Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have today charged 12 people for the murder of a Rotorua man last month – seven of them in a small Bay of Plenty town.

Zain Taikato Fox, aged 20, died in Rotorua Hospital of critical injuries on 28 July.

Officers have conducted numerous enquiries since then, culminating in search warrants being executed in Maketu, Rotorua, and Whanganui this morning.

Detective Inspector Craig Rawlinson says it is a big day for the small town.

“Most of those arrested are from Maketu, and these arrests will have a significant positive impact on the township,” he says.

“It’s great to have progressed this investigation to this point. Our thoughts are with Zain’s family, and we hope this will help reassure the greater Bay of Plenty community.”

Police Iwi Liaison officers, who have been in Maketu today, will remain to help ensure those affected by these arrests get any support they need.

The 12 people are all appearing in Tauranga Youth Court later today.

Details of the arrests:

• Four Rotorua men – aged 23, 25, 29, and 54.      
• A male youth was arrested in Whanganui (and will be appearing in Tauranga by audio-visual link).
• Seven Maketu men – aged 37, 38 and 63, two aged 22, and two aged 40.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Two men have been arrested, and firearms, ammunition and drugs have been seized, during a series of search warrants executed in Invercargill and Mataura Island this week.

The warrants were part of Operation Hawk, which targeted illegal hunters and associated criminal activity.

Four warrants were executed, which took three firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, cannabis and a four-wheel drive vehicle out of criminal hands. Three of the warrants were carried out in Invercargill and one was carried out in Mataura Island.

The operation was supported by detectives from the Southern District Organised Crime Group.

Senior Constable Nicky Herbert says illegal hunting poses serious risks to public safety, property and the environment.

“The presence of firearms and drugs in these contexts significantly escalates the potential for harm,” Senior Constable Herbert says.

“Police remain committed to identifying and holding accountable those who engage in illegal hunting and associated offending. These actions are not only criminal but dangerous, and they will not be tolerated.”

The two men are facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms, reckless discharging of firearms and entering agricultural land with intent to commit a crime.

Further charges are also being considered.

A 24-year-old man is due to appear in Gore District Court on 27 August.

A 28-year-old man is due to reappear in Invercargill District Court on 16 September.

Police continue to urge anyone with information about unlawful hunting or related activity to contact Police on 105, visit their local station, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.
 

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Baird:

South Island Organised Crime Police have arrested two men and seized a large amount of methamphetamine and cash during search warrants executed at addresses in Christchurch and Dunedin this week.

The five-week investigation was terminated after the three addresses were searched on Monday 18 August.

Police seized over half a kilogram of methamphetamine, worth approximately $192,000, as well as $67,000 in cash from the properties.

A 38-year-old man is remanded in custody and is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on 17 September, charged with supplying methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for supply, and breach of the Corrections Act 2004.

A 66-year-old man is due to appear in Dunedin District Court on 9 September, charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply.

If you have any information about those who may be involved in the supply of harmful and illicit drugs, please contact us via 105 either online or over the phone.

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

As the matter is before the Court, Police are not able to comment further at this time.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Government

Seahawk helicopters and Airbus planes are set to replace aging New Zealand Defence Force aircraft in the first major investment decisions to be made as part of the Government’s Defence Capability Plan (DCP).

Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters today announced investment decisions of $2.7 billion, with the MH-60R Seahawk the preferred option to replace the existing maritime helicopters. The Airbus A321XLR (extra long range) aircraft will replace the aging 757 fleet.

“This decision will ensure New Zealand has a critical combat capable, interoperable and dependable fleet,” Ms Collins says.

“The MH-60R Seahawk is a great aircraft for what New Zealand needs and fulfils our objective of having a more integrated Anzac force, and the new planes will give us reliable aircraft to deploy personnel and respond to international events.”

Mr Peters says these decisions show how the Government is responding to the sharply deteriorating security environment.

“Global tensions are increasing rapidly, and we must invest in our national security to ensure our economic prosperity.

“The DCP provides the foundation for our uplift in defence spending, and two-yearly reviews of the plan will allow us to adapt to an ever-changing security environment.” 

The $2 billion plus investment in maritime helicopters and $700 million investment in the new Airbus A321XLRs are both part of the $12 billion in planned commitments outlined in the 2025 DCP announced in April. 

Ms Collins says the maritime helicopters are versatile and add combat and deterrent capability to our naval fleet.

“These five Seahawks will increase the offensive and defensive capability and surveillance range of New Zealand’s frigates and ensure we are interoperable with our ally Australia and other partner defence forces,” she says.

“We will now move at pace to procure helicopters directly through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales programme instead of going to a wider tender, with Cabinet expected to consider the final business case next year. 

“The two new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will be acquired on a six-year lease to buy arrangement, with capital costs of $620 million and four-year operating costs of $80.86 million.  

“New Zealand needs reliable aircraft to deploy our personnel, deliver military equipment and humanitarian aid, support the evacuation of civilians, and transport government trade and diplomatic delegations quickly, over long distances, and often at short notice.

“The decision to acquire the extra long range aircraft reflects the importance of having an aircraft capable of such things as returning safely from Antarctica if it is unable to land due to conditions on the ice.

“Our Defence Force personnel have proven time and time again they do an outstanding job and we must ensure they have the tools that are up to the task.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have made four arrests after an operation unfolded across two regions following an aggravated robbery in Flat Bush this morning.

Counties Manukau CIB are investigating with charges being confirmed for those allegedly involved.

At around 5am, a group of men arrived at a Kerrykeel Drive property.

Detective Inspector Karen Bright, from Counties Manukau CIB, says the men reportedly were carrying weapons.

“It was reported that one of these men were in possession of a firearm, before they have taken property and stolen a vehicle from the address.”

As Police deployed to the incident, the Police Eagle helicopter located this stolen vehicle on State Highway 20 heading north.

“Eagle observed this vehicle travelling in tandem with a second vehicle, which was also stolen,” Detective Inspector Bright says.

“Units moved in and signalled both vehicles to stop near Te Atatū, in which both failed to stop.”

Vehicle one – Auckland:

Eagle continued to track the vehicle stolen from the Flat Bush address, and the Auckland Armed Offenders Squad was deployed.

“AOS staff have brought the vehicle to a stop on Glenfield Road and swiftly took the sole occupant into custody without incident.”

A 20-year-old man was arrested at the scene.

Vehicle two – Waikato:

Meanwhile, the second vehicle headed south towards the Waikato region, with units pursuing the vehicle.

Waikato AOS were deployed as the vehicle carried on at high speed.

“The vehicle has collided with barriers on Tirau Road, and AOS moved in to carry out an armed traffic stop,” Detective Inspector Bright says.

Three male occupants were arrested at the scene without further issue. Those arrested were a 17-year-old and two 18-year-olds.

Police have seized both vehicles with detailed examinations to be carried out.

“Counties Manukau CIB are continuing to investigate the entire circumstances of what unfolded at the Flat Bush address this morning,” Detective Inspector Bright says.

No occupants at the address suffered any injuries, nor did any motorists on the roading network this morning.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

A family jet ski lost to the hands of thieves five years ago has been returned to its rightful owners after a search on social media proved fruitful.

The jet ski was originally reported stolen from a property in Waitākere in October 2020.

Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Kelly Farrant, says the victim happened to be on Facebook Marketplace earlier this week.

Instead of finding a replacement, he spotted the long-lost jet ski that used to belong to his family.

“It was all in the timing really, the victim just happened to surfing marketplace when the jet ski came up on his feed.

“He then made contact with the seller and arranged a meeting to view the jet ski, while also contacting Police.”

Inspector Farrant says officers attended the meet up, and located the jet ski at the Henderson property.

“The victim was able to clearly identify the vehicle from the colours and other various markings.

“The seller was cooperative and handed over the jet ski without incident upon finding out the item had been previously stolen.”

She says enquiries remain ongoing to identifying those responsible for the 2020 theft.

“We’re thrilled to have been able to assist in returning this jet ski back to its owners, to hopefully be used in making more fun summer memories.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

An alleged text scammer attempting to splash out on luxury goods is instead awaiting her next court date in custody.

Auckland City CIB have laid seven fraud charges and are continuing to investigate the visitor’s actions after she aroused suspicion at high-end retailers.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton says Police were called to Newmarket on 10 August.

“A woman had tried unsuccessfully using multiple phones to make a pay wave purchase in excess of $6,000.

“Police were called after the woman then left the shop and attempted to enter another high-end retailer.

“Police were contacted by security at the time and the woman was arrested by our staff on arrival.”

Police enquiries have established this woman is allegedly involved in a text scam ring which has made another resurgence recently.

“It will be alleged that unsuspecting Kiwi’s credit card details were used by ghost tapping with several smart phones,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says.

“We’d like to acknowledge the vigilance of the retail staff, who have prevented any further spending on a victim’s dime.”

A 25-year-old Chinese national has appeared in the Auckland District Court and was remanded in custody until her next appearance on 25 August.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says Police have laid seven charges of obtains by deception, and further charges are likely.

• Be wary of ‘text reminders’:

Text scams have been the subject of Kiwis’ ire in recent months.

Many report receiving reminders from ‘NZ Police’ or ‘NZTA’ reminding them to pay their unpaid fines or tolls.

Police urge extreme caution with these sorts of messages, especially when they ask you to click strange links or reply to messages.

“I know these texts can catch some people off guard and leaving you feeling flustered,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says.

“Pause, and think, ‘do I know where this message is coming from?’

“It’s almost certainly scammers trying to steal your credit card or banking details.”

There will likely be several red flags: an unknown international number, an unusual weblink and often poor grammar and spelling mistakes.

Never click these links.

Police remind the public that we do not send these sorts of text messages.

You can find some further information on what to look out for on the Police and NZTA websites.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have welcomed news that the first Fast-track project has received consent, less than seven months since the one-stop approvals shop opened for business.

The Port of Auckland wharf expansion project has today received its approval from an expert panel set up under the Fast-track Approvals Act. The approved works include a new reinforced concrete-piled wharf at the Bledisloe Terminal, an extension to the Fergusson North Berth, a cruise passenger terminal, and other upgrades.

The project is expected to begin construction next month, creating jobs and boosting New Zealand’s economy

“The Fast-track Approvals Act, part of the coalition agreement between National and NZ First, was signed into law just before Christmas and opened for project applications on 7 February this year. The Act helps cut through the tangle of red and green tape and the jumble of approvals processes that has, until now, held New Zealand back from much-needed economic growth,” Mr Bishop says

“The Fast-track Approvals Act contains a list of 149 projects which, since 7 February, have been able to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for consideration by an expert panel. The expert panels consider each application, decide whether or not each project receives approval, and attach any necessary conditions to those approvals.

“The Bledisloe North Wharf extensions will enable larger cruise ships to berth, and increase New Zealand’s importing and exporting capacity,” Mr Bishop says.

“The project will deliver lasting economic benefits by boosting the efficiency of a critical part of Auckland’s economy and supporting long-term growth,” Mr Bishop says.

The application was assessed and approved with conditions by an independent expert panel. This decision comes 66 working days after the expert panel was convened to consider the substantive application. 

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said he was looking forward to more projects reaching the approval stage, with many more in the pipeline.

“I am working closely with Minister Bishop to consider what tweaks to the legislation can be made to make this process even more efficient and get these projects approved and under way.”

For more information about the project: Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension | Fast-track website

Note to Editor: Current Fast-track project statuses 

Expert panels are currently considering: 

• Delmore (residential)
• Maitahi Village (residential)   
• Milldale (residential development)
• Tekapo Power Scheme (power scheme consent renewal)
• Waihi North (mining extension)
• Drury Metropolitan centre
• Sunfield (residential development)
• Rangitoopuni (residential and retirement units)
• Ryans Road (industrial subdivision).
• Drury Quarry

Expert panels have been appointed for, and will shortly begin considering: 

• Stella Passage (wharf extension and related work)
• Taranaki VTM (seabed mining)
• King’s Quarry extension 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm that a man died in Nelson Hospital yesterday [20 August] following a crash last week.

The crash on 13 August was on the Coastal Highway, Mahana.

The man was 71-year-old Richard Marris from Nelson.

Police extend our condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Every term since Term 1 2024 has record higher attendance than the same term the year before. It’s a good run, thanks to the students who are showing up more often, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. 

In Term 2 this year, 58.4 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 5.0 percentage points from 53.4 per cent in Term 2 last year, and an increase of 11.4 percentage points on Term 2 of 2023.

“This is the first time that any term’s attendance has been higher than the same term pre covid,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Every region has recorded an increase in attendance. Taranaki, Whanganui, and Manawatū in the central North Island for recorded the biggest improvement, of 7.2 percentage points over the same term last year.

“There is also improvement at the other end of the scale. Chronic absence has declined from 9.6 per cent last year and 12.5 per cent in the same term in 2023 to 9.3 per cent this year. Often children with complex needs are chronically absent, and it’s great to see these figures continue to improve.

“We’re not complacent, though, we’ve got to do more. For example, phases of our attendance action plan are soon to come into force. It will be mandatory for schools to have their own attendance management plan, aligned with the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) in place by Term 1 of 2026.

“Prosecution is also a reality for parents who refuse to send their children to school and ignore supports to ensure their children are in class and learning. The Ministry of Education is proactively contacting attendance service providers and schools to ensure parents in this category are referred to the Ministry.”

Prosecution will only occur the most serious of cases, where all other options have been exhausted and parents / guardians are wilfully not engaging. Students and families’ personal circumstances will be taken into account when the prosecution decision is taken.

“At the start of next year frontline attendance services will be more accountable, better at effectively managing cases, and data driven in their responses. To achieve this, they will soon have access to a new case management system and better data monitoring, and their contracts will be more closely monitored,” Mr Seymour says.

Budget 2025 included a $140 million package to improve attendance over the next four years.

“Attending school is the first step towards achieving positive educational outcomes. Positive educational outcomes lead to better health, higher incomes, better job stability and greater participation within communities. These are opportunities that every student deserves,” Mr Seymour says.

Attendance data can be found here Attendance | Education Counts