Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now name the person who sadly died following a single vehicle crash on Anaura Road, Gisborne, on 1 February.
He was Harry Papuni, 24, from Anaura Bay.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
A Police operation in Pukekohe quickly rounded up several persons of interest in recent aggravated robbery investigations.
The situation unfolded on Thursday afternoon with Police resource flooding into the township, resulting in three sought offenders being arrested.
Detective Inspector Karen Bright, from Counties Manukau CIB, says an off-duty officer located a group near the Michael Hill jewellery store.
One of the group was sought in connection with an aggravated robbery at a Napier Michael Hill store on 3 February, and a Papatoetoe bar on 10 February.
“The group were acting suspiciously near the chain’s Pukekohe store before leaving in a vehicle,” Detective Inspector Bright says.
“Upon realising the risk that a further robbery may be imminent additional Police resource was deployed into the township; on the ground and in the air.
“Our staff were highly visible and there was nowhere this group could go.”
Meanwhile, the National Retail Investigation Support Unit notified Michael Hill whose stores implemented additional security measures.
Prevention patrols were also initiated across the Auckland region at other locations.
A breakthrough moment came when a unit sighted the vehicle of interest on Manukau Road.
With the Eagle helicopter also overhead, Police had eyes in many locations.
“Despite the vehicle being abandoned on a side road, our frontline staff quickly deployed into the area,” Detective Inspector Bright says.
“A short time later, a suspicious activity report came in where a group of young people were seen changing their clothes at a nearby high school.
“Units were soon on scene stopping two young people, while Eagle observed two other males trying to walk away from the area.”
They were no match for frontline staff who quickly gave chase on foot on Harris Street, with both males giving up and being arrested.
Detective Inspector Bright says with people in custody, the Counties Manukau Major Crime Team worked into the night to lay appropriate charges.
– A 17-year-old male has been charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, for the Napier and Papatoetoe incidents, as well as four counts of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
– A 15-year-old male has also been charged with aggravated robbery over the Papatoetoe incident on 10 February.
– Another 17-year-old male has been charged with aggravated robbery over an incident at a Takanini vape store on 23 January. He also faces several charges relating to vehicle crime.
“This is an outstanding result by every single staff member involved in responding on Thursday,” Detective Inspector Bright says.
“Between a highly visible Police response and partnerships with retailers, we have prevented further offending from taking place.
“These young people are now all before the Manukau Youth Court.”
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
A dangerous driver allegedly travelling on the wrong side of the road with his children in the car will now face court.
At about 12.20am, Police attempted to stop a vehicle seen travelling at excess speed on Pilkington Road, Panmure.
“The vehicle failed to stop and has then been observed running a red light before continuing on,” Auckland City East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Tony Ngau Chun, says.
“Units have managed to spike the vehicle in Ōtāhuhu and again in Manukau, where the vehicle has continued at low speed on the wrong side of the road.”
Senior Sergeant Ngau Chun says the driver was eventually blocked by Police and quickly taken into custody.
“Four family members were inside the vehicle at the time, and the driver’s behaviour was extremely concerning.
“We work hard to stop and prevent dangerous driving because we know this can, and does, result in serious crashes with sometimes dire consequences.
“If you see any dangerous driving activity please contact Police on 111 if it’s happening now or 105 if it’s after the fact.”
A 40-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court on 19 February charged with failing to stop and ill-treatment/neglect of a child under 18.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
Trained Oranga Tamariki staff will shortly be able to administer life-saving medicines, in a common sense move that will also allow young people to access the services of Nurse Practitioners.
“Previously only a doctor or nurse could administer EpiPens and Glucagon Pen Kits, and if there wasn’t a doctor or nurse at the residence when a young person had a severe medical reaction, staff in the room were unable to respond,’ says Minister Chhour.
“This put young people at serious risk, it is unconscionable and defies common sense, we could not let that continue.
“Trained staff will shortly be authorised to administer emergency injectable medications in residences and potentially save lives.”
The changes introduced include:
“We expect these changes to come into effect by mid-2026 and Oranga Tamariki will be working closely with residence staff to ensure they are well-trained and confident in their ability to use these medicines in an emergency situation,” says Minister Chhour.
Training and authorisation for staff will start shortly, beginning with EpiPen use. Annual refresher training will follow.
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 13 February 2026
Periods of rain, some it heavy, are predicted for Coromandel through 13, 14 and 15 February. A MetService Orange Weather Warning for the area was issued at 11 am today.
DOC’s Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly says the Trigger Response Action Plan for Mautohe Cathedral Cove requires tracks to close whenever weather warnings are issued amid rainfall events.
“DOC has a vital responsibility to manage visitor risk at the site,” Nick says.
“That approach means closing the tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove when we see heavy rain events coming in.
“We want people to be safe, that’s our priority. This is not the time to go naturing at Mautohe Cathedral Cove – do not put yourself at risk.
“The local team hopes to reopen the tracks to the cove once the storm passed, and inspections have been undertaken by DOC staff,” Nick says.
Nick says DOC’s north Coromandel campsites are open – but visitors should consider whether camping is sensible with wet weather forecast, and should check Thames Coromandel District Council and NZTA websites for road information.
DOC closed the tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove on 21 January due to a storm that swept across the North Island. The tracks were damaged and remained closed until 30 January while a geotechnical inspection was undertaken.
Earlier geological assessments at Mautohe Cathedral Cove have also shown there is a residual risk of landslides and rockfalls as the soil above and around the cove dries out following rain events.
The cove can still be accessed from the sea but anyone planning to do this should think carefully about the risks – including the possibility of rockfall and further landslides – and whether visiting is sensible at this time.
Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Garbrielle. DOC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are working to locate Steven Te Maru Walters, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.
Walters, 40, is wanted by Police in relation to breaching his release conditions and is known to frequent the Whangārei area.
It’s believed he is actively avoiding Police.
If you have seen Walters or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 250220/4117.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey on her first official visit to New Zealand today.
“The Commonwealth plays an important role in bringing countries together around shared values,” Mr Peters says.
“New Zealand welcomes the Secretary-General’s engagement in the Pacific and her focus on reform, and we look forward to continued engagement on priorities of mutual interest.”
In their talks in Auckland, Mr Peters emphasised New Zealand’s support for a Commonwealth that is effective, accountable, and focused on its core strengths, including democracy, good governance, human rights, and the rule of law.
Discussions also focused on the Secretary-General’s ambitious reform agenda and the importance of initiatives such as the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration in delivering tangible impacts for small states, including the Pacific.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can confirm that one person has died following a crash in Hurunui this morning.
The single vehicle crash on Karaka Road / State Highway 7 was reported about 6.40am.
Despite best efforts by emergency services sadly one person died at the scene.
In addition, one person has been seriously injured and two people have been moderately injured.
The road was closed while emergency services worked at the scene, and it has now reopened.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: NZCTU
The new Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill is a dangerous move away from the longstanding commitment to ensure all workers should come home healthy and safe, says New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey.
“New Zealand has a long way to go to make workplaces safer, and this Bill is a huge step in the wrong direction. This Bill is only the latest in a string of anti-worker attacks from Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke Van Velden.
“Under the guise of clarity and cost-saving, the Bill establishes a two-tier safety system where workers in small businesses will have significantly less protection at work than workers in larger organisations.
“The size of the business you work for shouldn’t dictate your standard of safety at work. Every worker should come home safe at the end of the day.
“Every 15 minutes in New Zealand a worker suffers an injury that requires more than a week off work. Instead of trying to improve our health and safety systems, this Government is choosing to water them down even further.
“75% of ACC’s work injury costs are made up of so-called less serious risks, but this Bill does little to address this issue. Workers in small businesses facing day-to-day risks like violence and aggression, stress and fatigue, and musculoskeletal injuries will suffer because of these changes.
“Everyone deserves protection at work. The Government is putting workers in harm’s way and saying to businesses that they don’t need to keep workers safe. This Bill is heartless,” said Grey.
Source: New Zealand Government
The friendship forged after the Gallipoli campaign more than a century ago is stronger than ever, following an official visit by a senior Turkish delegation, Veterans Minister Chris Penk says.
The delegation comprised Mr Ömer Toraman, the Governor of Çanakkale — the province encompassing the Gallipoli Peninsula — Mr İsmail Kaşdemir, President of the Gallipoli Historical Site Directorate, and Mr Kerem Yenigün, District Governor of Eceabat.
During their time in New Zealand, the delegation met with Foreign Minister Winston Peters, laid a wreath at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, visited the popular Gallipoli exhibition at Te Papa, and met with officials.
“It was a privilege to engage with our Turkish friends once again. We greatly appreciate the time they have taken to travel across the world to New Zealand. Their visit demonstrates the strength of the bond between our two nations,” Mr Penk says.
“Our relationship, forged through shared sacrifice during the First World War, has endured and evolved across generations. Every year, many New Zealanders travel to Türkiye as a rite of passage to pay their respects on the Gallipoli Peninsula as part of Anzac Day commemorations.”
Mr Penk acknowledged the continued generosity of the Turkish Government and people in welcoming New Zealand visitors to Gallipoli.
“Honouring the sacrifice of all those who served on the Peninsula remains deeply meaningful for New Zealanders,” Mr Penk says.
“With growing instability around the world and increasing unrest, it is more important than ever to strengthen our collective resolve to uphold peace and understanding.
“The relationship between Türkiye and New Zealand stands as a remarkable example of enduring reconciliation, and a testament to mutual respect and shared values.
“We must heed the lessons of history and commit to working together for a peaceful and cooperative future that acknowledges the past.”
“While those shared sacrifices at Gallipoli will always provide a foundation for the relationship, we continue to collaborate to extend our connection in a range of other areas, including through youth engagement and cultural exchanges.”