Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 3 Broadway at Stratford is down to one lane after a truck spilled some of its load in the northbound lane around 10am this morning.
No one has been injured.
The highway will be down to one lane for sometime while the debris is cleared from the road.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible, and expect delays.
ENDS
Source: New Zealand Government
Thousands of New Zealanders will have faster access to mental health support following a funding boost for four community organisations, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.
“Four grassroots community organisations have received funding to remove barriers to support, help people access the right support earlier, and ensure communities and workplaces can get mental health support when and where it’s needed,” Mr Doocey says.
The funding will support these grassroots organisations to get help to Kiwis earlier:
“I have been very clear that this Government is not only focused on ensuring the right support is in place to treat mental health issues, but also on preventing Kiwis from reaching that point.
“That’s why we are investing more in prevention and early intervention, and we know grassroots organisations play a vital role in increasing access to support.”
The funding boost comes from the Mental Health Innovation Fund.
“We are partnering with non-government organisations to scale up and deliver innovative projects that provide faster access to mental health and addiction support for communities across the country.
“I am committed to reducing mental health and addiction wait times in New Zealand. By partnering with organisations like these, we are making this a reality.
“When someone takes the brave step of reaching out, whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member, we’re committed to ensuring the right support is always there to answer that call.”
Note to editors:
Source: New Zealand Police
A group of teenagers who allegedly attempted to rob a Sunnyvale store have been taken into custody.
At about 7.40pm last night Police received a report of a group of people armed with a weapon (not a firearm) entering a shop on View Road.
Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie, Waitematā CIB, says the group has made demands for money before the store worker managed to leave and contact Police.
“The alleged offenders have then taken a number of items before Police quickly arrived and took them into custody.
“Within minutes of the aggravated robbery being reported, three youths were located and arrested, which is a great result.
She says anyone who witnesses suspicious or unlawful behaviour should call 111 as soon as possible.
“We’re committed to holding those who choose to commit these crimes to account, and will use every avenue available to us to do just that.”
Three youths, aged between 11-15, have been referred to Youth Aid Services.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Aotea Quay near the overbridge to Hutt Road in Wellington is currently closed following a crash.
Police were notified of a single vehicle crash involving a fuel truck at around 2:45am.
The Aotea Quay on-ramp heading northbound is blocked.
Motorists can still get off State Highway 1 via the Aotea Quay off-ramp.
The truck has spilt diesel onto the road and road closures will remain in place throughout the morning.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Sergeant Jonny Evans, Police Search and Rescue.
A search is continuing for a tramper overdue in the Baton area of Kahurangi National Park.
Graham Garnett, 66, went tramping in the Baton/Ellis River area. He was expected to return on 30 December, but did not.
We will be using a radar tomorrow so ask members of the public to steer clear of our search areas.
Tomorrow the following areas in the Baton Valley will be closed while Police Search and Rescue teams search for Graham.
The search will involve the use of Recco detecting equipment.
Graham is around 177cm tall, approximately 100kg, and has grey hair.
We are keen to hear from anyone who we haven’t spoken with yet, who was in the Baton/Ellis River area from the afternoon of 26 December, particularly anyone who was around Flanagan’s Hut.
Any sightings or information can be reported at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number P064981672.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police have closed East Coast Road between Wilks Road and Bawden Road near Stillwater after a single-vehicle crash.
The incident was reported to emergency services just after 3pm.
One person sustained serious injuries and is being treated by ambulance services.
Motorists should be advised the road will be closed for over an hour, with detours in place.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Sergeant Dougall Henderson – Invercargill Police Search and Rescue Coordinator
The rescue of two boaties in a remote area of Fiordland over the weekend has highlighted the importance of being prepared when heading out on the water.
The two men were on a fishing and diving trip just south of Milford Sound when the batteries in their 6.4 metre recreational boat failed on Saturday night and left them stranded.
The pair were able to use their iPhone satellite emergency text system to message for help. Their messages were received by the iPhone Emergency Comms Centre in the Netherlands who relayed their plight to NZ Police.
Marine VHF radio broadcasts were put out by Maritime NZ on an hourly basis for any vessels in the area able to assist with no response.
The following morning, Police and family members were arranging a float plane to fly replacement batteries to the men, when a recreational boatie heard the call for help on his VHF radio.
He and his three passengers, who were on a day’s fishing trip went to the pair’s rescue and were able to take the stricken vessel under tow back to Milford Sound, which was approximately 50 kilometres away.
Although the boys were well prepared with lifejackets, two forms of communication and had not consumed alcohol, the incident highlights how difficult assistance can be if you have a mechanical failure or emergency situation.
It is a timely reminder of the golden rules of boating particularly in isolated areas like Fiordland.
Finally, Police would like to thank the skipper and his crew who gave up their fishing day to help a fellow boatie in need.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police investigating a mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland are appealing for the public’s assistance in identifying the people pictured in these CCTV images.
At about 3.40am on Sunday 28 December emergency services were called to the disorder involving about 50 people.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greaves, Auckland City CIB, says the Police investigation remains ongoing into three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the incident.
“One person has been arrested, however we would like help identifying the others pictured in these images.
“I’m asking anyone who knows who they are to please get in touch.”
One male is wearing black pants, a blue and black hunting and fishing jacket and a black cap with white writing.
The second male is wearing a white shirt with a beige hat.
“Someone knows who these people are and we are urging them to speak to us,” Detective Senior Sergeant Greaves says.
Anyone who recognises these males or who has information about this incident is asked to contact Police.
You can update us online now at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or call 105 and quote file number 251228/4774.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are working to locate Bruce Tautari, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.
Tautari, 21, is wanted for failing to appear in court and is known to frequent the wider Northland and Tāmaki Makaurau regions.
It’s believed he is actively avoiding Police.
If you have seen him or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 251203/7734.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: NewzEngine.com
Former NZ Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control calls on NZ government to uphold international law by condemning the US attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of its President.
Parliament should be recalled to vote on condemnation of this act of war with sanctions to be placed on the US 05 January 2026 Auckland New Zealand – “New Zealand is a minnow in terms of economic or military strength in the world. But it earned worldwide respect for its morality in defying the US and upholding the UN Charter and international law when it condemned the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.
“In doing so it was defending the international rule of law not the rule of might ”, said former Associate Foreign Minister in the Helen Clark government, the Hon Matt Robson.
“Now, following on the craven decision of New Zealand to win Washington’s blessings by not opposing the US and Israeli genocide in Gaza and the West Bank and not voting for a Palestinian State , the New Zealand government by noy condemning the US invasion of Venezuela and seizing its President, is complicit in the ripping up of the UN Charter by the Trump administration ” continued the former Minister.
“The NZ government has stripped New Zealand’s credibility to any claim to adherence to international law and the UN Charter by its cowardice in not demanding the release of President Maduro and his wife and an end to the US aggression and the crippling sanctions and illegal seizure of Venezuelan oil.“
“The US ambassador needs to be summonsed and the illegality of the US aggression to be conveyed to the US administration in the strongest terms”.
“It is now over to opposition parties in New Zealand and any coalition MPs with a shred of decency to demand an urgent sitting of Parliament with 4 items on the agenda to vote on:
“The Hon Winston Peters as NZ Foreign Minister should place New Zealand on the side of the vast majority of countries supporting international law and condemn the United States for its illegal actions that have ripped up the UN Charter,” concluded the Hon Matt Robson.
– Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com