Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton, Christchurch Metro Crime:

Police investigating a serious assault on Fitzgerald Avenue around 12.20pm yesterday are appealing to the public for information around the incident.

The investigating team are looking for any photos, CCTV, or dashcam footage along Fitzgerald Avenue between Cambridge Terrace and Bealey Avenue between 12.15pm and 12.45pm on Monday 9 February 2026 to aid in their enquiries.

If you have witnessed the incident or have dashcam footage available covering travel between the section of road, please contact Police and quote file number 260209/0262.

The victim from the incident remains in hospital, in a stable condition.

A scene guard was put in place around the property where the incident occurred overnight, and Police are completing a scene examination which is expected to finish today.

Police will maintain an increased presence in the area as they carry out their enquiries and would like to reassure the public there is not believed to be any further threats to public safety.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney

Police and teams searching for a man missing since January have located and recovered a body from the Waioeka River this morning at about 9am.

This has been a long slow search, hindered at times by the weather as well as impacted by the slips on SH2.

Police would like to thank all those who assisted in the search efforts.

In particular we would like to acknowledge Land SAR volunteers, local jet boat and helicopter operators, along with iwi whose knowledge of the river and surrounding terrain has been invaluable.

We are also grateful for the assistance of the Police National Dive Squad.

This has been a true team effort and everyone involved has provided incredible support to the search teams.

The formal identification process is underway, and the man’s death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Acting Sergeant Mike Skates, Foxton Police:

Police in Foxton and Foxton Beach are proactively dealing with reports made over bad driving on dirt and quad bikes in the area.

Three bikes have already been impounded, and several young people have been spoken to in relation to the reports. Charges have not been ruled out.

Police would like to urge all quad bike and dirt bike riders to ride safely. Wear your helmets, drive to a safe speed, and keep in your lane.

Police are asking the public to continue to make reports on dangerous driving so that officers can follow them up and hold offenders to account.

Photos and video footage is helpful for Police to follow up on offenders that quickly speed off when driving unlawfully. These can also be used to identify the bikes, hotspots and times dangerous driving occurs and helps to identify the riders.

If you see any dangerous driving, call 111 immediately.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A teenager faces court after failing to give Police the slip after a shoplifting in Te Atatū Peninsula.

Police responded to a dairy on Te Atatū Road just after 8pm on Monday night.

“Two males had entered the dairy, when one allegedly reached over the counter and grabbed a range of vape products,” acting Inspector Nick Salter, Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, says.

“When challenged by the employee, this young male has managed to get passed and out the front door, fleeing on foot.”

Police units attended the business and reviewed CCTV footage of the offending.

Acting Inspector Salter says a Police dog handler was deployed in the area and were quickly on the scent.

“The Police dog eventually tracked to an address on Imelda Road, where two teenage males were located.

“A packaged vape was also located discarded in the nearby area.”

Following enquiries, a 16-year-old male was arrested and has since been charged with shoplifting.

He will be appearing in the Waitākere Youth Court today.

The second male, a 13-year-old, was transported home.

“It’s a great result by all our frontline staff responding yesterday evening,” acting Inspector Salter says.

“This young man is being held to account for his actions and in the process, we have managed to recover all the stolen property.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

From this week, a new nationally consistent approach will begin to benefit disabled people, families and carers who use supports funded by Disability Support Services (DSS).  

Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston says the new approach is significant and confirms the first tranche of the changes announced in September 2025.

“We listened to the disability community who said that the assessment and allocation processes needed to be easier, more consistent and streamlined,” Louise Upston says.

“We’ve also responded to Independent Review findings that disability support services had become a postcode lottery for disabled people around the country.

“From this week, All Needs Assessment Service Coordination organisations (NASCs) and Enabling Good Lives (EGL) sites will use the same approach to assess needs and ensure supports are allocated fairly and consistently – no matter where people live.

“After their assessment, people will get a clear plan focused on their needs and explaining the purpose of their funding. Support will be available if they need it to help them manage their plan.

“Families and carers can also now be considered as part of the assessment. We recognise that better support for the wellbeing of families and carers also greatly improves the disabled person’s wellbeing and quality of life. 

“In April, further improvements mean people with flexible funding will get budgets to manage within and current purchasing rules will be removed (including the March 2024 changes).

“We recognise that disabled people are the experts in their own lives. This will give greater choice and control over their supports and spending to around 38,500 people who already receive flexible funding.

“Throughout this stabilisation period, it’s been important for us to continue to listen. These improvements are informed by what more than 1,800 disabled people, families and carers told us during nationwide consultation last year.

“The changes will also provide a more stable foundation to strengthen the disability support system over the longer term.” 

Notes for Editors

Disability Support Services is working with NASCs, EGL sites and hosts to ensure a smooth transition for disabled people, families and carers who use disability supports.
People will receive improved information before their assessment to help them prepare and understand what to expect during the process.
Following their assessment, people and their families will gain a personalised “My DSS” funding plan which sets out the intent of the funding and what’s required to support their disability needs.
The DSS website www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz / Changes to disability support services | Disability Support Services has more information on the changes.

 

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

23 hours ago

Max Elsmore is building a future in the construction industry after completing a certificate in carpentry at EIT Tairāwhiti.

The 20-year-old from Gisborne completed the NZ Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry Strand) (Level 3) last year, and has recently begun a building apprenticeship with Brendan Fry Building Ltd.

“The course prepared me really well. It helped me understand what was going to be happening on site and what would be expected of me.”

His pathway into trades began while he was in Year 12 at Gisborne Boys’ High School through the Trades Academy – a year-long trades programme for secondary students.

“That gave me a good idea of what I was actually interested in.”

After leaving school at the end of Year 12, Max spent time working in several jobs before deciding to commit to a trade career.

“I tried a few different things, but none of them really stuck. That’s when I decided to go back to EIT and get some proper knowledge behind me.”

Encouraged by discussions with EIT Assistant Head of Trades (Tairāwhiti) Tim Jagusch, Max enrolled in the NZ Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry Strand) (Level 3) – a 36-week course focused on core building skills, tool use and worksite expectations.

He said the learning environment at EIT played a key role in preparing him for employment.

“The tutor explained things in a way I could understand, and the class was really good. We shared information and helped each other out, which made it easier to learn.”

Now in the early stages of his apprenticeship, Max says he is enjoying the challenge of working on site and learning from experienced builders.

“I’m enjoying learning everything about it. My workmates are keen to teach me, which makes it even better.”

As part of his apprenticeship, Max will continue completing theory and assessments through EIT’s NZ Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4) alongside his practical training.

For Max, the appeal of building lies in seeing projects take shape.

“Watching something being built from the ground up is pretty satisfying. Knowing you helped create something that will be there for a long time – that’s what I enjoy most.”

Looking ahead, he hopes to become a qualified builder, gain his Licensed Building Practitioner status, and eventually run his own business.

“I’d like to get qualified first, and then maybe one day have my own building business if that’s achievable.”

He encourages others considering trades training to explore study at EIT.

“It’s a great place to learn. And it’s a really good environment.”

Howard Irving, School of Trades and Technology Tutor, said Max arrived on the course genuinely eager to learn, and that enthusiasm showed from day one.

“His consistent attendance and positive attitude made him an absolute pleasure to teach. The supportive environment created by us, along with the encouragement from his fellow ākonga, helped Max thrive throughout the programme. Altogether, these factors contributed to a highly successful pre trade experience and set him up with a solid foundation for his future pathway.”

Source: New Zealand Police

A motorcyclist’s decision to flee saw his wheels impounded and a variety of illicit drug items seized this morning.

The Papatoetoe man was also allegedly found to be nearly twice the legal breath alcohol limit.

A unit located the Harley Davidson on Great South Road, Papatoetoe at around 1.38am.

Counties Manukau West Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Steve Albrey says two people were on the bike at the time.

“Due to the driving behaviour, the unit activated lights and siren to stop the bike,” he says.

“The rider has failed to stop and sped away from the unit at high speed and was seen running a red light.”

The Harley Davidson wasn’t pursued, but the Police Eagle helicopter deployed overhead and tracked its movements.

“Eagle located the motorcycle heading into a Papatoetoe property, attempting to hide in a garage,” Senior Sergeant Albrey says.

“Ground units attended the address and located both the rider and his passenger.”

While at the rider’s property, Police made further illicit discoveries.

This included a bag of cannabis, a cannabis plant and methamphetamine utensils.

Senior Sergeant Albrey says the rider appeared intoxicated and allegedly returned a breath alcohol result of 441mcg.

The 48-year-old man will be summonsed to court for the drink driving offence, with enquiries ongoing into the drug offences.

“Operating any vehicle or motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol is extremely risky,” Senior Sergeant Albrey says.

“It’s fortunate that the rider, his passenger or anyone else in the community wasn’t injured as a result of his actions last night.”

The passenger on the motorcycle, a 34-year-old woman, was also arrested for an unrelated warrant to arrest.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: Auckland Council

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now name the man who died after a fatal crash on State Highway 15, Ruakākā on Wednesday 28 January.

He was Kerry McDonald, 64, of Russell.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

6 days ago

Receiving a scholarship after five years of study at EIT is “extra-rewarding” for Bachelor of Nursing student Jessie Tomoana (Ngāti Kahungunu), who left school at 15 before later returning to education as a mother.

The 36-year-old from Waipatu received the Te Maari Joe (Nursing) Scholarship and will graduate in April.

“To end my nursing degree by receiving a scholarship felt really rewarding. It was a good ending – a high note to finish on,” she says.

The scholarship was one of two introduced by Te Kupenga Hauora Ahuriri last year to honour the legacy of Whaea Te Maari Joe and Audrey Robin, who were instrumental in founding the organisation more than 30 years ago.

Prior to enrolling at EIT in 2020, Jessie had not returned to study since leaving high school at the age of 15. During that time, she worked in a range of roles while raising her then three children as a solo mother.

Despite always wanting to pursue nursing, Jessie says the timing was not right earlier in life.

“I’ve always wanted to do nursing, but the timing wasn’t right earlier on. When the time finally came, I knew I had to give it a go.”

Her pathway back into education began with a level 4 certificate at EIT, which helped her gain entry into the Bachelor of Nursing. During her studies, Jessie also took time away following the birth of her fourth child, and to recover from two major surgeries.

“There was a lot happening in between. Trying to manage study at home with four kids was a struggle for me personally, but I still managed to get through.”

Despite the challenges, Jessie says the support she received from EIT staff made a difference.

“I do not think I would have made it through without that encouragement.”

Through her clinical placements, Jessie discovered a strong interest in community-based Māori health, including two placements with Kahungunu Health Services (Choices), which helped shape her future career direction.

“I definitely want to do Māori health. I find working in the community and helping bridge gaps for our people to be really rewarding.”

Now preparing to graduate, Jessie says she is taking her time to find a role that aligns with both her values and her children aged 15, 12, six and three.

“When the right role comes along, it will be a good fit.”

Jessie hopes her story encourages others, particularly Māori women and adult learners, to consider returning to study.

“If I can do it, then anybody can.”

Asked what the highlight of her degree has been, Jessie does not hesitate.

“Finishing,” she says. “It is still kind of surreal. But getting this scholarship makes it much more real, and my kids seeing me achieve this means everything.”

Nathan Harrington, Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri Chief Executive, said Jessie is a very deserving and fitting recipient of the Te Maari Joe scholarship.

“Jessie is the epitome of the vison of Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri which is to have the courage to sail beyond the horizon, in pursuit of our taonga (education). Many of the whānau that we work with would be able to relate to Jessie’s story and we feel that she is a true inspiration not only to her whānau but also her whole community.”

“We believe that by supporting more people like Jessie to pursue a nursing career, we can help address the negative statistics that unfortunately impact Māori health and wellbeing and carry on the work of two key people who shaped Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri, Te Maari and Audrey.”

Nathan said he was grateful for EIT’s ongoing support and believed the scholarship would further strengthen the relationship between the two organisations.

“Our relationship is long and rich with Te Maari and Audrey being previous EIT Council Members. We have had many students come to Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri for their nursing and social work placements, we train our staff through EIT, and we have recently re-established the student health centre that we are running as a nurse-led clinic. The scholarships are another way of forging a great relationship.”

Katie Rongonui, Acting Head of School – Nursing, said: Jessie has demonstrated dedication and commitment in completing the Bachelor of Nursing at EIT.

“We are immensely proud of the hard work and perseverance she has shown throughout her studies. Jessie is an inspiration to her whānau and the wider community, and we wish her every success as she begins her journey as a registered nurse.”