Source: New Zealand Police
A search is underway for a diver who has been reported missing at Whatipū Beach this morning.
Police were alerted at about 5.23am and search efforts are ongoing to locate the man.
The Police Eagle helicopter has deployed to assist with aerial-based searches, alongside Police launch Deaodar, Search and Rescue and Coastguard New Zealand.
No further information is available at this stage.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died following a serious two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Willoughby Street and Mill Street yesterday afternoon.
Police were called to crash involving a car and dirtbike at around 3:25pm.
Sadly, the rider of the dirtbike received critical injuries and was transported to hospital where they later died.
Two young people in the car were transported to hospital with moderate injuries.
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 Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
To be attributed to Detective Inspector Daryl Smith, Waikato Field Crime Manager:
Police have charged a 20-year-old man with murder following an incident at a house on Bellmont Avenue in Chartwell, Hamilton last night.
Police were called to the property at 6.40pm and located a 31-year-old man deceased.
The alleged offender, who was known to the victim, had fled the scene prior to police arrival.
A search for the alleged offender immediately commenced, including the deployment of Eagle helicopter to Waikato District to assist.
At around 12.20am, the alleged offender stole a car from a motorist at gunpoint. The motorist had stopped to pick up the man, who was hitchhiking on Gordonton Road. Fortunately the motorist was not injured but they were understandably shaken by the incident.
At around 12.40am a police dog unit spotted the stolen car and pursued it north to Ngāruawāhia, where road spikes were deployed. The car came to a stop in Ngāruāwahia and the alleged offender was arrested.
The 20-year-old man has been charged with murder, aggravated robbery and failing to stop for police.
He is expected to appear in Hamilton District Court this morning.
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Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police have a visible presence as they respond to a serious firearms incident in Chartwell, Hamilton, this evening.
At 6.40pm, Police were called to a Bellmont Avenue property, where a firearm had been discharged, Inspector Jeff Penno says.
“The alleged offender left the scene and Police, assisted by the Eagle helicopter, are actively searching for him.
“There is a large Police presence in the area and members of the public are urged to call 111 if they see any suspicious activity.”
At this time, no further information is available.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police have seized a gun, cash and over half a kilogram of cocaine in an operation targeting drug suppliers in Matamata-Piako today.
Officers found more than half a kilogram of cocaine, a pump action shotgun and $20,000 dollars when they visited properties in Matamata and Cambridge this morning.
“The two warrants executed today are the result of an investigation into the supply of drugs in the area,” says Detective Sergeant Ben Norman.
“Police will remain focused on targeting gang members involved in the distribution of illicit drugs, aiming to remove these harmful drugs from our communities.”
A half-kilo bag and five 1-ounce bags of cocaine were located at a Matamata address, as well as a pump action shotgun. One ounce is 28 grams.
A further 3 ounces of cocaine and $20,000 were seized from a Cambridge address.
“Police simply will not tolerate gangs making money from inflicting misery on our communities.
“They feed people’s addiction, and that in turn fuels crime, with people stealing to feed their habit.
The supply of illegal drugs causes untold harm and we will do everything we can to tackle it.
A 39-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to re-appear in the Hamilton District Court on 28 July, facing drug and firearms charges.
Further charges are being considered for a person found at the Cambridge address.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Crews are making progress on clearance of potentially dangerous rock and other debris from a slope above State Highway 7 that has resulted in recent overnight road closures between Hanmer Springs and Springs Junction (including Lewis Pass).
The work has been happening this week – including rock scaling, removal of vegetation and adjustment of the bunding – at the slip site near Roirdan Creek Bridge. Traffic has been restricted to a single lane during the day and there have been delays as required when loose material is dislodged.
SH7 between Hanmer Springs and Springs Junction will close again tonight at 7pm out of precaution, and is expected to reopen tomorrow at 8am. Further overnight closures may be required as the work progresses towards reopening of both lanes of traffic at the slip site.
Stay up to date on the status of the highways at our Journey Planner(external link) site.
Work continues on the slope above SH7 near Roirdan Creek Bridge, where recent slips have occurred.
Contractors working for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi are working to clear potentially hazardous material that could fall onto SH7.
Source: New Zealand Police
The intersection of Willoughby Street and Mill Street is closed following a serious crash.
At around 3:30pm emergency services received reports of a two-vehicle crash.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area.
Updates will be provided proactively.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police
A three-vehicle-collision is causing delays for southbound traffic on SH1 at Tristram Ave.
A car towing a caravan is blocking one of two access lanes onto the motorway.
Emergency services are onsite and working to move the vehicles.
Motorists are advised to take an alternative route.
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Nicole Bremner/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee today announced further steps in the Government’s overhaul of the AML/CFT regime, strengthening efforts to combat serious financial crime.
“This Government is serious about targeting criminals, not tying up legitimate businesses in unnecessary red tape,” Mrs McKee says.
“Cabinet has agreed to introduce a bill to strengthen enforcement powers for Police and regulators to crack down on those involved in money laundering.
“It will also establish a new financial sanctions supervisory regime and initiate engagement on a sustainable levy to fund AML/CFT system improvements.
“The new approach will deliver more clarity and consistency for businesses while maintaining a strong focus on preventing criminal misuse of the financial system.
“An upper limit will be set on how much cash can be transferred internationally ($5,000 per transfer), reducing the ability of the criminal organisation to move its funds offshore.
“We will also make it more difficult for criminals to convert cash to high-risk assets such as crypto currencies by banning crypto ATMs.
“We will also enable the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to order banks and other businesses subject to the AML/CFT Act to provide ongoing relevant information on persons of interest. The FIU will also be able to order the production of important contextual information other businesses on the financial activities of persons of interest. This will enable the more effective development of the financial intelligence needed to bring the criminals to justice.
“Since 2019, the global financial and regulatory landscape has shifted significantly. We need a smarter, more agile AML/CFT system – one that targets criminals ability to launder money, while enabling New Zealand businesses to operate efficiently and competitively.
“Already, progress is being made. Two amendment bills currently before Parliament will remove some of the most burdensome compliance requirements, delivering practical relief for businesses by the end of the year.
“I have also this week announced plans to remove address verification requirements for many lower-risk customers and relax due diligence requirements for lower-risk trusts.
“This means businesses can focus their time and resources where the real risks lie, rather than being stuck chasing paperwork from low-risk clients.
“These are the types of issues businesses have raised with us, and we’re acting. This is not about dropping standards, it’s about applying them intelligently.
“We want New Zealand to be one of the easiest places in the world to do legitimate business and one of the hardest for criminals to hide. By cutting unnecessary red tape, we’re giving honest businesses room to grow, while sharpening our focus on serious threats,” Mrs McKee says.
Targeted consultation with industry and stakeholders will begin shortly to inform the new national strategy and levy framework.
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government’s responsible fiscal management has supported the Reserve Bank to keep the Official Cash Rate low, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand today announced it would keep the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 3.25 per cent while continuing to foreshadow further reductions in the OCR.
“There has been a 2.25 percentage point reduction in the Official Cash Rate since August last year – easing the cost of borrowing and delivering much needed cost of living relief for many New Zealand households,” Nicola Willis says.
“While many Kiwis are already experiencing lower mortgage repayments off the back of previous OCR reductions, more will benefit when they re-fix their mortgage this year, meaning the positive effects of previous rate drops will continue to flow-through our economy over the coming months.
“Lower interest rates free-up household budgets for spending elsewhere and they ease the path for those wishing to enter the housing market. They also provide relief to interest-rate sensitive sectors of the economy, including building and construction, with lower interest rates often providing a kick-start for big new projects.
“Despite global uncertainty, the Government is continuing to drive New Zealand’s economic recovery forward. Our careful stewardship of the Government books and our ongoing efforts to reduce costly laws and regulations mean inflation and interest rates can stay lower than would otherwise be the case.
“Gone are the days of reckless economic management fueling the flames of inflation and interest rates – New Zealand now has steady hands at the wheel, and a Government that is determined to keep our economic fundamentals in good order.”