Homicide investigation launched after death in Tūrangi

Source: New Zealand Police

A woman has died following an incident in Tūrangi this morning.

Emergency services were called to an address on Hinerangi Street at about 6:30am, where the victim was found deceased.

A homicide investigation is underway and a scene guard is at the property.

We would like to hear from any witnesses, or anybody with CCTV footage from the incident.

You can contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online.

Please reference the file number 250620/6721.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Fatal Crash, Millers Flat

Source: New Zealand Police

A person has died after a single-vehicle crash on a farm near Millers Flat, Central Otago, overnight.

Emergency services were called to the property about 10pm after a vehicle rolled.

Sadly, one person died at the scene. Three others were taken to hospital with minor-to-moderate injuries.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Police will be providing support to the victim’s family.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Missing man, Kenmure, Dunedin.

Source: New Zealand Police

Have you seen Peter?

Police are asking for the public’s assistance to locate missing Peter, a 77-year-old man.

He was last seen in the Kenmure area of Dunedin at about 10.30pm on Thursday 19 June (yesterday).

He was wearing grey trousers, black or navy merino top and black slip on shoes.

Peter may also have a jacket and may be wearing a beanie, but this is unconfirmed.

If you have seen Peter, or have any information on his whereabouts, please contact Police on 111.

You can use the reference number P062923985.

ENDS

SH6/Lightband Road, Hope closed following crash

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 6/Lightband Road, Hope is closed following a crash.

The two-vehicle crash near Clover Road was reported just after 8:30pm.

Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area as the road is expected to be closed for several hours.

Detours are in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

State Highway 58, Paremata closed following crash

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 58/Paremata Road is closed following a crash.

The two-vehicle crash was reported just before 7:35pm.

One person has been seriously injured.

State Highway 58 is currently closed between James Cook Drive and Joseph Banks Drive.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Appeal for witnesses following crash, SH60, Mapua

Source: New Zealand Police

Tasman Police investigating a serious crash on State Highway 60, near Mapua Drive, are seeking witnesses to the incident.

At about 2pm on Thursday 19 June, Police were called to a two vehicle crash.

Two people were transported to hospital with injuries, one of whom is in a critical condition.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash, as well as any dashcam or CCTV footage.

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

Please reference file number 250619/4692.

ENDS

NZTA confirms outcome of state highway urban connector speed reviews

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has announced the outcome of speed limit reviews recently completed on 16 ‘urban connector’ sections of state highway.

The speed reviews were undertaken on 16 of 38 sections of state highway which were required to automatically reverse to previous higher speed limits under the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024, but where NZTA received strong community and stakeholder feedback on a preference to retain the lower speeds.

Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024

After considering all of the safety, technical, cost and consultation information,  including whether the road environment had changed and become more urban since original speed limits were changed in the past few years, NZTA has confirmed that 13 of the 16 sections will retain their lower speeds limits.  

The majority of these locations are short stretches of state highway heading into or out of small townships, where drivers are already naturally slowing down, and the environment is more suited to the lower speed limit consulted on.  

In some of these locations considerable population growth has occurred in recent years, and in other areas the road environment has changed, with large numbers of driveways, many public amenities and high pedestrian usage, including at schools and marae nearby.

In making its decisions, NZTA assessed the findings of a range of factors including a formal Cost Benefit Disclosure Statement (CBDS), safety and technical information, alongside consultation feedback from both stakeholders and the wider public.

After considering all of the criteria, NZTA has confirmed that speed limits will increase on three of the 16 sections:

  • In Rotorua, speed limits on SH30 and SH30A will be increased to 60km/h, making speed limits more consistent with surrounding roads, reducing driver confusion and the need for frequent speed limit changes over short distances
  • In Turangi, on SH1, the section proposed to have a lower speed limit of 60km/h will be shortened, while the remaining section will reverse to the previous higher speed of 100km/h as required by the Rule.

These changes will come into effect by 1 July 2025, as required by the Rule.

The full list of 16 sites and the speed review outcome can be found on the NZTA website:

Urban connectors new speed reviews outcome

Ōtaki to north of Levin highway project moving forward

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Board has given the green light for the Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL) highway to proceed to construction, marking a significant milestone towards a safer, more resilient and efficient transport connection for the fast-growing Horowhenua and Greater Wellington region.

At its meeting earlier this afternoon, the NZTA Board confirmed additional funding to ensure that the project will progress, including some features from the originally consented concept design.

NZTA Chief Executive Brett Gliddon says the new Ō2NL highway is a key project for the region, and a priority in the Government Policy Statement on land transport, as part of the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme.

Mr Gliddon says throughout the planning and design process, NZTA has considered value for money options and listened to community feedback.

As a result of today’s Board decision, the following elements of the project will be reinstated.

  • The new highway connection with Tararua Road in Levin, which will be a grade-separated interchange
  • The southern connection, near Taylors Road, will include a southbound onramp, allowing vehicles travelling south on the current SH1 to join the Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressway north of Ōtaki, and
  • The local road at Manakau Heights will be connected across the new highway via a bridge.

The Ō2NL project will deliver a more efficient, resilient and safer highway which is firmly focused on enabling future growth and development in one of New Zealand’s fastest growing districts.

“Now that funding has been confirmed along with the reinstated scope, we look forward to beginning construction later this year. We’re also looking forward to continuing our work with Horowhenua District Council as it progresses work on the Tara-Ika growth area,” says Mr Gliddon. 

“Working in partnership with Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, local hapū of Ngāti Raukawa te au ki te Tonga and Horowhenua District Council, NZTA recognises Ō2NL is crucial for the development of the area and will become an integral part of the state highway network, adding to the more resilient, safer and more efficient drive north from Wellington. 

“We understand the importance of the Ō2NL project to the community, and we appreciate the feedback provided during the recent community engagement.” 

More information, including details on the level of additional funding approved, will be confirmed following the finalisation of contracts for construction of the project later this year.

Mt Roskill incident resolved safely

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have resolved a family harm incident in Mt Roskill safely.

One man is in custody after Police spent a lengthy time trying to engage with the man who was inside a property with a distressed female.

The Police helicopter, Eagle, identified an opportunity to separate the pair.

Specialist staff deployed distraction devices and the man was taken into custody.

No one was injured.

Police anticipate road cordons around White Swan Road will lift shortly and greatly appreciate co-operation from the public this afternoon.

Our priority was to ensure the safety of the pair inside the residence and of the wider community.

There is no ongoing risk to the public at this time.

ENDS

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police