Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died after a single-vehicle crash on Mahuta Gap, Te Kopuru, this morning.
Emergency services were called to the scene about 7.15am.
Sadly, one person was located deceased.
The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene.
The death will be referred to the Coroner.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Matthews:
One person has been arrested, and two people injured, after a serious assault on Lorne Street late last night.
Emergency services were called to the scene about 10.20pm.
One person reportedly sustained critical injuries, and is now stable. Another person received serious injuries. A knife was recovered at the scene.
A 65-year-old man was arrested at the scene by responding staff. He is due to appear in Auckland District Court today on two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Cordons remain in place today, and a scene examination will be carried out.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Transport Minister Chris Bishop says a newly completed roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 5 (SH5) and State Highway 28–Harwoods Road east of Tīrau will significantly improve safety on a key regional route.
“The SH5/SH28 Harwoods Road intersection had a poor safety record and is part of a corridor that has seen far too many serious crashes. Completing this new three-leg roundabout is an important step in making this stretch of highway safer for everyone who uses it,” Mr Bishop says.
“SH5 is a critical route for locals, tourists, freight, and agricultural vehicles travelling between Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. Improving safety and efficiency on this corridor is essential, and I am pleased to see another project delivered that helps achieve that.
““Between 2014 and 2024, 18 people died and 64 were seriously injured on this stretch of highway.
“Construction of the $6 million roundabout began in August last year, and I am pleased to see it completed on budget and several weeks ahead of schedule. Traffic was flowing through the site today, with temporary speed restrictions lifted as works were cleared.
“This roundabout is one of several safety improvements being delivered along SH5 between Tīrau and Tārukenga Marae Road on the Rotorua side of the Mamaku Range. NZTA has also built a right‑turn bay at nearby Waimakariri Road, and funding has been allocated to complete the design for a similar roundabout at the SH5/SH28–Whites Road intersection. While construction funding for that project has not yet been confirmed, design work ensures it is ready to progress when funding allows.
“We are also making SH5 safer by widening sections of the road to allow the use of wide centrelines, which have proven to be very effective in reducing crashes. The first section east of Whites Road was completed this summer and will be extended to Harwoods Road as funding allows.
“In addition, a section of SH28–Whites Road south of the SH5 intersection is currently being rebuilt, and the intersection itself will receive a new asphalt surface.
“I also want to thank the local MP Tim van de Molen, and other community leaders for their continued strong advocacy for this important project.
“Delivering practical safety improvements like this roundabout helps save lives and ensures the state highway network continues to support regional growth, tourism, and reliable freight connections. I am pleased to see this project completed and making a difference for road users.”
Source: New Zealand Police
Lindis Pass/State Highway 8 is closed from Broken Hutt Road and Old Faithful Road following a single-car crash.
One person sustained serious injuries and was seen by ambulance services.
The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.
The road is likely to be closed for a significant part of the day. Motorists should consider delaying travel.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
A 26-year-old woman’s plan to allegedly steal a $74,500 necklace in Auckland’s CBD was derailed this afternoon after quick actions of store employees.
Police were called to a commercial premises on Galway Street just before 5pm this afternoon.
“The woman has entered the store allegedly holding a metal pole, before taking a necklace from its display,” says Senior Sergeant Dean Henderson.
“When challenged by store employees when attempting to leave, the woman has threatened the employees.”
Senior Sergeant Henderson says upon arrival Police spoke with the woman.
“She has then allegedly used the metal pole to smash a $20,000 cabinet.”
The woman was taken into custody without further incident.
“The necklace has since been returned to the Galway Street premises,” says Senior Sergeant Henderson.
“Police acknowledge the quick actions of the store employees that resulted in this arrest.”
The 26-year-old is due to appear in Auckland District Court on 5 March, charged with demands to steal, possess offensive weapon, threatens to do grievous bodily harm, shoplifts over $1,000, and intentional damage.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Taranaki Area Commander, Inspector Mark Miller:
Taranaki Police have arrested one person and summonsed another following antisocial road user behaviour in Oaonui last weekend.
On Saturday 21 February, around 1am, Police were notified of a group of antisocial road users gathering at Kina Road.
Police attended and found the group to be well established. After speaking with some of the people gathered, a tactical decision was made to move back and gather information to be used in the investigation phase following the event.
Over the last week, Police have arrested an 18-year-old man, who is due to appear in Hāwera District Court on 3 March 2026, charged with reckless driving.
Another man has been summoned to appear in Hāwera District Court on 10 March 2026, also facing reckless driving charges.
This is in addition to impounding one vehicle, and 14 infringement notices that have been issued for driver licence breaches – nine of which were issued on the night of the incident, and five during our investigation phase.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Police are appealing for any information on the whereabouts of a silver or light-coloured Toyota Estima – or its driver – that was involved in Saturday night’s activities.
Anyone who can help with the above information, or any information related to this matter, is urged to contact Police either online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or by calling 105.
Please reference file number 260221/1417.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 2/Remutaka Hill Road is currently blocked near the summit on the Wairarapa side following a crash.
The two-vehicle crash was reported just after 3pm.
One person has recieved minor to moderate injuries.
The road is currently blocked and motorists are advised to avoid delays.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Two Napier men have been charged in connection with the homicide of Sharlene Smith – one charged with her murder.
Sharlene’s body was located on a worksite in Omahu on 3 February.
Detective Inspector Martin James says to have made two significant arrests within the month is exceptional, and he hopes it reassures Sharlene’s family and the community.
“It’s been 24 days since Sharlene’s body was found, and for our busy team to have achieved this result so promptly should reassure the community we take these significant incidents incredibly seriously,” he says.
A 47-year-old man has been arrested today and charged with murder and injuring with intent, and is expected to appear in Napier District Court tomorrow.
A 45-year-old man was arrested yesterday and charged with accessory after the fact to a culpable homicide. He appeared in court today and is remanded to reappear in Napier on 4 March.
He also faces three domestic-related charges unrelated to Sharlene’s death.
Detective Inspector James is praising the work of the investigation team, and members of the community who have come forward with information.
“I want to thank our Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Kris Payne, and everyone in the team who has been working so hard on this enquiry,” Detective Inspector James says.
“I also want to extend a huge thanks to members of the public who have helped us with information such as CCTV footage.
“They have taken the time to trawl through video and then notify Police, and their efforts have helped immensely in getting these quick arrests.”
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health
New Zealand stockpiles pre-pandemic influenza vaccine as part of the National Reserve Supply. The pre-pandemic vaccine stockpile is a public health tool that could support the initial response to an avian influenza health emergency or pandemic.
New Zealand has a very limited quantity of pre-pandemic vaccine and must use the vaccine wisely and in ways that best protect the health of the population.
The Pre-Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Framework outlines the Ministry of Health’s flexible, principles-based approach for managing and using the pre-pandemic vaccine stockpile. The framework supports effective and ethical use of the pre-pandemic stockpile and is part of the Ministry of Health’s wider pandemic preparedness work programme.
The Pre-Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Framework aims to help decision makers prioritise and use the pre-pandemic vaccine to prevent and minimise deaths and serious illness in the initial phase of an avian influenza health emergency or pandemic.
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 27 February 2026
Nathan Pettigrew, an avid wildlife photographer and naturalist, shared the images with DOC to help build understanding of the distribution and behaviour of the turtles in New Zealand waters.
Nathan says he’s seen leatherbacks every year for the past six, but this time was different.
“I was on the water when Dolphin Seafaris gave me a call and said ‘you’ve got to come see this.’ I shot back closer to shore – just 1.5 km or so from land. It was incredible, there were five leatherbacks and sunfish too with Mount Manganui in the background. I’ve never seen so many leatherback turtles in one place at a time.”
DOC Senior Marine Science Advisor, Dr Karen Middlemiss, says it’s remarkable and very exciting to learn of sightings like these.
“It’s almost unheard of to see five leatherbacks together because they’re generally solitary turtles. They usually only group together if there is a feeding aggregation or they are close to nesting beaches and these turtles don’t nest here.
“Leatherbacks are the largest turtle in the world, and can grow to a width, length and weight similar to a classic mini car.
“We’re hoping to satellite tag some of these magnificent turtles to learn how they use our waters. One thing is for sure, New Zealand waters provide critical foraging habitat for leatherbacks.”
The leatherback turtles present in New Zealand waters belong to the critically endangered Western Pacific population. Each summer, part of the population migrates from California to the islands north of New Zealand, with some visiting the Bay of Plenty and waters off East Cape where they feast on jellyfish and salps (a jelly-like zooplankton).
Little is known about leatherback behaviour in New Zealand waters, and Karen says that images and videos of sea turtles, along with time, date and location details, are useful for researchers.
“Nathan is a great example of using hobbies – in this case water sport and photography – to support nature. Taking everyday actions, like reporting sightings of protected marine species, is true naturing. And with Seaweek starting what better time to enjoy the water!”
28 February to 6 March 2026 is Seaweek, Aotearoa New Zealand’s annual celebration of the sea.
Spot a turtle. Let us know. Email turtles@doc.govt.nz for sightings. If a turtle is seen on the beach or injured in the water, please contact our emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz