Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

A crash has blocked Glenorchy-Queenstown Road at Mount Creighton, and motorists are urged to delay travel.

The crash involves a single motorbike and was reported about 2pm.

The road is blocked in both directions and no diversions are available.

It is expected to remain closed for some time, and motorists should avoid the area.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The US Supreme Court announcement overnight has the potential to be important for NZ exporters, however considerable uncertainty is likely to remain. 

Our exports have been holding up well in the US market since the Administration imposed a 15 per cent tariff on New Zealand, with evidence that in many cases cost increases are being passed on.

Any reduction in tariffs is welcome news. New Zealand does not believe the 15 per cent tariff imposed on many of our exporters is warranted given the average tariff rate applied to US goods into New Zealand is just 0.3 per cent.

Our Embassy in Washington will engage with their counterparts to get more information so we can continue to work with exporters, however uncertainty around US tariff policy is likely to remain for an extended period of time.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  20 February 2026

A marine tour operator first saw the dolphin on Wednesday this week, and it has been observed several times since by DOC and members of the public.

DOC’s Senior Marine Species Team Advisor Dave Lundquist says while it is heart breaking to see, this is natural dolphin behaviour.

“Because the presumed mother will be under significant stress, everyone should do their best to give the dolphins space,” Dave says. “The pod will be providing all of the support needed.”

“This behaviour has happened in waters around the country before, including in the same area in 2019, and Whangarei in 2011. The cause of the calf’s death is unknown, but it may have been stillborn or died shortly after birth.”

DOC asks anyone who may find the calf after it has been abandoned to call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) so DOC can take samples from the remains. The dolphin may continue carrying the calf for days or weeks.

The Te Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Sanctuary rules require all vessels to stay 300 m or more away from marine mammals, including dolphins once observed, and to remain stopped until they are at least that far away. No one is allowed in the water within 300 m of a marine mammal. There is also a 5-knot speed limit in safe zones located around the Sanctuary.

Outside of the sanctuary, DOC asks everyone to follow the rules for sharing our waters with marine mammals.

Bottlenose dolphins are classified as Nationally Vulnerable. The number of dolphins regularly present in the Te Pēwhairangi/Bay of Islands has declined in the past, with high calf mortality rates and high levels of vessel interactions. The Sanctuary was set up to reduce these vessel-based pressures.

Marine mammals like bottlenose dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978.

For more information about bottlenose dolphins: Bottlenose dolphin: New Zealand marine mammals

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are asking for the public’s help finding Katherine, who has been reported missing from Glenfield.

Katherine, 45, has not contacted her family since yesterday, which is out of character for her.

Katherine is known to frequent the wider Glenfield area, however often visits Churches around Auckland when not on the North Shore.

Police and Katherine’s family have concerns for her welfare and would like to find her as soon as possible.

If you have seen Katherine or have any information that might help us locate her, please call 105, quoting file number 260220/8088.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing $3.5 million in the restoration of 3000-plus hectares of Tongariro National Park destroyed by two major fires last year, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

“Tongariro is a Dual World Heritage site, a taonga, and a cornerstone of the Ruapehu District economy. The fires have damaged biodiversity, disrupted recreation, and affected the livelihoods of families and businesses across Ruapehu District,” Mr Potaka says.

“That is why we are investing $3.5m from the International Visitor Levy (IVL) over five years to fund weed control, pest management and biodiversity monitoring. 

“The IVL ensures visitor revenue goes back into maintaining and improving the places that support local jobs, businesses and communities.”

Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro is working alongside DOC to deliver Maunga Ora, a restoration plan based on science, tikanga and mātauranga Māori.

“Recovery is already visible, with native plants pushing through the charred ground. But without sustained weed control and pest management, including managing deer, that regeneration will be at risk,” Mr Potaka says.

“I want to acknowledge the commitment of Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro, DOC staff and the wider Ruapehu community who have been working on the ground since the fires. Their partnership is critical to restoring the mauri of this sacred landscape.

“The investment restores ecological resilience while backing the regional economy and people who depend on it.

“Tongariro is our taonga and restoring its mauri is essential. That’s why the Government is working to secure its long-term future.”
 

Note to editors: 

Photos attached can be published. 

Source: New Zealand Police

A long-running Police investigation has exposed a New Zealand syndicate operating a drug importation and country-wide distribution network through the dark web.

Operation Solana, led by the National Organised Crime Group, dialled in on the illegal activities over the past nine months, involving importing and distributing substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine.

Sixteen search warrants were executed across Auckland and Hamilton on Thursday and Friday.

Police have made 11 arrests and seized significant quantities of illicit drugs and cash.

Police will allege the group used dark web markets, encrypted messaging applications, and cryptocurrency services to obscure their identities and financial flows.

The drugs were being sent to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Hunt, from the National Organised Crime Group, says the operation began after enquiries identified a local syndicate using anonymous online marketplaces to carry out its illegal activities.

“We have established this group allegedly imported and distributed these controlled drugs across the country,” he says.

New Zealand Customs and overseas law enforcement agencies from USA, Australian Border Force, and Europe have seized in excess of 200 kilograms of these controlled drugs at their borders destined for this syndicate.

The warrants resulted in further seizures of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine.

Approximately $500,000 in cash has been seized.

Three firearms were also seized, including a 3D printed firearm.

Eleven people, aged between 24 and 42, are expected in the Auckland District Court and Hamilton District Court today facing charges including:

– importation, possession and supplying class A, B and C controlled drugs
– unlawful possession of firearms
– participating in an organised criminal group

Operation Solana shows Police is growing a capability to detect and disrupt offending occurring out of sight, in online and anonymised environments, Detective Senior Sergeant Hunt says.

“Offending on the dark web is not invisible.

“Police are increasingly equipped to identify and dismantle criminal enterprises that believe they can hide behind technology and encryption.

“These arrests send a clear message: if you are importing or dealing drugs through the dark web, we will find you, and we will hold you to account.”

Police will continue to target individuals and networks seeking to exploit digital platforms for drug harm within New Zealand communities.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

A prolific burglar allegedly targeting a west Auckland retirement village is facing numerous charges in court.

The arrest comes as Police investigate other burglaries at villages across the Auckland region.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, Waitematā West Area Investigations Manager, says five charges have been laid so far.

“We have been investigating a spree of offending on one day in late January, where five residents were allegedly targeted in their residences,” he says.

“Three residents have been the victims of burglaries with expensive jewellery and cash allegedly stolen.”

Police estimate the offending to be valued at nearly $8,000.

The 60-year-old has been charged with three counts of burglary and two counts of being unlawfully in a building.

She will appear in the Waitākere District Court today.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says following Thursday’s arrest, enquiries are ongoing into recent burglaries reported at other Auckland retirement villages.

Further charges cannot be ruled out, he says.

“It’s unfortunate when vulnerable members of the community are targeted in this matter, and we will oppose the woman’s bail at her court appearance.”

• Remain vigilant:

Recent burglaries are a reminder for residents at retirement villages to be cautious.

“It’s important that residents be mindful of people who might be out of place in these villages, and keep an eye out for your neighbours,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.

“Never let someone inside your unit unless you know who they are or have confirmed their identity with management.

“I’m encouraging families to check in on their loved ones and reiterate this advice.”

Always keep your valuables hidden and secure wherever possible.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Location:

Source: New Zealand Police

Southern District Police urge people in rural areas of Clutha and Gore to keep an eye out after reports of multiple burglaries. 

A number of burglaries in the heart of Southland are under investigation. Offenders have targeted fuel and equipment on farming properties in the Clutha and Gore districts. 

Sergeant Tim Coudret, from Southern District Police, urges people to help Police by reporting suspicious behaviour. 

“If you see something, say something. 

“Look around you and let us know if you notice something, or someone, out of the ordinary.” 

Suspicious or illegal activity should be reported by calling 111 immediately if it’s happening now, or via 105 if it’s afterwards. 

“We’ve had an increase in reports of burglaries lately. 

“Update your inventory of farm equipment, including model and serial numbers. 

“Lock up, even if you’re still on the property, and call 111 if you see something happening.” 

Sergeant Coudret says there are crime prevention actions you can take to secure your home and buildings.

He recommends that you keep an eye out, reduce the risk of theft, keep in touch with neighbours and report anything that you find suspicious. 

“If it looks dodgy it probably is dodgy, no matter how minor, we want to know.” 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

West Coast Road/State Highway 73, Arthurs Pass, is blocked in both directions following a serious crash this afternoon.

Police were notified of the crash, involving a motorcycle and a car, around 1pm.

Initial indicators are that there has been serious injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit have been advised and the road is expected to remain closed for some time while emergency services work at the scene.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible, and expect delays.

ENDS