

Source: New Zealand Police

West Coast Road/State Highway 73, Arthurs Pass, is blocked in both directions following a serious crash this afternoon.

Police were notified of the crash, involving a motorcycle and a car, around 1pm.

Initial indicators are that there has been serious injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit have been advised and the road is expected to remain closed for some time while emergency services work at the scene.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible, and expect delays.

ENDS

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Arrest made, Wharepai Domain homicide

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Western Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown:

Police have arrested and charged a man today in relation to the death of Dax Holland, after his body was found at Wharepai Domain on Saturday 14 February.

The 24-year-old has been charged with murder and is due to appear in Tauranga District Court tomorrow [21 February].

Police still want to hear from anyone who may have seen any unusual or suspicious behaviour around the Wharepai Domain before to 2pm on Saturday 14 February.

If you have information that may assist with our investigation, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260214/8937.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers, on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Watch: Fire tears through pavilion at Auckland’s Northcote College

Source: Radio New Zealand

Firefighters are tackling a blaze at Auckland’s Northcote College.

Fire and Emergency NZ said they were called to the school about 12.15pm on Friday.

A crew from Silverdale is in attendance and more crews are on their way to the scene.

Fire at Northcote College on Auckland’s North Shore. Finn Blackwell

Smoke can be seen from the Harbour Bridge.

On social media, a school spokesperson said: “There is an active fire at Northcote College in the sports pavilion. The fire service is here.

“All students have been evacuated to the other end of the school and are safe.

Facebook / Northcote College

“We are waiting for further direction from the fire service and will update you as we can.”

The Silverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade, which was nearly half an hour away from the college, attended even though the closest fire station, Birkenhead, is four minutes away.

The fire started during the one hour strike by the Professional Firefighters Union.

FENZ said during that hour, it was relying on volunteer brigades.

Fire at Northcote College on Auckland’s North Shore. Finn Blackwell

There were now other brigades on the scene.

Just last month another large fire broke out during strike action.

A building in Pakuranga was completely destroyed by fire and a person was seriously hurt.

Smoke from a fire at Northcote College, as seen from the city. RNZ / Victoria Young

At the time, Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown said he was “angry” on behalf of those impacted by the fire due to it happening during the strike.

“Union action that delays a response to an emergency is quite frankly reckless and the union needs to put a stop to these reckless strikes which endanger lives, homes, and businesses.”

New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union secretary Wattie Watson said contingencies were meant to be put in place during the strike.

On social media, North Shore councillor Richard Hills said it was “so sad” to see another fire at the school.

“It will be hugely upsetting to students, staff and school whānau, especially as they’re just getting back to normal, after the previous fire, and recent opening of new and upgraded buildings post construction.

“The fire service are there and thankfully all students have been evacuated to the other end of the school and are safe. The fire is very much still active.”

Hills said it was likely to cause traffic delays in surrounding areas and urged people to stay away if they didn’t need to be there.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Weekend weather: Mostly dry skies after turbulent week

Source: Radio New Zealand

Christchurch will be basking in temperatures in the 20s after a wet start to the week. 123rf.com

After a turbulent week of weather, forecasters are expecting a fine and mostly dry weekend across the country.

It will come as a welcome relief for many after severe weather once again hit the country earlier this week, causing flooding and triggering local states of emergency in Canterbury.

Friday has seen largely dry skies around the North Island with the odd shower, mainly in the west.

However, there was a low risk of thunderstorms as a series of weak fronts moved northwards over the South Island today.

MetService said there was a low risk of thunderstorms for the West Coast this morning. While on the east coast of the South Island, there were low to moderate risks of thunderstorms on Friday afternoon.

But come Saturday, the weather is looking fine and mostly dry.

“All the major centres are in for a good looking Saturday,” MetService head of weather news Heather Keats said.

Maximum temperatures on Saturday and Sunday are forecast to be in the low to mid-20s for most of the country.

“Sunday is also looking pretty decent. Again, there will be a few showers, most of those for the West Coast and deep south, but they’re short-lived,” Keats said.

On Sunday, high pressure builds over the country after a front weakens as it moves northwards across central and Northern New Zealand. Meanwhile, a trough brushes the south of the South Island, Met Service said.

MetService said there was a low confidence of severe west to southwest gales about coastal Southland, Clutha and Dunedin during Sunday morning and afternoon.

MetService’s weekend forecast

Saturday:

  • Auckland – High of 22C, low of 15C
  • Hamilton – High of 24C, low of 9C
  • Tauranga – High of 24C, low of 12C
  • Wellington – High of 19C, low of 15C
  • Christchurch – High of 20C, low of 9C
  • Dunedin – High of 20C, low of 12C
  • Invercargill – High of 20C, low of 10C

Sunday

  • Auckland – High of 23C, low of 15C
  • Hamilton – High of 23C, low of 8C
  • Tauranga – High of 25C, low of 13C
  • Wellington – High of 22C, low of 12C
  • Christchurch – High of 23C, low of 8C
  • Dunedin – High of 18C, low of 10C
  • Invercargill – High of 16C, low of 6C

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Ship upgrade to improve coastal resilience in disasters

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s ability to support communities following natural disasters and other major emergencies will be improved by an investment into a key coastal bulk ship upgrade, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.

The Rangitata, which was vital in delivering disaster relief after Cyclone Gabrielle, will receive $3 million from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund to improve its ability to carry different types of cargo across a wider range of ports.

“The ship was a major asset for Gisborne and Napier, carrying containers between the two when major road links were washed out. This summer’s tragic storms have again underscored how important this infrastructure is,” Mr Meager says.

“When land routes fail, coastal shipping becomes critical for making sure fuel, building materials and other vital supplies can still get to those in need.”

The investment will fund a material handler for the ship, a piece of deck-mounted machinery that can load and unload bulk cargo, to be operational by the end of 2026.

“This will mean the Rangitata can transport a wider range of bulk items and operate without relying on port-side cranes and infrastructure, facilities which may not be usable after a significant event,” Mr Meager says.

“The ship can access smaller ports which are particularly vulnerable during natural disasters, including those where road and rail connections can be cut-off for long periods. It can deliver bulk supplies directly to communities which may have been isolated for days.

“Another key advantage is the material handler is powered directly from the ship, rather than from land, so it remains available wherever the vessel is deployed.

“We are a Government dedicated to fixing the basics, delivering results, and building the future. That’s exactly what this investment does. It will strengthen our country’s resilience and improve our ability to bounce back from devastating natural events.”
 

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Firefighters tackle blaze at Auckland’s Northcote College

Source: Radio New Zealand

Facebook / Northcote College

Firefighters are tackling a blaze at Auckland’s Northcote College.

Fire and Emergency NZ said they were called to the school about 12.15pm on Friday.

A crew from Silverdale is in attendance and more crews are on their way to the scene.

Smoke can be seen from the Harbour Bridge.

On social media, a school spokesperson said: “There is an active fire at Northcote College in the sports pavilion. The fire service is here.

“All students have been evacuated to the other end of the school and are safe.

“We are waiting for further direction from the fire service and will update you as we can.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand