Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Police

Queenstown Police would like to speak to the victim of a seemingly unprovoked assault in late May.

The assault happened about 2.40am on Sunday 25 May 2025, at a taxi rank near Searle Lane and Camp Street.

At the time, the victim was looking down at his phone and walking in the direction of the Cookie Time shop when he was punched by one of three men who had left a bar in Searle Lane.

After the incident, a member of the public briefly spoke to the victim, handing back his beanie, which fell off during the assault.

Detective Lisa Watt says Police discovered the incident while investigating an assault moments before, in a Searle Lane bar.

“The alleged offender for the first incident has been arrested, but we would like to speak with the victim of the assault that happened on the footpath near the Cookie Time shop, the passerby, or any other witnesses.

“The victim is described to have a black beard, and was wearing a black puffer jacket, blue jeans, white shoes, and black beanie. If that was you, please contact us so we can understand what happened and hold the person responsible to account.”

If you have information that may assist, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or call 105. 

Please use the reference number: 250527/7943

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on State Highway One, Timaru on 21 May.

He was James Campbell McKenzie, 69, from Timaru.

Police extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will make more beds and timely services available to people needing mental health and addiction support in the Midland Region, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

Budget 2025 has reprioritised almost $51 million over four years to help those with acute mental health and addiction needs to access appropriate specialist forensic services in a timely manner. The investment will also support additional step-down beds.

“Providing better mental health and addiction services to people in prison, in forensic beds or on remand can help with rehabilitation and reintegration into the community,” Mr Doocey says.

“We know that people in the Corrections system have higher mental health and addiction needs than the general population. Currently, there are not enough beds to adequately care for those who need them.

“This investment will improve forensic and prison mental health services throughout the Midland Region and enable greater participation in rehabilitation programmes. It will help in particular at the country’s biggest prison, Waikeria, and has the potential to relieve pressure across the wider forensic mental health system.”

The funding will support 10 new acute inpatient beds and 8 new step-down beds delivered by Non-Government Organisations in the Midland Region. These new beds will be supported by new community wraparound support teams and funding to attract and retain specialist staff.

“Ensuring timely access to care has been one of my top priorities. The shortage of forensic beds has caused delays in access to effective care, creating issues throughout the forensic rehabilitation system,” Mr Doocey says.

“This funding will improve the flow of patients from forensic beds to stepdown beds and should have a positive knock-on effect for other services around the country.” 

Source: Auckland Council

Aucklanders are urged to be prepared for heavy rain and strong winds later today and this evening, which are forecast to hit during the commute home this afternoon.

MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for Auckland and Aotea Great Barrier Island effective 3pm today until midnight (Wednesday 4 June).

A strong wind watch is also in place for Auckland, including Aotea Great Barrier Island for the same period.

Adam Maggs, General Manager of Auckland Emergency Management encourages Aucklanders to plan ahead, stay safe, and keep in touch with whānau and friends.

“Parts of Auckland could be hit by heavy localised downpours with possible thunderstorms later today and this evening,” says Adam.

“With this weather on the way, now is the time to make sure you and your property are prepared.

Keep up to date with the forecast

“We are asking Aucklanders to be mindful that the heavy rain may hit during the afternoon commute home. Plan your journey and avoid low-lying areas, drive cautiously and never drive in floodwaters,” says Adam.

“MetService advises periods of heavy rain with localised downpours are likely this evening and tonight.

“Download the MetService app and keep an eye on MetService.com for the latest weather updates.

“And lastly, if you or your property are in danger phone 111 – don’t wait, natural warnings like rising floodwaters need to be acted on immediately.

“Visit our website or alternative at the Get Ready website for plenty of good advice on getting your household prepared for an emergency.

“Stay safe Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Adam.

What Aucklanders can do:

• If travelling today, plan your journey, drive to the conditions and allow extra time. Drive carefully and never drive through floodwater.
• Stay up to date with weather forecasts and check AT and NZTA’s journey planners for any public transport and roading disruption.
• Keep drains and gutters on your property clear. For blockages or issues with the public stormwater network, phone the council on 09 301 0101.
• Put bins out for collection in the morning (by 7am) to avoid wind damage overnight.
• Bring rubbish, recycling and foodscraps bins in as soon as you can after they’re emptied.
• For tree damage on public land, go to the council’s website and ‘report a problem’ online.
• Check your emergency readiness supplies, just case of power outages.
• The Auckland Emergency Management or Get Ready websites has good advice on getting your household prepared for an emergency.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash in Okoia on Monday 26 May.

He was 76-year-old David Hauparoa Hiroti, of Okoia.

Our thoughts are with those close to him at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will invest $15.2 million into upgrading infrastructure and enhancing conservation at Milford Sound Piopiotahi to sustainably grow tourism while also protecting the jewel in our conservation crown.

The first tranche of decisions from the Milford Opportunities Project, announced today, also provide certainty to operators by confirming that cruise ships will continue to access the fjord, and Milford Aerodrome will be retained.

“This iconic UNESCO World Heritage site in Fiordland attracts more than a million visitors a year and pumps about $200 million into the regional economy, creating jobs and boosting incomes,” Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

“For Ngāi Tahu, Piopiotahi holds special significance as the final masterpiece of atua and land-shaper Tū Te Rakiwhānoa.

“Visitors accessing the fjord via Milford Road will soon enjoy new and enhanced short stops, including an alpine nature walk in Gertrude Valley. Little Tahiti landfill will also be cleaned up and flood protection at Cleddau River will be improved.

“There will be improved amenities, including much-needed new facilities at Deepwater Basin where we are replacing the recreational boat ramp.”

Funding for the improvements will come from the International Visitor Levy ($8.2 million) and the Department of Conservation’s capital works programme ($7m).

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said Milford Sound Piopiotahi had a key role to play in helping the country’s tourism sector bounce back from the Covid hangover.

“We are supporting the local economy and providing certainty for operators by enabling cruise ships and aircraft to continue to access the fjord, rejecting a previous proposal to ban this.

“We know Milford Sound Piopiotahi, Mitre Peak Rahotū, the bush, the sea and the wildlife play an integral part in capturing the hearts and minds of millions of tourists dreaming of a visit to this wilderness area.”

Mr Potaka said the next tranche of work would involve the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai engaging with Ngāi Tahu, and stakeholders such as local government and the tourism industry on further initiatives.

“These include collaborating on investment opportunities along Milford corridor, developing a multi-year investment plan for the area, and considering improved planning tools, such as a Special Amenities Area within Fiordland National Park.”

Note for editor

The Milford Opportunities Project feasibility business case, supporting reports and Cabinet paper are available on the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai website: https://www.doc.govt.nz/milford-opportunities

Source: New Zealand Police

Police’s newest recruitment advertising campaign is now mobile across Tāmaki Makaurau with five double-decker buses wrapped in Police livery. 

Commissioner Richard Chambers says: “This campaign represents another positive step toward delivering our target of 500 additional officers.

“These newly decorated double-decker buses seat 500 people, which is exactly the number we want to recruit.

“Auckland has always been a key recruitment area for us, and we are keen to be highly visible and advertise far and wide. We know that the buses are ideal for reaching the whole of the city.”

The ‘police’ buses will be in public circulation for over three months.

The cost to wrap the buses totalled $119,800 including print, installation and 12 weeks of media advertising.

“The new Auckland training campus at Albany will also help make a career with the Police a reality for those who cannot relocate to Wellington for the full 20-week course.

“That campus is set to welcome its first intake from the start of July. That is a significant development in our recruitment and training,” Commissioner Chambers says.

Applications remain open in all districts across the country, except for Canterbury. Recruitment efforts continue to ramp up and applications are trending upwards with a spike in applications in 2025 and total application numbers reaching the highest seen in 10 years.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Tasman District Road Policing Manager, Acting Inspector Nathan Snell.

From Wednesday 28 May to Sunday 1 June 2025, Tasman Police delivered an operation focused on anti-social road users.

This was in response to an increase in complaints from the local community.

Two search warrants were executed, resulting in a stolen firearm being located and three vehicle impounds for sustained loss of traction and driver licence offences.

Further Police activities occurred across the district with Tasman Police staff supported by the Anti-Social Road User team from Christchurch.

The team deployed across Nelson Bays and Marlborough resulting in over 50 vehicles being inspected and deemed unsafe or defective.

Five more vehicles were impounded for Land Transport Act offences.

Over 100 Infringement notices were issued for speeding, restraint and distraction offences amongst many others.

Following the operation, Police have laid charges against multiple individuals for unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, sustained loss of traction, driving whilst suspended, driving whilst disqualified and threatening behaviour. Further charges are being considered.

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