Source: New Zealand Police
Police is urgently issuing a correction to an earlier release that contained incorrect details of the person who died in a fatal crash in Seddon on 18 June.
The correct name of the man who died is Andres Bonifacio Hernan Vergara Oportot, 50, from Blenheim.
Our sincere apologies to anyone affected by this error.
ENDS
Source: New Zealand Government
New Zealand’s relationships in Southeast Asia have never been more important for our security and prosperity, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.
“As we deal with the current challenging, uncertain and disordered security environment, New Zealand is working ever more intensively with Southeast Asia,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Malaysia for the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Meeting.
“In 2025, we celebrate 50 years of dialogue relations between New Zealand and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN),” Mr Peters says.
“We are working towards agreeing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN, and this week’s meetings in Malaysia have been an important step towards achieving that goal by October 2025.
“This week’s engagements have enabled New Zealand to commemorate a half-century of dialogue with ASEAN and reinforce our position as a reliable and valuable partner,” Mr Peters says.
Yesterday’s meeting was Mr Peters’ tenth engagement with the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers since his attendance at the inaugural Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur in December 2005.
“New Zealand is honoured to be among the original countries to establish the East Asia Summit as the region’s premier ASEAN-led strategic forum. Dialogue and cooperation between partners are more important than ever. New Zealand remains committed to our enduring partnership with ASEAN to shape the kind of region we all want.
“We reiterated our concern about the situation in Myanmar and tensions in the South China Sea, discussed security issues in the Middle East, and the increasingly serious challenges to the stability of the Indo-Pacific.”
Mr Peters also held bilateral talks with ministerial counterparts from Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, the United States and Viet Nam.
The Minister also met with alumni of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme.
“As New Zealand strengthens its ties with Southeast Asia, it is important we build on our existing people-centred connections. Our Manaaki Scholarship Programme is a key part of this,” Mr Peters says.
This week’s visit by Mr Peters to Malaysia was the 36th by New Zealand Ministers to Southeast Asia since February 2024.
“New Zealand continues to significantly lift effort and engagement in Southeast Asia in order to enhance New Zealand’s security and prosperity.
“We are grateful to ASEAN Chair Malaysia for its hosting of this week’s meetings. We look forward to continuing to build our bilateral relationship.”
Mr Peters arrives back in New Zealand later today (12 July).
Source: New Zealand Police
Horahora Road, between State Highway 1 and Arapuni Road, Arapuni, is blocked following a road incident this morning.
Police were notified at around 5:45am of a tree that had fallen onto a vehicle, which is now blocking the road.
Forunately, no one was injured.
The road is closed, and motorists should avoid the area and expect significant delays.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can confirm one person has died in a crash involving a car and truck on State Highway 1, near Tīrau today.
Emergency services were called to the scene, between Webster Road and State Highway 5, about 4pm.
Sadly, one person died at the scene.
The road remains closed, and diversions are in place.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
One person is in a critical condition after a serious crash between a tanker and a car.
The crash, on State Highway 29, Lower Kaimai, was reported about 5pm. The highway is blocked between McLaren Falls Road and Poripori Road.
The Serious Crash Unit has been notified, and the highway will likely remain closed for several hours.
Diversions are being arranged, but motorists are urged to expect delays and drive with care.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can confirm one person has died following a crash on State Highway 3, Te Mapara earlier today.
The wo-vehicle crash was reported at around 11:30am.
The Serious Crash Unit attended and have completed a scene examination.
State Highway 3 has since re-opened.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Hornby this evening.
The single vehicle crash on Waterloo Road was reported just before 5pm.
Waterloo Road is currently closed, diversions are in place.
The Serious Crash Unit are in attendance.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
A three-car crash on Hillsborough Road around 5pm is causing major traffic delays in Mt Roskill.
Emergency services are onsite tending one person who has sustained moderate injuries.
One driver left the scene and attempts to locate that person are underway.
Road closures are in place between James Tyler Crescent and Dominion Road.
The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance and motorists are asked to avoid the area.
ENDS
Nicole Bremner/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who died following a fatal crash in Seddon on 18 June.
She was Lorena Vargas Burgos, 48, from Blenheim
Police extends our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
A lead foot motorist who attempted to branch out and hide from Police has been caught up a tree in Haruru.
At about 8am yesterday, a vehicle travelling on Puketona Road sped away after noticing a nearby Police car.
Far North Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Richard Garton, says the vehicle was not signalled to stop and a short time later the driver lost control and crashed.
“Officers then observed the man get out of the vehicle and flee on foot.
“The Police Dog Unit was contacted and managed to track the man, who was located a short distance away hiding up a tree.”
The man was taken into custody without further incident.
“Thankfully no one was injured, however these types of situations are extremely concerning for our staff and I hope our quick response reassures the community that we have absolutely no tolerance for incidents like these.”
A 36-year-old man appeared in Kaikohe District Court charged with dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police