Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey, and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson are in Kaitaia today for the next stop on the rural health roadshow happening across the country.

“This roadshow is about listening to the rural community.  It’s a chance for me to connect directly with the public and health professionals working on the frontline in rural areas to hear what’s working, where the gaps are, and how the Rural Health Strategy is being received on the ground,” Mr Doocey says.

Since launching the roadshow in Levin, the Minister has met with rural communities in Wairoa, Wānaka, Oamaru, Gore, Hanmer Springs and Tūrangi. Now, he’s in Kaitaia ready to hear from locals and health workers.

“I’m looking forward to meeting with people in Kaitaia and hearing firsthand about their experiences with healthcare in their community. It’s important we understand both the challenges and the opportunities so we can work together to improve access and outcomes in the rural setting,” Mr Patterson says.

The roadshow builds on the Government’s broader plan to strengthen rural health care. Budget 2025 committed $164 million over four years to improve access to urgent and after-hours care, meaning 98 per cent of Kiwis will be able to access these services within one hour’s drive of their home.

“Milestones like the first total knee replacement surgery completed in Kaitaia in May this year represented a major step forward in expanding advanced surgical care closer to home,” Mr Doocey says.

“Mental health support is a key focus for this Government. A recent $3 million investment over four years will expand access to primary and specialist mental health services in rural areas. The Rural Wellbeing Fund is also being doubled to $4 million, ensuring more communities receive the support they need.

“All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health and mental health outcomes, including for the one in five living in our rural communities.

“The level of engagement we’ve seen at each stop has been fantastic, and I’m looking forward to hearing directly from the Kaitaia community today on how we can keep strengthening rural health care together.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Members of the public are asked to avoid Scott Ave, Ōwhata due to a Police operation.

The operation is pre-planned, and there is not believed to be any risk to public safety.

Cordons are in place, and some staff are armed as a precaution.

Access to the nearby school is unaffected.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Wellington District Police’s Wairarapa Child Protection Team have arrested and charged a man in relation to a baby who was critically injured in Wairarapa in July.

Police were first notified after a baby was admitted to Masterton Hospital with critical injuries on 25 July, and was shortly afterwards moved to Starship Hospital in Auckland.

A 22-year-old man arrested in Hawke’s Bay yesterday (6 August) has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and contravening a protection order.

Detective Inspector Haley Ryan says the arrest is welcome news, and an indicator of how seriously Police take reports of this nature.

“While nothing will undo this awful act of unnecessary violence towards a defenceless baby, we hope that these charges can bring a small amount of closure to the baby’s family and loved ones,” she says.

The charges come following news this week that a 23-year-old man has been charged for injuring a young baby in the Hutt Valley on 14 June.

Detective Inspector Ryan says Police will continue to relentlessly pursue anyone who commits these heinous acts on vulnerable people.

“These charges represent our commitment to holding violent criminals to account, and getting justice for the victims and their loved ones.”

The man is due to appear in the Hastings District Court today (7 August).

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are seeking witnesses to a serious crash in Kaikohe this afternoon, which has resulted in the death of a child.

Emergency services responded to the two-car crash at the intersection of Hillcrest and Orrs Roads just after midday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Christan Fouhy, from Far North CIB, says a family was travelling in one of the vehicles at the time.

“In that vehicle multiple occupants were injured and sadly, a child has lost her life as a result of this crash,” Detective Senior Sergeant Christan Fouhy says.

“I’m unable to confirm further details about the girl at this very early stage.

“This is a devastating incident for the whānau involved.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Fouhy says the two occupants of the second vehicle involved fled on foot from the crash scene.

“Attending Police staff located who they believe to be the driver, in the nearby area, shortly afterward. The second male was located soon after this.”

Far North CIB are seeking information from the public about this afternoon’s crash.

“Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash, or any movements of the vehicles in the lead up to the crash,” Detective Senior Sergeant Fouhy says.

“We are particularly interested in sightings of a white Toyota Mark X being driven erratically on Orrs Road, or the wider Kaikohe area prior to the crash.”

If you have information, please update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250806/2057.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are continuing enquiries into a man’s death at a Mt Wellington reserve early this morning.

We are continuing to conduct enquiries on behalf of the Coroner.

A post-mortem examination will now place tomorrow, which will inform any next steps in our enquiries.

Today, Police also completed a scene examination at Sir Woolf Fisher Reserve where the man was located.

Police enquiries into a nearby burglary at a hardware retail store on Ellerslie-Panmure Highway remain ongoing.

Police will provide a further update once we are in a position to do so.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Inspector Darryl Smith:

Two men have appeared in Hamilton District Court today charged with the murder of Tyreece Te Pairi in Hamilton CBD on 20 July.

The pair, both aged 19, were arrested at addresses in Hamilton and South Auckland last evening (Tuesday).

They have been remanded in custody without plea to reappear on 26 August.

Tyreece, 20, was fatally wounded during an altercation on Alexandra Street shortly after midnight on 20 July.

The court has ordered name suppression of the two charged, as well as all suppression of all facts and circumstances relating to this case.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

State Highway 6 Rocks Road will be closed tomorrow (Thursday 7 August), while contractors carry out emergency work on the slip site.

The closure is scheduled to be in place between 10 am and 4 pm. The highway is expected to reopen around 4 pm. An update will be provided when the road status has changed.

Rob Service, System Manager Nelson/Tasman, says the closure is needed to allow for the urgent removal of an unsafe structure overhanging the top of the cliff face.

“It is at risk of falling onto the road and it is critical it be removed to keep the public safe.”

“It is simply not safe to have vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians below the cliff while this is being done,” Mr Service says.

Mr Service advises drivers to detour via Waimea Road.

“This is a main route and much more suitable for traffic. Drivers should avoid using the narrower residential side streets,” he says.

“We want to complete the work outside of peak commuting times. However, this is a slip site, and the geology and geography are challenging. The 4 pm reopening time may change if unforeseen circumstances arise. Drivers should check the road’s status before they travel,” Mr Service says.

The closure is expected to cause congestion and travel delays for people heading in and out of Nelson. Road users are strongly encouraged to factor it into their travel plans and allow extra time for their journeys.

Works schedule

• Thursday 7 August. 10am to 4pm
• SH6 Rocks Road closed between Bisley Avenue and Russel Street
• Traffic should detour via Waimea Road
• Access will be maintained for affected residents and businesses

Source: New Zealand Police

Investigators are still working on holding all those involved in the violent murder of Kyle Whorrall at an Auckland bus stop to account.

Kyle, a 33-year-old US national, was tragically killed in St Johns on 19 April 2025 during Easter Weekend.

Two people remain before the court after being arrested by the Operation Aberfeldy investigation team in late April.

Today a renewed appeal is being issued to the public.

“It’s time to do the right thing,” Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, of Auckland City CIB says.

“We know there were others in the vehicle that night, and I’m asking people with that information to come forward now.”

A 16-year-old male remains before the Auckland High Court, charged with Kyle’s murder.

Meanwhile, a 33-year-old woman is before the Auckland District Court on two charges of being an accessory after the fact for murder.

Detective Inspector Baldwin says Operation Aberfeldy’s work continues.

“This is still very much an active investigation, and we are very interested in speaking to anyone with information that can assist.

“No piece of information is too small.

“There are people in the community that know exactly who was involved, and what happened. They need to do the right thing and speak up.”

Anyone with information can contact Police in confidence, attend your local Police station, update us online now, or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250419/9858.

People can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash in Kaikohe this afternoon.

The two-vehicle crash was reported at around 12.41pm near the intersection of Ōmāpere and Hillcrest Roads.

Police are still working to confirm the number of people injured, but at this stage we can advise at least two people have sustained serious injuries.

Motorists are advised of a number of road closures in the area – at the intersections of Hillcrest and Park Roads.

Tawanui and Hillcrest Roads, Monument and Orrs Roads and at the scene on Hillcrest Road itself. 

An investigation will commence into the circumstances of the crash, and Police will release further updates as this information is available.

ENDS.

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand will assist Samoa as it grapples with a major dengue outbreak that has so far killed five children.

“Samoa and New Zealand have a special relationship and we stand with them in this time of need,” Mr Peters says. 

“Our thoughts are with the people of Samoa and we will be doing all we can to help.” 

New Zealand intends to:

send a small team to Apia to provide clinical assistance and work with Samoan authorities on further medical support requirements; and
source and fund medical supplies, worth $300,000, to help with the outbreak.

“We stand ready to provide further support as requested by Samoa,” Mr Peters says. 

Senior New Zealand public health officials are also in contact with their Samoa counterparts. 

Travellers to Samoa should take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and follow the Dengue Fever prevention advice on our SafeTravel website. Further information on the outbreak is available here.