Serious incident, Onehunga

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Inspector Jason Homan:

Police are responding to a serious incident in Onehunga.

Shortly after 11am Police received reports a person had received injuries consistent with a gunshot wound at a property on Arthur Street.

One person has been transported to hospital in a critical condition.

An increased Police presence will remain in the area while enquiries are underway.

Anyone with any information is asked to please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, and use the reference number P065151258.

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

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Update: Waitārere Beach incident

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Inspector Ross Grantham, Manawatū Area Commander:

Police are aware of a number of comments made by family members of the man who died at a Waitārere property this week, however we will not be responding to requests for comment on each of these claims.

This is an incredibly tragic situation, and we know the man’s family are grieving and looking for answers about why and how the events of this week unfolded.

It is important to remember alongside that however, that we still have three people critically injured and fighting for their lives in hospital. And we have a young girl who – while uninjured – is incredibly traumatised by what has occurred.  No child should ever have to experience what this young girl did that night.

We are only in the very early stages of our enquiries in relation to this matter, with a scene examination still ongoing and a post-mortem on the deceased man yet to take place. Officers are also yet to interview the three critically injured people, who are currently unable to speak to police.  

We know there is a significant level of public interest in this matter and we are committed to providing as much information as quickly as we can. However it’s also imperative that our investigation team is given the time and space they need to conduct a robust and thorough investigation, so that we can provide the families and loved ones of those involved with the answers they need and deserve.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Manufacturing starts year by shifting up a gear

Source: New Zealand Government

New data showing New Zealand manufacturing is experiencing its highest level of activity since December 2021 signals a strong start to the year, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says. 

The latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) shows the seasonally adjusted PMI for December has risen by 4.4 points compared to November, bringing it to 56.1.  

“This is an incredibly positive signal, as a PMI reading above 50.0 indicates the manufacturing industry is generally expanding. The data suggests New Zealand manufacturing growth is outperforming major economies including the United States, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Australia,” Mr Penk says. 

“The success of manufacturing is central to the health of the New Zealand economy. The sector directly employs more than 220,000 people, contributes around eight percent of GDP and accounts for 60 percent of our exports.  

“We know some manufacturers felt the pinch of harder months last year. Today’s great news coupled with a 1.1 percent uptick for national GDP in the September quarter indicates a brighter future for businesses. 

“The Government is focused on setting the right conditions and fixing the basics so that businesses can thrive. Manufacturers are turning that certainty into growth through hard work and innovation. 

“The creativity and resilience of the sector, and its contribution to national prosperity deserve to be celebrated. It’s therefore my pleasure to announce the second annual Minister for Manufacturing Awards will be held at Auckland Showgrounds on 27 May.  

“This year’s awards will again recognise the Manufacturer of the Year, Manufacturing Leader of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and Excellence in Process Innovation. It will also introduce three new categories.  

“This includes a dedicated Manufacturer of the Year award for businesses with fewer than 50 Full Time Equivalent Employees (FTEs). With around 97 percent of manufacturers falling into this group, opening a new category ensures small businesses receive the recognition they deserve.  

“An Emerging Manufacturer Leader of the Year award is also being added to shine a spotlight on the next generation of innovators and trailblazers, alongside a Manufacturing Lifetime & Legacy Award to honour those who have shaped the sector into what it is today. 

“Entries for the 2026 awards open on 23 February until 31 March, and I encourage manufacturers to join in celebrating their successes by making a submission.” 

Notes to editor:  

  • The Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) can be found here.
  • The Minister for Manufacturing Awards will be hosted by Mr Penk in collaboration with Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa. 
  • Requests for Award Category Information Packs can be directed to info@amanz.nz.
  • Award categories include: 
    • Manufacturing Lifetime & Legacy Award 
    • Emerging Manufacturing Leader of the Year 
    • Manufacturer of the Year (FTE 50+) 
    • Manufacturer of the Year (FTE under 50) 
    • Manufacturing Leader of the Year 
    • Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year 
    • Excellence in Process Innovation 

Three in custody following burglary and flee

Source: New Zealand Police

Three people are in custody and enquiries are continuing following a burglary which ended in a 90 minute fleeing driver event across Auckland.

Just after 5.30am, Police received a report of three people allegedly smashing their way into a store on Moore Street, Howick.

Acting Detective Inspector Chris Robson, Counties Manukau CIB, says the group allegedly threatened a witness with a weapon (not a firearm) before fleeing in a stolen vehicle.

“It appears a number of electronic goods have been taken and the trio has then fled in a recently stolen Toyota Aqua.

“Police quickly located the vehicle on Chapel Road, East Tamaki where it fled at speed.”

Acting Detective Inspector Robson says the Police Eagle helicopter quickly gained observations as the vehicle travelled through Ōtara and Flat Bush before heading south on the motorway.

“For the next hour the vehicle has been driven dangerously on the wrong side of the road and at speed, weaving in and out of traffic through Waitematā and back through to Counties Manukau before it was successfully spiked on Redoubt Road.

“The vehicle has come to a stop on Diorella Drive, Clover Park where three occupants were quickly taken into custody.”

He says one of the alleged offenders was transported to hospital after receiving a dog bite during arrest.

“I acknowledge all the staff involved this morning who worked together to apprehend these offenders.

“It’s also a reminder that quick reporting and providing as much detail as possible greatly assists us in being able to stop offenders in their tracks.”

Charges are now being considered for the three people, aged 14-15.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

SH2 closed between Ōpōtiki and Matawai

Source: New Zealand Police


District:

Bay of Plenty

State Highway 2 has been closed between Ōpōtiki and Matawai due to an earlier slip.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays while detours are in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Support from community key in response to Mt Roskill fruit fly find

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Significant work continues in the Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill, with no signs of any further Queensland fruit flies, says Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north.

“We’ve had fantastic support from the Mt Roskill community and sector groups to date, and we appreciate their ongoing cooperation with the restrictions in place. It’s great to see people doing what it takes to protect our primary sector.

“So far, we haven’t found any further fruit flies, larvae, or eggs, which helps provide assurance that we are not dealing with a breeding population,” Mr Inglis says.

“Successfully eradicating this pest depends significantly on support from the local community.

“Our team continues its work on the ground checking traps, slicing and examining fruit, picking up waste from bins in the area for safe disposal, and talking to the local community.”

Biosecurity New Zealand staff will again be visiting local markets this weekend to share information about the response.

More information, including the restrictions in place, can be found on our website Queensland fruit fly detection in Mt Roskill, Auckland

The next media update will be Monday 19 January 2026 unless there is anything to report over the weekend. 

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Fatal crash, Te Rapa Road, Hamilton

Source: New Zealand Police

Two people have died following a serious crash in Beerescourt overnight.

Emergency services were called to the two vehicle crash at around 12.30am.

Sadly, two people were located deceased at the scene.

The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination, however is currently being reopened.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

State Highway 1 (Thames Highway), Ōamaru partially blocked by crash

Source: New Zealand Police

Ōamaru residents should be aware of possible delays on State Highway 1 (Thames Highway) this morning.

A truck and trailer unit crashed at around 3.10am, between Sandringham Street and College Street.

There are no reports of serious injuries from the crash but the road remains partially blocked.

Motorists should take alternative routes where possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Road closed, Te Rapa Road, Hamilton

Source: New Zealand Police

Te Rapa Road is closed following a serious crash in Beerescourt overnight.

Emergency services were called to the two vehicle crash at around 12.30am.

At this stage, Police are unable to confirm any information regarding injuries to those involved.

The road is closed between Forest Lake Road and Vardon Road.

Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS