Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Neale Saunders

Tokoroa Police investigating an alleged sexual assault are appealing for information from the public.

At around 11.20pm on Friday 27 June, Police were called to Dumfries Road where a woman walking her dog was sexually assaulted by an unknown person.

The offender left the scene prior to Police arrival.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have been in the Dumfries Road area at the time of the incident, alongside anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage.

In particular, Police would like to speak to a man who was seen wearing a white hooded sweatshirt on a bicycle around the time of this incident.

While we have no reason to believe this man had any involvement in the incident, we are eager to speak with him as we believe he may have valuable information to share.

If you have information that can assist in our enquiries, please get in touch online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250628/1758.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are investigating a serious crash in Kumeu last night, which has left four teenagers in hospital, two of whom remain in a critical condition.

The crash occurred around 8.20pm on Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, shortly after Police signalled a vehicle to stop due to the manner of driving. The vehicle fled and was not being pursued at the time of the crash.

A short time later, the vehicle lost control and crashed, coming to rest upside down against a residential property. Four nearby Police staff, who had been seizing a separate vehicle, heard the crash and responded immediately, locating the vehicle and providing first aid to those inside.

“This is a horrific incident with devastating consequences for the young people involved,” says Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan. “It is extremely fortunate that no other members of the public were injured.”

The Serious Crash Unit has completed a scene examination, and Police are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the crash and the events leading up to it. Due to the nature of the incident, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has been notified.

“We are supporting the families of those injured, and the officers who responded to this tragic scene,” Superintendent Hassan said. “We are still in the early stages of our investigation and expect it will take time to answer all the questions surrounding this incident.”

“At the heart of this is a tragic decision to flee Police. We want to reiterate—if you are signalled to stop, please pull over. No life is worth the risk.”

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are continuing investigations after a sexual assault on a woman on the Rangituhi/Colonial Knob walking track, near Porirua, on Wednesday 18 June.

Detective Senior Sergeant Pete Middlemiss says Police have received a great amount of information from the public, and are calling for anyone else who was in the area to come forward.

“We’re especially interested in speaking to anybody who entered or exited the walkway from the Raiha Street carpark entrance between 3pm and 4.30pm, on 18 June.

“From the information we have already received, we have some lines of enquiry which the investigation team is continuing to follow.”

Police are still appealing for any information about a man who was wearing a dark-coloured long sleeve top, dark-coloured track pants and a cap.

If you have any information, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online.

Please reference file number 250618/1395.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Around 135,000 women across New Zealand who are eligible but not currently enrolled for breast cancer screening will benefit from the successful national rollout of a new digital platform, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“The launch of Te Puna across the country is a major step forward for delivering faster and smarter screening services,” Mr Brown says. 

“Te Puna replaces an outdated legacy system with a modern, streamlined platform that makes it easier for women to enrol, book, and manage their breast screening appointments – helping more women get screened earlier.” 

The new system, which began rolling out in February, is now live nationwide. It introduces a more proactive approach to screening, with women now automatically identified when they become eligible and invited to book a mammogram – shifting from an opt-in to an opt-out model. 

“This change will significantly boost participation and help close the gap for the 135,000 eligible women who aren’t currently getting screened. 

“Early detection through regular mammograms is critical. Women diagnosed through screening are about 34 per cent less likely to die from breast cancer. This new system will make it easier for more women to get the checks they need, when they need them.” 

Te Puna significantly enhances data tracking, accuracy, and reporting – helping providers identify and reach women who have never screened or don’t screen regularly. It also improves convenience for patients, allowing women to book or change appointments using a secure personalised link or QR code sent via text, email, or letter.  

“This Government is focused on lifting screening rates to save more lives and improve treatment outcomes. Te Puna will play a vital role in achieving that. 

“We’re also delivering on our commitment to extend breast screening to women aged 70 to 74, with rollout of the expansion beginning later this year. 

“Every woman deserves the chance for early detection and timely treatment. Te Puna is about putting the right tools in place to deliver better care, faster – and ultimately, to save lives,” Mr Brown says.

Source: Press Release Service

Headline: Winter Slowdown Drives Tax-Deductible Website Upgrades

With tax returns due 7 July, NZ businesses are urged to invest in website upgrades now. It’s a smart, tax-deductible move during the winter slowdown.

The post Winter Slowdown Drives Tax-Deductible Website Upgrades first appeared on PR.co.nz.

Source: Press Release Service

Headline: Medspartner Support Program for Patients Facing High Drug Costs

Medspartner helps New Zealanders legally access affordable cancer and rare disease drugs from global FDA/EMA-approved manufacturers through guided personal importation and patient support.

The post Medspartner Support Program for Patients Facing High Drug Costs first appeared on PR.co.nz.

Source: New Zealand Government

Pacific Peoples and Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti departs this week for visits to Spain and the United Kingdom.
In Spain, Dr Reti will represent New Zealand at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development. 
“The Conference is an opportunity to reaffirm New Zealand’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals at a time where the Goals, and the international development cooperation system, are facing major challenges,” Dr Reti says. 
“An important role as Minister for Pacific Peoples will be working with Pacific partners and other Small Island Developing States to prioritise their interests at the Conference.
“While in Seville I will meet with counterparts from across the world to discuss how shifts in donor funding, and the deteriorating geostrategic environment, are affecting our efforts to realise the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.”
Dr Reti will then travel to London, United Kingdom to deepen science, innovation and technology ties.
“Harnessing science, innovation and technology is a core pillar of the Government’s Going for Growth agenda, and the UK is a key partner for New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.
UK and New Zealand researchers have strong collaborative relationships across a broad range of important areas such as medical and health science, physics, biological science, and engineering. 
“While in London I will meet with counterparts to explore new areas of cooperation and ideas to reform and modernise New Zealand systems,” Dr Reti says. 
Dr Reti will also take the opportunity to discuss approaches to census delivery with the UK. 
New Zealand and the UK are both looking towards administrative data to support future census delivery and provide more relevant, useful, and timely information to support decision making. 
Dr Reti departs New Zealand on Friday 27 June and returns on Sunday 6 July 2025.

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services were called to an address on Coatesville-Riverhead Highway at around 8:20pm to reports of a car crashing into a house.

Initial indications suggest that four people have serious to critical injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

The road is currently closed, motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible, and follow diversions.

ENDS.

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A man is due back in court in two weeks charged with offending relating to alleged road rage in Tauranga last month.

On 20 May, Police received a number of reports from members of the public about the manner of driving of a utility vehicle, including an instance where the driver allegedly brandished a knife at a motorist.

Inspector Logan Marsh, Relieving Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander, says this week’s arrest comes after significant Police enquiries to locate the alleged offender, which culminated in Police executing a search warrant at a Welcome Bay address this week.

A 52-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday and appeared in Tauranga District Court yesterday, charged with operating a motor vehicle recklessly, and possession of an offensive weapon.

He has been remanded in custody to reappear on 11 July.

“We’d like to thank the public for the information they provided, which was a key component to our investigation,” Inspector Marsh says.

“Our teams have worked to locate the person responsible and I’d like to acknowledge their hard work.

“Police will continue to take action where we can against any dangerous driving activity on our roads,” he says.

Police continue to urge anybody who witnesses any dangerous or illegal behaviour to report it to Police.

Please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report via 105 if it is after the fact. Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre
 

Source: New Zealand Police

An alleged car thief in Napier picked the wrong location to try her luck – getting arrested within 10 minutes of stealing a vehicle parked opposite the Police station.

Shortly before 10am today, a courier driver was delivering a parcel to a premises on Station Street, opposite the Napier Police Station.

Senior Sergeant Su Robinson says the driver left his vehicle running, as was his usual practice, when a woman got into the vehicle and drove off with the van loaded full of parcels.

“The driver has urgently run into the front counter of the Police Station and let front desk staff know,” she says.

“An immediate call went out to all staff on the radio with the details, and staff have sprung into action.”

Officers have made area enquiries, and located both the van and the woman on Masefield Avenue.

The 27-year-old woman was arrested, and she is due in Napier District Court on 3 July charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

Senior Sergeant Robinson says the woman will also face a burglary charge, after the arresting officer located property on her relating to a previous burglary.

“While officers were fortunate to make an incredibly quick arrest on this occasion, we’d urge anyone leaving their vehicle even for a short time to please ensure it is locked – as it only takes a second for someone to steal it.”

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre