Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

A Police officer on route to a robbery job got more than he bargained for after a vehicle travelling in front of him took off, driving dangerously to evade the red and blue lights.

At about 5.50pm last night, the officer who was approaching the Bombay off-ramp, observed a blue hatchback take off and overtake a number of vehicles along the shoulder of the road.

Senior Sergeant Anton Maisey, Counties Manukau Police, says the unit called in the Police Eagle helicopter to assist in tracking the vehicle while he continued on to the other job.

“Eagle has then observed the vehicle exit at Pokeno where it has driven through the area at speed and into Tuakau.

“An attempt was made to spike the vehicle, before it eventually pulled over in Alexandra Redoubt Road.

“The driver has then got out of the vehicle carrying a black rubbish bag.”

Senior Sergeant Maisey says Police blocked the vehicle in and took the driver into custody without incident.

“The black rubbish bag was seized and found to be filled with cannabis.

“This find should put a sizeable dent into the local underground cannabis market.

“Offenders are making huge profits from the illegal drug trade, and any catch on this scale should send a warning to people buying or selling, that they will be held to account.”

A 16-year-old has been referred to Youth Aid Services and the vehcile impounded for six months.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the man who was killed in a single-vehicle crash discovered on Seadown Road in the Timaru District on 22 December.

He was 66-year-old Gary Kenneth Penman of Timaru.

Police extend their condolences to Gary’s family and friends.

His death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden is pleased to announce New Zealand’s favourite baby names for 2025.  

Timeless names continue to dominate Kiwi birth registrations, with Noah holding strong as parents’ favourite for the third year running, shared by 244 baby boys. For girls, Isla reigned supreme with 179 registrations, cementing its spot in the top three since 2016.  

Close behind was Luca, chosen by 236 parents this year, and Charlotte as the second most popular girls name, given to 178 newborns. 

“With over 58,000 births registered this year and 19,457 unique first names, it’s clear that while parents love individuality, established names like Noah and Isla continue to dominate. These trends give us fascinating snapshots of Kiwi culture and how enduring favourites shape the names we choose for the next generation,” says Ms Van Velden. 

Looking back over the decades, it’s clear some names have remained consistently popular. Olivia, for example, first entered the top 10 in 1994 and has held its place ever since, with Jack following in 1998 and continuing to feature in the top 10 every year. 

“It’s always fun to see how the names of our political leaders feature among newborns too. This year, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s first name was chosen for 20 babies, while Minister Winston Peters remained a rare pick with no fewer than six babies named Winston. Deputy Prime Minister, David Seymour’s name proved more popular, appearing 46 times. And my own name, Brooke, was given to 15 baby girls in 2025,” says Ms Van Velden. 

“While it’s interesting to see which names are trending, the most important step for parents is making sure their baby’s name is officially registered, securing their legal identity and allowing them to access their rights to services as they grow up.”  

The Department recommends registering your baby within the first two months of birth, and SmartStart makes the process simple, easy, and free.  

Visit SmartStart to make it official and explore naming trends dating back to 1954: https://smartstart.services.govt.nz/news/baby-names

Notes for media: 

Source: New Zealand Police

Two men stranded on a drifting jetski “did everything right”, but Police say their rescue is an important reminder to boaties about taking essential safety precautions on the water.

About 1pm on 7 January, the pair were off the New Plymouth Airport coast when the anchor line was pulled into the craft’s intake, damaging the jetski’s motor and leaving them drifting to sea, unable to restart the engine.

Search and Rescue Incident Controller Constable David Bentley says the pair did the right thing by immediately calling for help.

“The boys were lucky. They had two mobile phones with them and were wearing lifejackets — both of which made a significant difference in getting a good outcome,” Constable Bentley says.

“Police are very happy they phoned for help early. It allowed us to activate our partner agencies straight away.”

Coastguard Taranaki, Airport fire rescue, and Surf Life Saving Taranaki’s Search and Rescue volunteers were deployed, but it was later determined the jetski had drifted “a considerable distance” offshore.

“Once this was confirmed, Surf Life Saving assets were stood down due to the offshore conditions and distance, and Coastguard Taranaki volunteers continued the search.”

The jetski continued to drift at speed until Coastguard Taranaki’s Todd Energy Rescue vessel located and recovered the pair approximately two nautical miles off the Waitara Rivermouth. When Coastguard Taranaki took the pair onboard and assessed them they were both well and in good spirits.

Coastguard Taranaki towed the jet ski safely over the Waitara Bar and back to a jetty on the Waitara River.

Constable Bentley says the incident is a strong reminder that conditions at sea can change quickly, and even a small mechanical issue can lead to a potentially life threatening situation.

“We want all boaties — jetski riders included — to remember the basics,” he says.

“Take at least two reliable forms of communication. Always wear lifejackets. Check the marine weather forecast. And always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to be back.”

He says these simple steps dramatically increase the chances of a swift and safe rescue if something goes wrong.

“Had these boys not had phones, or had they not been wearing lifejackets, this incident could have ended very differently.”

Police acknowledge the quick response from community partners Coastguard Taranaki and Surf Life Saving Search and Rescue, whose coordination ensured a successful outcome.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a crash on State Highway 50, Korokipo Road this morning.

Police were called to the single vehicle crash southwest of Waiohiki at around 2:20am.

The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination.

The road has since reopened.

Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Sergeant Jonny Evans, Police Search and Rescue:

The search for missing tramper Graham Garnett, 66, is moving into a limited search phase today.

Search efforts yesterday included six search teams and the assistance of a New Zealand Defence Force NH90 helicopter.

One of the teams remained in the field late into the evening.

Police will now consolidate the information gathered in recent days and analyse the search effort to date, and going forward.

Police again thank everybody involved in search efforts so far, including members of Land Search and Rescue, Department of Conservation, New Zealand Defence Force, Rescue and Coordination Centre and commercial helicopter operators.

We’d still like to hear from anybody who was in the Baton/Ellis River area from the afternoon of Friday 26 December, particularly anyone who was around Flanagan’s Hut.

Any sightings of Graham or information to assist search efforts can be reported via 105, either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz.

Please quote the reference number P064981672.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Waitematā East Area Commander, Inspector Mike Rickards:

Police have arrested four individuals following a shoplifting incident at a liquor store in Sunnynook on Auckland’s North Shore last night.

At approximately 8:40pm, three offenders allegedly entered the store, with two stealing boxes of alcohol. When the store employee attempted to intervene, he was confronted by the offenders and additional associates. The employee sustained minor injuries.

The alleged offenders boarded a bus and were tracked by Police to Britomart Square, where four individuals were arrested. Two of those arrested were found in possession of machetes.

A 22-year-old male has been charged with shoplifting and is due appear in North Shore District Court today.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are thanking diligent retail staff who led Police to an alleged shoplifter smuggling stolen items in Henderson.

The 47-year-old woman is now facing charges of theft, obtains by deception, and possession of utensils for meth, following the incident on Thursday afternoon.

Sergeant Rachael England said Police were called to a sports store about 3pm after staff confronted a woman who was allegedly trying to conceal nearly $200 of baseball caps.

“The woman stormed off after abusing the staff, and attempted to enter more stores in the area, whose staff noticed her unusual behaviour and challenged her.

“At another store, she allegedly attempted to avoid detection by changing into an outfit from the shelves, and also repositioned barcodes on two items to make it appear they were much cheaper items. At the same time, the Henderson Beat Team was closing the net and tracked her to the store, where they monitored her movements and made the arrest as she attempted to leave.”

Sergeant England said several more unpaid items were allegedly found in the woman’s possession.

“The diligent store staff acted swiftly, and it’s thanks to them we were able to locate and detain a suspect. Members of the public also applauded Beat Team staff as they made the arrest, and it’s positive seeing people take a stand against this behaviour.

“Retail theft isn’t a victimless crime, and we want to thank the retailers who called us so promptly.”

The woman is due to appear in the Waitakere District Court on 14 January.

Anyone who sees shoplifting, or suspicious behaviour should call 111 if it’s happening now.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre
 

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  08 January 2026

We responded with a boat on the water and staff on the ground. The boat has been monitoring the movements of the pod. Staff, Project Jonah members and volunteers have been helping by standing in the water and directing the whales away from the shallows. We’ve also notified Manawhenua ki Mohua.

We’ve been lucky with the tides until now but unfortunately the pilot whales are starting to strand as the tide goes out.

It’s too early to say how many whales are stranding, we will have an accurate number after the tide reaches its low point.

There will be people out with the whales until dark tonight and then people will be back out at first light.

Farewell Spit is a naturally occurring “whale trap” that occurs along a migratory route for long-finned pilot whales in New Zealand. The spit hooks around the northern entrance into Golden Bay forming extensive intertidal sand flats flanked by gently shelving waters offshore. Whales may be easily deceived and caught out by the gently sloping tidal flats and a rapidly falling tide.

Pilot whales have strong social bonds and if one whale heads into shallow water, the rest of the pod will follow due to their natural instinct to look after one another.

For more information on whale strandings: Why do marine mammals strand

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Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a crash in Kumeroa this afternoon.

Police were called to the two-vehicle crash involving motorcycles, at the intersection of Gaisford and Oringi roads just before 2:30pm.

One person died at the scene, a second person sustained moderate injuries.

The road remains closed with diversions in place while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre