Source: New Zealand Police
Media and the public are advised of a correction to the Police file number relating to the Tūrangi homicide enquiry.
We continue to appeal to the public for information and any footage which may help us.
The correct file number is 250620/6271.
If you can help, please go online here to Update Report and quote the file number above.
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Source: New Zealand Police
Police are appealing for information after an unattended tin dinghy was found drifting off Kawau Bay this morning.
At this stage, we have no reports of any missing people that would appear to relate, however, we are wanting to confirm the dinghy’s owner is safe.
Police urge anyone who recognises the dinghy or has failed to return home from fishing on Kawau Bay today to contact Police using the 105 reporting line, quote event number P062933786.
ENDS.
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Motorists are advised of diversions for southbound traffic in Hillcrest, Hamilton today following an earlier crash.
A single-vehicle hit a power pole around 6:30am today on Cambridge Road.
There were no injuries, but contractors are expected to be on site for most of the day working to fix the power lines.
Diversions are in place for southbound traffic off Cambridge Road at Cobham Drive and Masters Avenue.
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Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Detective Inspector Craig Rawlinson:
Police have arrested a 27-year-old man in relation to the ongoing homicide investigation in Tūrangi.
He will be appearing in Rotorua District Court today charged with Breaching a Protection Order. Further charges are being considered.
Emergency services were called to Hinerangi Street early yesterday morning, where one person was found deceased.
The investigation is continuing, and as part of this Police are still seeking any witnesses to what occurred, and any CCTV or video footage.
A large Police presence will remain in Tūrangi for the next few days as we piece together what happened.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Regulation Minister David Seymour says that red tape is giving Kiwis serious headaches, and the Red Tape Tipline has received over 750 submissions.
“A submitter to the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline has complained that the threshold for probate has not kept up with inflation. This means that more Kiwis have to go through the tedious legal process that is probate, while they are mourning,” Mr Seymour says.
“The maximum value for distributing an estate without probate is $15,000. This has not changed in over 15 years. In that time, inflation has increased 48 per cent, New Zealand made same sex marriage legal, and the All Blacks have won two Rugby World Cup titles.
The Ministry for Regulation found that if the probate threshold were inflation adjusted it would be about $22,000.
“The submitter said that the most frustrating part of the probate process was that he had to apply to the High Court to administer his estate. This clogs up the courts and means probate takes much longer than necessary, for estates which are of a value lower than the value intended to require probate. In the submitters case the whole process took over six months,” Mr Seymour says.
“The Ministry for Regulation’s investigation found that this is an easy fix. The Administration (Prescribed Amounts) Regulations 2009 set the probate threshold. The responsible Minister can amend the regulations with Cabinet’s approval.
“I have written to the Minister of Justice, Hon Paul Goldsmith with the Ministry for Regulation’s findings. He is responsible for the regulation.”
The probate threshold is the amount at which those executing a will are forced to go through a more formal legal process requiring court approval. Below the threshold there is no court approval needed to disburse estates, saving time and money.
The Ministry for Regulation have published a case study on the issue which can be found here: Relief for grieving families | Ministry for Regulation
Source: New Zealand Government
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has wrapped up his successful China visit by meeting with his Chinese counterpart Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
“My first official visit to China allowed me to reconnect with Premier Li on the full scope of our bilateral relationship,” Mr Luxon says.
Following their meeting, Mr Luxon and Premier Li issued a Joint Statement of Outcomes and witnessed the signing of 11 new government-to-government arrangements covering cooperation on climate change, cultural linkages, tourism and a range of practical initiatives to facilitate trade flows.
“These arrangements will help New Zealand exporters by opening up new trade and making existing trade faster, predictable and cheaper,” Mr Luxon says.
Mr Luxon reiterated the importance of leader-level dialogue to support the comprehensive bilateral relationship, including openly and consistently discussing areas of difference, such as human rights.
“I raised with Premier Li a number of issues that are important to New Zealand. In particular, the need for engagement in the Pacific to take place in a manner which advances Pacific priorities,” Mr Luxon says.
“In an increasingly turbulent global environment, we also discussed a range of security, climate, and trade challenges.
“The ongoing security and prosperity of the Indo Pacific region is vital to New Zealand interests, and I raised concerns with rising tensions in the Indo Pacific, including in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.”
Mr Luxon also had constructive discussions with President Xi Jinping and National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji in Beijing and Party Secretary Chen Jining in Shanghai.
“Chairman Zhao and I discussed the long history of Parliamentary exchanges between New Zealand and China, and the contribution this makes to the bilateral relationship,” Mr Luxon says.
During his three-day visit, Mr Luxon worked with a high calibre business delegation to promote New Zealand’s premium food and beverage, and health and wellbeing products.
“The visit has reinforced for me that New Zealand remains well-placed to meet the evolving needs of Chinese consumers, particularly in premium and niche categories that support higher-quality lifestyles,” Mr Luxon says.
In Beijing, Mr Luxon also promoted New Zealand as a world class tourism and education destination and celebrated new and long-standing air connections that underpin these.
“Inbound tourists and students bring people together, build understanding, and support jobs across New Zealand,” Mr Luxon says.
“We’re committed to welcoming more Chinese visitors and students to New Zealand and strengthening the ties between our two countries.”
Beijing marked the final stage of the Prime Minister’s visit to China. He now departs for Europe for a five-day programme.
Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Ben Evans, Wellington District CIB
Wellington Police are investigating an assault on a female in Porirua on Wednesday 18 June.
The incident occurred around halfway up the stairs of the Rangituhi/Colonial Knob walking track at around 3:30pm.
Rangithui/Colonial Knob is a popular walking area, and we understand this incident may cause some concern. Police will be conducting reassurance patrols in the area in the coming days.
This is a deeply concerning incident, and Police are offering support to the victim, who is understandably shaken.
Police are following positive lines of enquiry, but are seeking the public’s assistance to help locate the alleged offender.
The man was wearing a dark-coloured long sleeve top, dark-coloured track pants and a cap.
If you were in the area at the time or have any footage of a person matching the above description, please contact Police.
You can report information to Police via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 250618/1395.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
We’d also like to remind people to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to Police, by calling 111 if it is happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
“My meeting with President Xi was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the depth and breadth of this important relationship, and to reaffirm our bilateral ties,” Mr Luxon says.
“I outlined how our strong and innovative economic relationship has grown to cover a broad range of areas. Our trade and economic links are complementary and contribute to prosperity in both countries. These links also directly support New Zealand’s ambition to grow our economy.
“We discussed the diversity of our people-to-people ties – from business, education, to cultural and science – and how they help build mutual understanding. I also welcomed progress made in increasing aviation links and tourism connections between our two countries.”
Mr Luxon emphasised the importance of open, direct dialogue at the leader level to navigate some challenging regional and global developments.
“Engaging to share perspectives is more important than ever in a rapidly changing world. Where we have different views, our comprehensive and mature relationship allows New Zealand and China to speak frankly and constructively.
“I raised the importance to New Zealand of the international rules-based system, as well as the key role that China can play in helping to resolve global challenges, such as the war in Ukraine,” Mr Luxon says.
Mr Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand’s direct interest in the maintenance of peace, security and prosperity in the Pacific, our enduring support for Pacific-led priorities, and the central role of the Pacific Islands Forum.
“I also discussed the necessity of a stable region and reduced tensions in the Indo-Pacific” Mr Luxon says.
While in Beijing, Mr Luxon will also meet with Premier Li Qiang and National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji.
Source: Auckland Transport
Date: 13 June 2025
Major rail upgrades to bring more frequent and reliable services mean no trains will be running from Friday 20 June to Monday 23 June 2025, as essential upgrade works are carried out across the city’s rail lines over the extended Matariki long weekend.
This closure across the Eastern, Western, Southern, and Onehunga Lines is needed so that KiwiRail, City Rail Link Limited and AT can continue vital network upgrade works ahead of the City Rail Link opening in 2026.
No trains will operate during this period, including on Monday 23 June, a standard weekday. People should also be aware there will be changes to train services during the upcoming winter school holidays.
To support passengers, AT will operate frequent all-stop rail replacement bus services throughout the rail closure period. For some passengers AT’s regular scheduled bus services will also be a good alternative.
AT’s Group Manager Rail Services Mark Lambert says closures like this are needed to get the wider Auckland rail network ready for the faster, more frequent train services that will come when the City Rail Link opens.
“We understand this closure will be disruptive—especially with Monday being a regular workday—but it is a necessary step to ensure the future reliability and efficiency of our rail network,” Mr Lambert says.
“We’ve timed this work over a long weekend to reduce disruption for our passengers as much as possible, and we’re doing everything we can to keep people moving.”
The upgrade work includes track renewals, foundation upgrades and drainage improvements as part of KiwiRail’s Rail Network Rebuild programme, the installation of fibre optic cables across the rail network, and maintenance work at train stations that would be too disruptive to undertake when services were running.
“The work AT and our partners are doing now will help unlock the benefits of the City Rail Link and transform how people move around our city,” Mr Lambert says.
“We know that for many people this is likely to be frustrating. But this is a once-in-a-generation upgrade, so we’re asking Aucklanders to bear with us just a little longer so we can deliver a faster, more reliable, and more frequent rail service for everyone.”
KiwiRail Chief Metro and Capital Programme Officer Dave Gordan says: “KiwiRail is progressing works at pace especially on the Southern Line where we still have more to do to improve foundations and drainage to ensure our network is resilient.”
“Our teams will be working night and day to get as much completed as possible during the four days.”
Notes to the editor:
Extended Matariki weekend rail closure
Partial rail closure during the winter school holidays
The City Rail Link will bring Auckland closer together
Source: New Zealand Police
The Police Media Centre will close at 6pm on Sunday 22 June due to staffing constraints.
Prior to that time, we will be operating with reduced staff numbers and prioritising urgent/serious incidents.
After 6pm, information on any significant public safety issues will be released proactively.
The centre will reopen at the usual time of 6am on Monday 23 June.
We appreciate our media colleagues’ continued patience and understanding.
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Issued by Police Media Centre