Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 2, Carterton is closed near Hughes Line following a crash.
The single vehicle crash was reported at around 3:40pm, no serious injuries have been reported.
Motorists are advised to expect delays, detours are in place.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
The Christchurch Anti-Social Road User (ASRU) team have recently concluded an operation targeting various dangerous driving problem areas around the city.
Thirty cars have been identified offending, with more than 20 impounded and green stickered to be written off the road for vehicle defects.
Another six cars were impounded last weekend for unnecessary exhibition of speed or dangerous driving.
Where the driver of the vehicles was not located at the time of Police attendance, the registered owners have been served notices requiring them to provide driver details of the specified offending. The ASRU team will look to follow up to charge the offenders for their driving.
Senior Sergeant Michael Jones, Road Policing, says these anti-social drivers speeding and doing burnouts are endangering everyone on the road.
“These drivers are really reckless, the way they’re speeding all over the city, putting anyone that’s on the road and footpaths in danger.
“We’re also finding that they’re modifying their cars, making them unsafe to be driven on the road. The Christchurch ASRU team are focusing on making sure we’re catching these offenders, and their vehicles, to hold them to account.”
Senior Sergeant Jones says Police encourage residents to report dangerous driving to Police as it happens on 111.
“Even if the drivers have fled the area before Police arrive, a recording of bad driving would be excellent evidence, as would registration, and the date, time and place of the offence,” he says.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are responding to a crash at the intersection of Gaisford and Oringi roads in Kumeroa.
The two-vehicle crash involving motorcycles was reported just before 2:30pm.
Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.
The road is currently blocked and diversions are in place.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Wairarapa Police have seized more than $4 million of the stupefying drug Fantasy following a tip off from the public.
On Monday night, Police located and seized 820 litres of gamma butyrolactone (GBL) from a storage container after being alerted by members of the public of suspicious behaviour at a storage facility in Featherston.
The drugs have an estimated street value of $4.1 million and enough quantity for over 500,000 individual doses.
Police have arrested and charged a 35-year-old woman from Tawa and a 39-year-old man from Porirua with possession of GBL for supply. They have been remanded in custody to reappear in the Porirua District Court on 13 January.
Inspector Paul Hamlyn, relieving Wairarapa Area Commander says just after 11pm on Monday night Police arrived at the scene and immediately noticed a strong chemical smell near the storage container.
“Police conducted an initial scene examination with the assistance of Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Clandestine Lab specialists from Auckland and PHF Science undertook further examinations and confirmed the presence of GBL inside the container.”
“The seizure of such a large quantity of GBL will result in a significant dent in the GBL illicit drug market across the Wellington District and most likely further afield and prevent significant harm in the community.”
Investigations are continuing and anyone wishing to provide information in relation to this incident can do so online at 105.police.govt.nz clicking ‘update report’, or by calling 105 and reference the file number 260106/2181.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Mt Roskill, says Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north, Mike Inglis.
The restrictions follow the detection of a single male Queensland fruit fly in a surveillance trap in the area.
The pest was found in one of Biosecurity New Zealand’s national surveillance traps which are placed in fruit trees in residential backyards. To date, no other flies have been found in surveillance traps.
“Biosecurity New Zealand staff are busy in the area today, laying more traps and sharing information with local households and the community. Around 400 additional traps are being placed within a 1,500-metre area of the original find.
“We know what it takes to get rid of fruit flies and getting everyone involved is essential to finding and eradicating these pests” says Mr Inglis.
“We’ve always had a lot of support from local communities on our biosecurity responses because people understand what is at stake.
“There have been 14 previous fruit fly incursions in New Zealand, all of which we have successfully stamped out. This experience has enabled us to use strong and detailed operational plans to guide our work.”
Rules are now in place which prohibit the movement of fruit and vegetables out of a specified controlled area where the fruit fly was found.
The controlled area has 2 zones – A and B. Zone A is a 200-metre zone, including 262 properties. Zone B covers a 1,500-metre area, including 8,300 properties.
Zone A
No whole fresh fruit and vegetables, except for leafy vegetables and soil free root vegetables, can be moved outside Zone A. This applies to all produce, regardless of whether it was bought or grown.
Zone B
All fruit and vegetables grown within Zone B cannot be moved out of the controlled area.
A map of the controlled area, as well as a full description of the boundaries and rules in place is available on our website:
Queensland fruit fly detection in Mt Roskill, Auckland
“Legal controls are a critical precaution while we investigate whether further flies are present in the area. Should there be more out there, this will help prevent their spread,” Mr Inglis says.
If it established here, the Queensland fruit fly could have serious consequences for New Zealand’s horticultural industry. It can damage a wide range of fruit and vegetables and could lead to restrictions affecting our horticultural exports.
Biosecurity New Zealand is working closely with Government Industry Agreement partners to minimise the risk to New Zealand growers and exporters.
“We recognise that for people living in and around the controlled area, these restrictions can be inconvenient. But they’re important, because following these directions protects our horticultural industries, home gardens, and our New Zealand way of life,” says Mr Inglis.
“It is likely the restrictions will be in place for at least the next 4 weeks.”
Signs will be put in place notifying people of the restrictions and marking the controlled area boundaries.
To report suspected finds of fruit fly, call MPI’s pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.
Note that Biosecurity New Zealand will provide a further media update tomorrow (Friday 9 January 2026).
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.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Lawrence Schwalger, 50, who has a warrant for his arrest.
Schwalger is wanted in relation to breaching his release conditions and Police believe someone may have information on his whereabouts.
He is thought to be in the wider Auckland area.
Anyone with information is urged not to approach him and instead to call 111 immediately and quote file number 251211/7089.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now release the name of the man who was found deceased on the beach near Thames Coast Road, Kereta on 24 December.
He was Suy Lao, 43, from Auckland, and was previously reported missing on 22 December near the Waikawau boat ramp.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
The death has been referred to the Coroner.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are appealing to the public for information on a vehicle following an aggravated robbery in Whangārei on Boxing Day.
At about 12.20am on 26 December, Police were notified of an incident at an address in Collingwood Street, Raumanga in which a firearm was presented.
Detective Sergeant Pieter Serfontein, Northland CIB, says two people presented a firearm towards the victim before assaulting him and taking the vehicle.
“The victim received minor injuries and was understandably shaken by the incident.
“We are now appealing to anyone who witnessed anything in the area at the time to please contact Police.
“Police would also like any information about any sightings of this vehicle on that day or since then.
“Anyone who has seen this vehicle or knows its whereabouts is asked to get in touch.”
Detective Sergeant Serfontein says the vehicle, registration RBZ53, is a dark coloured 2009 hatchback Volkswagon with distinctive mags and stickers.
Anyone that has information to assist Police can update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 251226/8912.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
Associate Transport Minister James Meager is calling on Kiwis to do their part to celebrate those who risk their lives to bring people home safely, by nominating them for the 2025 New Zealand Search and Rescue (NZSAR) Awards.
“Search and rescue is more than dramatic rescues. It’s about the tireless work of volunteers, trainers, coordinators, and support teams who make a difference every day. New Zealand has one of the largest and most challenging search and rescue regions in the world, making the sector’s work even more dangerous and treacherous,” Mr Meager says.
“I experienced this firsthand, during a recent visit to the Search and Rescue Dogs Association (SARDA) in Methven. I played the role of ‘trapped explorer’ and witnessed the skill, focus, and teamwork of avalanche dog teams and their handlers.
“Seeing the team in action was inspiring. Our canine teams and their handlers are just one example of the skill and dedication that goes into every lifesaving operation.
“The sector’s mission is a simple: bring people in distress safely home to their loved ones, wherever they are in the country. The NZSAR Awards are an opportunity for us all to be pay shine a light on the courage, skill, and commitment shown by those keep us safe.”
The NZSAR Awards honour outstanding contributions across two categories:
• Operational activity: Exceptional performance in specific search and rescue missions during the year.
• Support activity: Significant impact through training, prevention, long service, or other vital support roles.
Each category offers two levels of recognition:
• Gold Awards: Reserved for truly exceptional contributions to search and rescue in New Zealand.
• Certificates of Achievement: For notable efforts over the year or a sustained period.
“Whether it’s a rescue in challenging conditions or years of dedicated service, these awards honour those who go above and beyond. Every person plays a part, and every contribution truly matters,” Mr Meager says.
“If you know a deserving individual, team, or dog-handler partnership, submit a nomination and share their story. Nominations close on 31 January 2026.”
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are hopeful 2026 will see a reduction of harm on the roads, if a pre-Christmas road policing operation is anything to go by.
Christchurch Police wrapped up ‘Operation Hoho, Oh No’, with 14,169 breath tests, 32 excess breath alcohol readings, three impounds, and a fleeing driver.
Over a two-week period from 10 to 24 December, Christchurch Police’s Impairment Prevention Team – with help of other workgroups – ran 86 checkpoints across the Christchurch Metro Area, North Canterbury and Selwyn.
Senior Sergeant Mike Jones says the operation sends a clear message – “if you’re driving, expect to be stopped and breath tested”.
“The testing that we conducted over the period showed a significant reduction in excess breath alcohol on our roads compared to the rest 2025, which is a positive sign moving into the new year.
“Our sole focus is making sure people are fit to be on the roads – we want everyone to get to where they’re going this year.
“If you’ve been drinking before you get behind the wheel, expect to face the consequences.”
Senior Sergeant Jones says Police are just getting started.
“The public can expect to see more Police and more checkpoints this year.
“We’re asking people to make good decisions and not put their community in danger.
“Your decision-making changes every time you have another drink, so make your plans to get home in advance, and don’t risk changing your life, or someone else’s, forever,” he says.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre.