Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to West Coast Area Commander: Inspector Jacqui Corner,

A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Greymouth.

On Tuesday 30 September, Police were called to a property on Chapel Street at around 12.15pm.

Upon arrival 67-year-old Donald Baikie was located deceased at the scene.

Our condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

An examination of the scene continues, with the assistance of the Christchurch Police Fingerprint Section and members of the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science.

The postmortem was completed in Christchurch today.

To assist in our investigation, additional staff have travelled from Nelson and Marlborough.

There will be a visible Police presence in the area as we work to establish the full circumstances of what has occurred.

While we are in the early stages of our investigation, Police would like to reassure the community that there is not believed to be any risk to the public.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have information in relation to Donald’s death, or have seen him in the last week.

If you have any information that can assist in our investigation, please contact Police on 105 online or via phone.

Please reference Operation County or file number 250930/4221.

ENDS

issued by the Police media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Wanaka Police investigating suspicious fires are appealing for help from the public for information and video footage around the area.

Police were called to reports of fires lit at Albert Town near Wanaka on 20 September.

Detective Phill Hamlin, Otago Lakes Criminal Investigations, says that the investigation team believes the fires to be suspicious and that they have been intentionally lit.

“These fires were mere metres away from housing where people were at home and many were in bed. They have had to run from their homes. Their lives and homes have been put at risk by these actions.”

Significant damage has been caused to telecommunication infrastructure and nearby dwellings and cars were at risk of serious harm.

Police are seeking the help of the public and are asking for anybody who travelled through Albert Town on Alison Avenue or State Highway 6 between 10:00pm and midnight on 20 September to get in touch if they have dash cam footage or residential CCTV in the nearby area.

Police are also seeking any videos taken of the fires at any stage including when emergency services were in attendance.

If you have additional information you might feel is relevant to the investigation, please call 105 quoting file number 250921/4784.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Christchurch Police have arrested three 14-year-old youths as a result of an operation to target suspects of a string of commercial burglaries across the city.

In addition to the burglaries, the offenders were wanted in relation to numerous instances of dangerous driving and the theft of vehicles over the last couple of days.

Superintendent Lane Todd says that Police use various methods to track and trace suspects.

“We investigate repeat offenders every day and had a strong lead in pinpointing a vehicle these suspects were using,”

“We’ve deployed the services of a helicopter for air support and surveillance, which proved vital in successfully locating the vehicle of interest.”

Dog units were also deployed.

Unfortunately, one of the Police dog vehicles supporting the operation was involved in a crash with a private vehicle this morning.

There were no injuries, and the matter is being investigated separately.

“Police have been very concerned with the behaviour of this group of youths over recent days,” says Superintendent Todd.

“They have shown a total disregard to the safety of road users and Police staff and we are pleased that they have been arrested safely.”

As always, Police encourage the public to call 111 if they witness unlawful activity and contact us on 105 if it’s after the fact.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Social Development Louise Upston says the opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland represents an important opportunity for job seekers.

With the NZICC due to open in February 2026, the Ministry of Social Development is in discussions with SkyCity about how it can help fill the wide range of jobs needed when the NZICC opens.

Louise Upston says the multi-purpose convention space will be a jewel in New Zealand’s infrastructure, attracting live events, large conferences and exhibitions.

“With the strong pipeline of events that NZICC already has confirmed, we know there are going to be many job opportunities and MSD will be working closely with SkyCity to help fill permanent and part-time roles, drawing on the talent profiles it holds for Auckland’s job seekers.

“MSD’s relationship with the NZICC and other Auckland employers enables a skilled pipeline of local employees for local jobs in many different roles – many supporting the tourism and hospitality sector.

“Tourism and hospitality are important career paths for New Zealanders and are key parts of growing our economy. 

“This will continue to be important for the Government as we look to increase our investment in the tourism sector and boost international visitor numbers.” 

“More than half (52 per cent) of the people receiving Jobseeker Support in Auckland are moderately to highly skilled, with experience in logistics, transport, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism and retail.

“These are people who will have skills transferrable to tourism jobs and other sectors which support tourism growth. With experience already under their belts, they’re ready to hit the ground running in new roles.

Louise Upston is in Auckland for the latest in a series of MSD Into Work events, bringing MSD’s employment team and employers together to look at getting more job seekers into work.

“Working with MSD, employers at these Into Work events say they find the right people for the job and get support for new employees with a smooth transition into work and long-term success.

“MSD is really stepping up to the mark as a modern, fit for purpose employment service. Its frontline staff are doing great work.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Social Development Louise Upston says the build and opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland continue to represent important opportunities for job seekers.

With the NZICC now nearing completion, the Ministry of Social Development is partnering with the convention centre to fill the wide range of jobs needed when it opens early next year.

Louise Upston says the multi-purpose convention space will be a jewel in New Zealand’s infrastructure, attracting live events, large conferences and exhibitions.

“We know there are going to be many job opportunities – particularly in events and hospitality – and MSD will be working closely with other employers as well as the NZICC to help fill permanent and part-time jobs, drawing on the talent profiles it holds for Auckland’s job seekers.

“MSD’s partnership with the NZICC and other Auckland employers enables a skilled pipeline of local employees for local jobs in many different roles – many supporting the tourism sector.

“This will continue to be important for the Government as we look to increase our investment in the tourism sector and boost international visitor numbers.” 

“More than half (52 per cent) of the people receiving Jobseeker Support in Auckland are moderately to highly skilled, with experience in logistics, transport, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism and retail.

“These are people who will have skills transferrable to tourism jobs and other sectors which support tourism growth. With experience already under their belts, they’re ready to hit the ground running in new roles.

Louise Upston is in Auckland for the latest in a series of MSD Into Work events, bringing MSD’s employment team and employers together to look at getting more job seekers into work.

“Working with MSD, employers at these Into Work events say they find the right people for the job and get support for new employees with a smooth transition into work and long-term success.

“MSD is really stepping up to the mark as a modern, fit for purpose employment service. Its frontline staff are doing great work.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm two people have died following a house fire in Bucklands Beach in the early hours of this morning.

An investigation is now underway into how the events unfolded early this morning on Murvale Drive.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua, of Counties Manukau CIB, says a scene examination commenced earlier today.

“Our investigation is still at the very early stages and Police need to work methodically through the next steps,” he says.

It is expected Police will remain at the property over the coming days.

“Our priority is on carefully extracting the two deceased from the scene, and from there a post-mortem examination will need to be carried out,” Detective Inspector Va’aelua says.

“We are unable to release further information about those who have died as the formal identification process has not yet begun.”

The investigation will work to establish how the fire occurred.

“We appreciate the community will have questions about how this has occurred, and this will now be the focus for investigators.”

Detective Inspector Va’aelua says enquiries so far have established there were five occupants in the house at the time.

Two occupants remain in hospital.

“Police will be speaking with nearby residents as part of enquiries, but we ask anyone with information to contact us.”

You can update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 251002/9501.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Note for media: Road closures remain in place this afternoon around the scene.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Daytime and nighttime closures are planned for State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill next month, as the state highway summer maintenance season continues at the top of the South Island.

Chip sealing and asphalting works are planned – this is work carried out every year to ensure the highway’s road surface is maintained and kept in a good state of repair.

Daytime closures will be in place for chipsealing from Tuesday 4 November to Friday 7 November, between 9am and 3:30pm. During this time, the road will reopen once at 11:30am to let traffic through.

They will be followed by three weeks of night closures for asphalt resurfacing and other maintenance works – from Sunday 30 November to Friday 19 December – between 6pm and 7am (Sunday – Thursday nights). There will be one 1am opening every night to let queued traffic through.

Rob Service, System Manager, Nelson/Tasman, says the intention is to complete the work, along with ongoing storm recovery repairs, before the summer holidays.

“Golden Bay is a popular holiday spot, and summer always brings more traffic. So, we want to get as much work as we can finished before the summer holiday season.”

Mr Service says closures are essential if the work is to be completed quickly.

“The highway over Tākaka Hill is narrow and space is restricted. Doing this maintenance under stop/go would take far longer to complete and run into the region’s holiday season. This is something we want to avoid.”

“Closures also improve safety for the public and for workers and help reduce traffic management costs. It means we have more to invest in improving the road,” Mr Service says.

Mr Service says he appreciates the disruption this work will cause, on top of the current recovery work being carried out on the Tākaka Hill.

“There is a lot happening on this route and we know drivers find delays from roadworks frustrating. It is critical regular users of the route factor this work into their travel plans.”

“But it is a vital transport link and the floods earlier this year show just how critical it is that we continue to invest in it to strengthen its resilience and reliability. Please bear with us while we get it done,” Mr Service says.

He says contractors will make the most of the closures to carry out additional recovery works at sites that suffered storm damage earlier this year

Mr Service acknowledges travel over the Tākaka Hill is vital for residents and local businesses, and their needs are important.

“We are timing the day closures to avoid the school bus run and peak commuting times. We realise the work is disruptive, but we are our hardest to meet community needs.”

Works schedule

Day closures

• Tuesday 4 November to Friday 7 November. 9am – 3:30pm.
• SH60 CLOSED between Riwaka Valley Road, Riwaka and Aaron Creek Road, Upper Tākaka.
• There will be one opening at 11:30 am to let queued traffic through. Queued traffic will take time to clear, and delays can be expected.
• During the closure, contractors will chipseal 3.3km of the highway at eight sites between Riwaka Valley Road and Aaron Creek.
• Outside of the closure times, stop/go traffic management will remain in place as recovery work continues. Expect delays of up to 20 minutes.
• Access will be available for emergency services.

Night closures

• Sunday 30 November to Friday 19 December. 6pm and 7am (no work on Friday or Saturday nights).
• SH60 CLOSED between Riwaka Valley Road, Riwaka and Aaron Creek Road, Upper Tākaka.
• The road will open once each night around 1 am for traffic at two road closure points.
• Vehicles travelling over the hill need to be at the Aaron Creek Road closure point by 12:30am or at the Riwaka Valley Road closure point by 1am.
• Outside of the closure times, stop/go traffic management will remain in place as recovery work continues. Expect delays of up to 20 minutes.
• Access will be available for emergency services.

Summer maintenance season – Tips and advice

• Drivers need to be aware other summer maintenance and resilience works are happening around the region.
• Due to the number of worksites on each corridor we recommend allowing an extra 30 minutes travel time on State Highway 6 between Nelson and West Coast.
• We also recommend allowing an extra 40 minutes travel time on State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch.
• Drivers should check road conditions before they travel as knowing when and where roadworks are happening means you can time your travel to avoid them or allow extra time for your trip.
• Whenever you come to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving. Please be respectful and follow their advice and instructions.

More information

Source: New Zealand Police

In June 2024 NZ Police commenced an investigation into allegations of misuse of Census 2023 data and Covid-19 vaccination information at Manurewa Marae.

At the same time, at the request of the Prime Minister and Minister for the Public Service the Public Service Commission (PSC) convened a wider government response to the reported concerns, leading to a series of agency inquiries and investigations.

NZ Police can now confirm it has found insufficient evidence to establish criminal culpability for corruption in relation to the Manurewa Marae matter.

The matter has also been reviewed by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) after NZ Police in April 2025 referred their investigation file for an independent assessment under the SFO’s mandate.

Following a detailed review, the SFO concurs with Police findings that there are insufficient grounds to initiate a criminal investigation into serious or complex fraud, including corruption offences. Other potential offences that fall outside the SFO’s remit will continue to be handled by Police through normal processes.

NZ Police commenced an investigation in June 2024 into a range of potential offences and focused primarily on the allegation that personal census information had been inappropriately used for political campaigning. Police engaged with the Electoral Commission on potential electoral law breaches, and in April 2025 referred its investigation file to the SFO for independent assessment.

The SFO is engaging with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC), which is carrying out an ongoing inquiry into potential privacy breaches.

The SFO will also continue to work closely with Police and other agencies to ensure that serious or complex fraud, including corruption, is exposed and dealt with wherever it occurs.

The PSC’s inquiry found agencies failed to implement safeguards and rules for ensuring personal information was protected. A comprehensive work programme has been put in place to address the findings.

Key details and timeline of enquiries

• June, 2024 – NZ Police launch investigation focused primarily on whether private census information was corruptly used for political campaigning.
• June, 2024 – Inquiry into the protection of personal information (PSC Media Release)
• February, 2025 Stats NZ is apologising for failing to keep New Zealanders’ information safe (StatsNZ Media Release)
• February 2025, Findings of inquiry into protection of personal information released (PSC Media Release)
• April 2025, NZ Police referred matter to the SFO for an independent assessment of the most serious allegations under the SFO’s mandate.
• September, 2025 – NZ Police concluded there was insufficient evidence to establish corruption or pursue further investigative steps such as search warrants.
• September, 2025 – The SFO assessment concludes that there were insufficient grounds to progress to a criminal investigation into serious or complex fraud. A key factor impeding investigation is the legal requirement to establish the involvement of an official in respect of the use or disclosure of official information.

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Issued by Police Media Centre
 

Source: New Zealand Police

Road users are urged to drive safe and to the conditions after eight life-changing motorcycle crashes in the Waikato area this past month.

Waikato Road Policing Senior Sergeant John McCarthy says too many families have had their lives forever changed.

“Two people have died, three people remain in a critical condition, and three others received life-altering injuries.

“We acknowledge this is a difficult time for all those involved, and our sympathies and thoughts are with them.”

While Police’s investigations into the circumstances of these crashes remain under investigation, we would like to remind road users to take care when on our roads.

The details of these crashes are the below,

• Two people received serious life-changing injuries following a crash at around 8.10pm on Tuesday 2 September, on Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu.
• One person has died after a crash on Mangateparu Loop Road at around 1.30pm on Thursday 11 September.
• On Tuesday 16 September, one person received critical injuries following a crash on Park Drive, Raglan at around 2.30pm.
• One person has died after a crash at around 21 September on Mcdonald Mine Road about 12.45pm.
• About 11.50am on Friday 26 September, one person received serious life-changing injuries following a crash on the Waikato Expressway near Huntly.
• On Friday 26 September, one person received critical injuries after a crash on Karl Michael Crescent, Flagstaff at around 5.50pm.
• One person received critical injuries after a crash on State Highway 1, Meremere on Tuesday 30 September about 7.45pm.
• About 7am, one person received critical injuries after a crash on River Road on Wednesday 1 October.

“We are doing our best to ensure everyone travelling on our roads are safe, however everyone, no matter what mode of transport, is responsible for the safety of all road users.

“While all eight crashes involved motorcycles, we want to share this message to all motorists to ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely,” Senior Sergeant McCarthy says.

We know the four biggest factors in crashes involve restraints, impairment by alcohol and drugs, distractions, and speed.

Police’s message to motorcyclists is to check over your bike and your gear, to ensure it is in the right condition and provides you with the right protection.

As you get out on your bike, get the most out of your riding by honing your skills and awareness with a Ride Forever course.

“Just because you may be a good driver, it does not mean the next person will be. Drive in a manner and at a speed that allows you to respond safely to the unexpected,” Senior Sergeant McCarthy says.

To learn more about motorcycle safety, head to the Ride Forever website here.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A pair of keen fishermen ended up getting rescued from within the mangroves after they ran into trouble in the waters off Kaingaroa yesterday afternoon.

Thankfully, the father and son contacted emergency services the minute they realised their engine wouldn’t start.

Northland Police Search and Rescue lead, Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, says Police were made aware of a boat with two people on board having engine trouble off Kaingaroa just before 2pm.

“The skipper reported the boat was safely tied up in mangroves, about 7kms from the Arawhata Wharf.

“Unfortunately due to the shallow water, Coastguard were unable to attend and the skipper would have had to wait there until the tide turned, which was at least another three hours.”

Detective Sergeant Overton says one of the local Police officers, along with a recent graduate, were quick to offer a helping hand.

“The officer has made the decision to take his own boat out to assist, and has towed the vessel back to Arawhata Wharf.

“The pair were extremely grateful, and it really was an act of kindness that assisted in the safe return of this family back to land.

“Our staff not only work in this community, but live here too – so it’s really great to see everyone helping one another in their time of need.”

He says the rescue also serves as a timely reminder to boaties as the warmer weather approaches to make sure they’re prepared when heading out on the water.

“Preparation is key, and know your limits.

“This is a reminder to please always take two forms of communication with you, ensure your batteries are charged, be ready for an unexpected situation and have the ability to navigate if necessary, even if it’s just data on your phone.”

If you get into trouble, please call 111 as soon as possible, as this will enable an emergency response at the earliest opportunity.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police