Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Mark McCloy:
A man has died following a hunting incident near Lords River, Stewart Island yesterday.
Police were notified of the incident at around midday.
A Search and Rescue team was deployed to the island via helicopter, and located the man deceased.
Investigations are underway, which include speaking to those who were in the area at the time.
The Coroner has been advised.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
The Acting Prime Minister has extended warm congratulations to Hugh Jackson on being crowned the 2025 FMG Young Farmer of the Year.
“Last night I was lucky enough to attend the Young Farmer of the Year grand final in Invercargill. It was a brilliant event, celebrating the future of farming and showcasing their expertise, leadership, and passion for agriculture,” says Mr Seymour.
“Hugh Jackson from the Waikato Bay of Plenty demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and knowledge in one of the most historic competitions in the country. They have a bright future ahead of them, and I wish them all the best for their future in farming.
“Even for a townie from Epsom it’s impossible to not appreciate the contribution farmers make to New Zealand. We are lucky to live in a country that produces food the world loves, and with export revenue on track to surpass $60 billion for the first time, agriculture is very much central to New Zealand’s future prosperity.
“Last night’s awards ceremony was testament not only to the achievements of those competing, but to the strength and future of New Zealand’s rural sector. The industry is in safe hands judging by the talent on display.
“I’d also like to thank the organisers for inviting me to this event. It is inspiring to see the next generation of farmers being recognized for their talent and passion.”
Source: New Zealand Police
Emergency services are assisting the victim of a serious crash in the Avon Road area, Pokeno.
Police were called to the scene about 6pm.
Initial indications suggest a person has fallen from a vehicle and has been seriously injured. It’s believed the incident occurred on SH2, between Pokeno and Mangatawhiri.
Road closures are in place, and Police ask motorists to avoid the area.
We would also like anyone who witnessed this incident to please speak with us as soon as possible.
If you can help, please call 105 and quote reference number P063076728.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
To be attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Deegan, Central District Investigations Manager:
The 6-month-old baby who was found with critical injuries at a Foxton Beach house last weekend has now sadly died.
Police were called to the Seabury Avenue property early last Sunday, and the baby had been airlifted to Starship Hospital in Auckland.
A homicide investigation has now commenced as Police continue to work to establish when and how the fatal injuries likely occurred.
A number of people have already been spoken with and we continue to liaise with medical experts.
We extend our condolences to the baby’s family at this time, and request their privacy be respected.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Detective Sergeant Andrew Jurgens, Whanganui CIB:
Police are asking for witnesses to come forward after an aggravated robbery at a Whanganui jewellery store this afternoon.
Officers were called to the scene on Victoria Avenue about 1pm after a man reportedly entered the store with a hammer.
He has then allegedly smashed several display cabinets and taken a number of items, before leaving the scene in a vehicle.
The store’s staff were fortunately not injured, however they were understandably distressed by what happened.
An investigation has been launched and Police are actively seeking the man allegedly responsible.
We are appealing for any witnesses who have not yet spoken to us to please come and do so.
We would also ask anyone who may have captured cellphone or dashcam footage of the incident to please share it with us as soon as possible.
Please get in touch through our 105 service, either by phone or online, quoting reference number 250705/5503.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
A $12.7 million investment in a new modular CT unit at Palmerston North Regional Hospital will double scanning capacity and significantly improve access to diagnostic services across the region, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“This is a major step forward for Palmerston North and the surrounding communities. It means faster diagnoses, shorter wait times, and earlier treatment for people with serious conditions like cancer,” Mr Brown says.
The new modular facility will house two state-of-the-art CT scanners – one replacing an ageing machine, and a second to expand the hospital’s capacity by around 3,000 additional scans per year.
“This is about delivering better health outcomes, sooner. Doubling CT capacity means more timely scans and less stress for patients, with workforce planning already underway to support the expanded diagnostic service.”
The hospital currently relies on a single loaned CT scanner with limited capability, which is contributing to delays in emergency, inpatient, and elective care. In some cases, patients must be transferred to other hospitals or private providers for scans.
“With greater scanning capacity, we’ll ease pressure across the system – reducing ED delays, supporting planned surgeries, and enabling faster diagnoses for time-critical conditions. It will also reduce the need to outsource scans, ensuring patients are seen sooner and closer to home.”
The modular CT unit will begin operating in February 2026 and provide care for up to eight years, while a permanent imaging hub is developed as part of the hospital’s wider redevelopment.
“Modular facilities are faster to deliver, more cost-effective, and flexible – helping us expand critical services sooner while hospital upgrades are underway.
“This is exactly the kind of smart infrastructure our health system needs. It strengthens frontline services, supports our health workforce, and ensures people get the care they need, when and where they need it,” Mr Brown says.
Source: Press Release Service
Headline: Cluck Above the Rest: The Chook Tree Takes Top Tree Title
North Otago’s beloved Chook Tree has been crowned the winner of the 2025 Tree of the Year New Zealand. Chosen by public vote from a shortlist of six finalists, the quirky, chicken-shaped macrocarpa captured the nation’s imagination and topped this year’s record-breaking poll.
The post Cluck Above the Rest: The Chook Tree Takes Top Tree Title first appeared on PR.co.nz.
Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died after a serious crash in Leeston last night.
Police were called to the intersection of Leeston and Lakes Road and Harts Road at around 7.40pm after a report of a vehicle colliding with two pedestrians.
Sadly, one pedestrian was located deceased at the scene.
The other pedestrian received serious injuries and was transported to hospital.
The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
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Issued by the Police Media Team
Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died following a serious two-vehicle crash near Motutere last night.
Police were called to State Highway One near Jellicoe Point at around 7.45pm.
Sadly, despite best efforts of emergency services, one person died at the scene.
The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
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Issued by the Police Media Team
Source: New Zealand Police
District:
SH3 near Piopio has been affected by a large slip between Mangaorongo Road and Wall Road.
Emergency services were called about 2.10pm.
The road is closed, with diversions in place.
Motorists should avoid the area if possible.
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