Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died following a crash in Rotorua last night.
The crash on Te Ngae Road, involving a bus and a car, was reported to Police at 9.15pm.
A passenger in the car was killed, and the driver and a second passenger were critically injured.
The bus was carrying passengers at the time and fortunately those on the bus only sustained minor injuries.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police
Two premises have been caught selling alcohol to underage volunteers in the Central North Island.
Central District Police Alcohol Harm Prevention Officers (AHPO), in conjunction with Rangitikei District Council and Health Compliance officers, conducted a Controlled Purchase Operation (CPO) in Taihape, Hunterville and Marton on Saturday 1 November.
Out of seven off Licensed premises visited there were two in Taihape that sold Alcohol to a minor.
“It’s disappointing to see non-compliance, especially from two premises in the same town,” says Inspector Phil Weaver, Wanganui Area Prevention Manager.
“Alcohol harm has real effects on our community.
“Both premises have been advised by Police of the referral and process.
“Selling alcohol to minors is a serious offence and is referred to the Alcohol Regulatory & Licensing Authority (ARLA) in Wellington.
Inspector Weaver says it’s disappointing, especially after Police observed correct behaviours over the weekend at the Huntaway Festival in Hunterville.
“Police often do CPOs and Licensed premises visits. We would like to remind premises of their obligations under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
“Council, Police and Health New Zealand work hard to make our communities safer places and are always available to discuss any issues that Licensed premises are having.”
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Herby Ngawhika, Rotorua Area Commander:
Police are disappointed that a small number of people needed to be arrested following a tangi in Rotorua today.
Police had an increased visible presence across Rotorua due to the gang tangi taking place, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the wider community.
Police have been working with whanau over the last few days to ensure a smooth and safe precession today, and a significant majority of attendees behaved in a manner that Police were pleased with.
Unfortunately, a small number of people took today as an opportunity to display poor road behaviours which resulted in Police action needing to be taken.
Police arrested five people for a charges ranging from traffic related offences to possession of an offensive weapon.
Four vehicles were also impounded, while another vehicle was ordered off the road.
20 infringement notices were also issued.
It’s disappointing because Police and whanau had worked well together and a small number of people had taken away from the tangi.
Police will explore further enforcement action as CCTV and footage captured on phones is examined, and those committing offences are identified.
Everyone in this community has a responsibility to one another, to make sure everyone is safe. If people are taking away from people’s safety, then Police’s job is to stop that.
We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding on the roads today.
Police will continue to have a highly visible presence into the evening.
If you see any unlawful activity, please contact Police via 111 if it is happening now or 105 if its after the fact either online or over the phone.
Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police
A pair responsible for an alleged crime spree across the North Island will now face court.
Yesterday afternoon, Police were alerted to a vehicle of interest travelling through Auckland’s east and coming to a stop at Sylvia Park.
Auckland City West Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill, says with the assistance of the Police Eagle helicopter officers arrested two people suspected of committing multiple shoplifting offences across the North Island.
“Our Tactical Retail Crime Unit, based at Mt Roskill, executed a search warrant in Waterview this afternoon in relation to the crime spree, in which thousands of dollars’ worth of goods had been stolen, including power tools and vacuum cleaners,” he says.
“Retail crime is not a victimless offence – it affects businesses, puts frontline retail staff at risk and drives up the costs for everyday consumers.
“Our Tactical Retail Crime Unit are working closely with retailers to ensure that offenders are held to account and shopping environments are safe for everyone in our community.”
A 31-year-old Wellington man and a 39-year-old woman, also from Wellington, appeared in the Auckland District Court today charged with more than 30 shoplifting offences between them.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
The unanimous passing of the Parliament Bill is an important constitutional moment, says Leader of the House Chris Bishop.
“Parliament occupies a central place in our constitution but legislation governing its operations is scattered across the statute book and some of it is out of date.
“The Parliament Bill consolidates and modernises the Clerk of the House of Representatives Act 1988, the Parliamentary Service Act 2000, the Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) Act 2013, and the Parliamentary Privilege Act 2014.
Important changes in the Bill include:
“The development and passage of the Bill has seen Parliament work at its best. The Bill started its gestation in 2015 and was developed under the previous government. I have been proud to carry it forward in this Parliament.
“Parliament established a special select committee, chaired by the respected former Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Adrian Rurawhe, to consider the Bill. I thank the committee and Mr Rurawhe for their work on this important piece of legislation.
“As we approach the end of the year, I would also like to thank all those who work at or for Parliament who provide service to Members of Parliament in their many different ways. New Zealand’s democracy is very well served and New Zealanders should be proud of it.”
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are working to locate Tuapola Jason Dean Toala, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.
Toala, 21, is wanted in relation to serious charges and is believed to be in the wider Auckland or Northland regions.
It’s believed he is actively avoiding Police.
If you have seen Tuala or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 250911/1401.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Detective Inspector Joel Syme:
Police acknowledge the verdicts handed down today in relation to the murder of Anaru Moana in December 2021.
Three men were found guilty of murder and one woman was found guilty of being a party to injuring.
This case has been extensive, with our investigation spread across both Canterbury and Southern Districts and including core members from Aoraki CIB, and Southern and Canterbury Organised Crime teams. I would like to thank all involved in this investigation for their thorough and meticulous work which enabled a strong case to be put before the courts.
The body of Mr Moana has never been recovered.
While today’s verdicts are welcomed by Police and Mr Moana’s whanau, our thoughts are still with the family who have not been able to have their loved one returned.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Police Commissioner Richard Chambers:
The conduct of Mr Jevon McSkimming was disgraceful and it is right he has been held to account for it.
The outcome shows all police, no matter their rank, are accountable to the laws that apply to us all.
Mr McSkimming’s behaviour was not only criminal, but goes against the core values of Police.
I will not allow this to tarnish my staff, who are as appalled by this as I am. This shameful episode has done their dedication an immense disservice.
From the moment I was advised about these circumstances, I have taken it seriously and acted on it.
As soon as I was made aware of the nature of the material found, I raised it with the Minister of Police as a conduct matter to allow him to consider Mr McSkimming’s position at the time as a statutory deputy commissioner.
Mr McSkimming subsequently resigned from Police. This conduct has no place in Police.
I also ordered a rapid review of the controls and security of Police devices. I moved quickly to remedy the gaps it identified and ordered auditing and monitoring of staff use of Police devices.
We will investigate any cases of staff found to have accessed inappropriate or objectionable material and will take action where conduct falls short of standard and expectations.
Lastly, but most importantly, I want to acknowledge the outstanding work of more than 15,000 Police staff across the country who work day and night to help keep our country safe.
ENDS
Issue by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 1 is blocked following a single vehicle crash near Ohotu, south of Taihape.
Motorists are asked to delay travel if possible and expect delays.
Emergency services received reports of the crash about 3:10pm.
There are no reported injuries.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Andersons Floodway Bridge on State Highway 63 in Marlborough is now open to traffic, just over four months after it was severely damaged during a severe winter storm.
The new, more resilient structure is a significant upgrade on its predecessor that was deemed beyond repair after it was washed out during heavy rain in June.
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South, says the project is a real success story for the region, with local contractors completing the work in record time.
“Building a new bridge quickly without compromising quality was the priority – we managed to do that by working on smart solutions with local contractors.”
“By using the design and construct model our contractors were able to begin construction on the new bridge immediately using generic bridge details that were refined as required as construction progressed, saving time and money.”
Mr Owen says the local community also played a key role in helping the project progress at pace.
“Landowners were accommodating of us using their land for the temporary bypass, local utilities companies were on board early and promptly relocated lines and cables and Marlborough District Council urgently produced a flood model that informed the design of the new bridge.”
“It’s been a real team effort from the outset, through to project completion.”
Work on the replacement bridge began on 18 August, with a temporary road and minor detour in place to keep traffic moving safely while construction was underway.
The new, longer bridge was built on site with a deep-piled foundation and a wider precast concrete deck, improving both resilience and efficiency.
As part of the upgrade, new barriers were installed on the approaches to the bridge, and these, along with the wider deck, mean the new bridge is much safer for traffic.
Mr Owen said the support from road users during this work is appreciated by everyone involved.
“We know State Highway 63 is a critical route in Marlborough, and we acknowledge the Andersons Floodway Bridge project, along with other recovery and repair works on the highway, have caused disruption and travel delays for drivers.”
“Our contractors appreciate the patience and cooperation the public have shown while the work has been underway. But the good news is we now have a new improved, and more flood-protected bridge open just in time for Christmas,” Mr Owen says.
Andersons Floodway Bridge – Facts and figures:
|
Old Bridge |
New Bridge |
|
|
Traffic Width |
7.3m |
9.0m |
|
Span |
4.3m |
11.5m |
|
Flood Capacity |
One-in-five-year flood event (with no allowance for climate change) |
One-in-100-year flood event (including allowance for climate change) |
Other work on State Highway 63:
Mr Owen says work to rebuild a section of State Highway 63 on the eastern side of the township is making good progress, and recovery work to repair significant scouring damage west of the Waihopai Bridge is now underway.
“From 17 November contractors will also begin work to rebuild a 200-metre section of the state highway, west of the Waihopai Bridge. This will involve removing the top layer of the road, laying new gravel, and then applying new chipseal. The end result will be a much stronger stretch of highway,” Mr Owen says.
SH63 West of Waihopai Bridge works schedule:
SH63 East of the Wairau Valley township:
Driver Advice:
Please follow all traffic management, temporary speed limits, and instructions from road crews. They are there to keep everyone safe