Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Aucklanders are advised of possible delays on part of the motorway network and roads near the central city, on Saturday, due to protest activity.

A large-scale Police operation will be running to prevent any unpermitted pedestrian access to the Auckland Harbour Bridge or motorway network.

The Freedom and Rights Coalition’s permit to march on the bridge was declined in December by New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

Police have clearly advised the group that it will not facilitate access for the group.

Superintendent Naila Hassan, Waitematā District Commander, says Police will be well placed to respond to unlawful attempts to access the bridge on foot.

“A large operation has been planned, with resource coming from across the Auckland region and other parts of the country,” she says.

“Our focus will be on ensuring everyone’s safety and to minimise any disruptions to those Aucklanders going about their business as much possible.

“If you are accessing the motorway network near Victoria Park, or city centre and Ponsonby, please prepare ahead for delays and significant bus detours.”

Superintendent Hassan says there is no permit to access the motorway network on foot, and anyone attempting to do this will be acting unlawfully.

“Anyone attempting this will be subject to enforcement action, and we strongly urge anyone considering taking part to think about their actions.

“Police reiterate that the public have the right to protest, provided that it is peaceful and lawful.”

Police and NZTA jointly issued a statement of record earlier this month, outlining the risks to personal safety and infrastructure.

Police will continue to keep the public advised of any disruptions that arise through Saturday.

“We appreciate the public’s understanding in this matter.”

A second protest event in central Auckland, on Queen Street between Te Komititanga Square and Myers Park, is also expected to cause delays in the area on Saturday afternoon.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Notes for editors:

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Kelsey Smith:

Police acknowledge the sentence handed down to patched Mongrel Mob member Lou Daniel Harmer today in Napier District Court.

Mr Harmer was sentenced to 12 years and 6 months imprisonment for significant sexual offending, after being found guilty on 14 counts of charges relating to sexual offending against multiple young girls.

We are pleased to see justice done for his victims who had the bravery to come forward and tell their stories.

Standing up to an abuser to relate their account requires a huge amount of courage.

We hope that they have been able to find some sense of healing through this process, and can take reassurance from the knowledge that their actions and bravery may have protected other young people from suffering how they did.

Police would like to thank the victims and their families for their willingness to work so closely with Police to bring this matter to the right conclusion.

We would like to acknowledge the hard work of our investigation team, who worked tirelessly to bring this case to court, and the specialist sexual assault agencies who supported the victims through this process.

We would like to reassure any victims of sexual offending that we take these matters seriously.

Police have a robust process and highly trained investigators who are dedicated to these cases, and will ensure there is a safe space to report matters in confidence.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Residents of Harakeke Drive, Wharewaka, Taupō, and surrounding areas are being asked to evacuate due to a gas leak today.

Police were called to assist Fire and Emergency New Zealand around 12.10pm, after a digger has hit a gas line.

Residents of Wharewaka Road and Lake Terrace are also being evacuated.

The public is advised to avoid the area. 

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has committed a $2.84 million grant through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to clear bottlenecks on State Highway 1, unlocking major commercial development and new jobs.

Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson says the congestion has been putting real pressure on locals, slowing down daily travel, making it harder for businesses to move goods, and affecting the flow of people across the region.

“This investment will remove a major choke point on State Highway 1, making it easier for families, workers, and freight operators to get where they need to go. 

The upgrade to the intersection will also enable the second stage of the Timaru Showgrounds development to proceed, which is expected to add 20,000m² of commercial space and create up to 300 long-term jobs in Timaru,” Mr Patterson says.

The project will deliver a redesigned intersection with improved traffic flow, upgraded signalling, and safer pedestrian and cycle access. During construction, it is expected up to 60 people will be employed.

“Improving the intersection and reducing these transport delays will cut costs for businesses, improve reliability for freight, and keep the local economy moving,” Associate Transport and South Island Minister James Meager says.

“This is about future-proofing Timaru’s transport network, creating jobs, and supporting the region to thrive,” Mr Meager says.

The $4.15 million project will be delivered by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and is expected to be completed by mid‑2026.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is backing New Zealand’s next generation of food and fibre sector leaders by investing in its premier youth competition, Associate Minister for ACC Nicola Grigg has announced.

For the first time, ACC is partnering with NZ Young Farmers (NZYF) and sponsoring this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.

“The FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition is one of New Zealand’s most exciting agricultural events, showcasing the skills, innovation, leadership and practical know‑how of young farmers from across the country,” Ms Grigg says.

“This partnership reflects the Government’s focus on fixing the basics and building the future – making sure farmers have the strong foundations they need today, while investing in the skills, leadership and resilience required for tomorrow.

“Farmers are the backbone of our economy. They support regional jobs, drive our exports and underpin New Zealand’s food security. That’s why this Government is backing them in practical ways, and focusing policy on what actually works on‑farm, letting farmers spend more time doing what they do best.

“However, despite the incredible talent and capability of New Zealand farmers, agriculture remains one of our highest‑risk industries, with thousands of farming‑related injury claims made every year.”

In 2024, ACC received over 23,000 claims for injuries sustained on farms. The cost to help people recover was around $120 million.

“Our Government is laser‑focused on early intervention and practical support that improves the lives of New Zealanders. Bringing ACC’s expertise in injury prevention and recovery into the heart of this competition helps young farmers build safe, sustainable careers from the outset.

“This new partnership reinforces NZ Young Farmers’ commitment to developing confident, capable and healthy future leaders across agriculture.

“Farming is one of New Zealand’s most demanding and rewarding industries, requiring skill, resilience and constant decision‑making in often unpredictable conditions. The contest showcases the real pressures and realities of farming life.

“ACC’s involvement brings a stronger safety and recovery message to the competition programme, helping contestants understand how to work safely, manage risks and support recovery as they build successful careers in agriculture, Ms Grigg says.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are advising Aucklanders to expect delays in the central city due to a planned protest on Saturday.

Traffic management measures will be in place, and Aucklanders should plan ahead.

Toitū Te Aroha will hold a rally at Te Komititanga Square around midday, before completing a hīkoi to Myers Park up Queen Street.

Inspector Jacqui Whittaker, of Auckland City Police, says it is expected to draw large numbers of people taking part.

“We expect numbers to grow around Te Komititanga Square from mid-morning, with those taking part expecting to disperse from Myers Park in the afternoon,” she says.

“Police will be monitoring the hīkoi as it progresses up Queen Street, and our focus is on ensuring this is completed safely.”

Police ask the public to remain patient around the central city.

“Our focus is on ensuring those taking part can exercise their right to peaceful protest, while balancing minimising disruptions as much as possible,” Inspector Whittaker says.

• Advice for commuters:

– Anyone travelling into the city should plan ahead.
– There will be detours in place for all bus services that travel to or through the City Centre from approximately 11am, which could last for several hours.
– Those using public transport should check the AT Mobile app and website for detailed changes to bus routes and which stops remain open.
– Customers should allow extra time accessing Waitematā station (Britomart) and the Downtown Ferry Terminal.
– Motorists travelling through the city centre should prepare for detours and check Google Maps for road closures.

Please note: This planned protest is unrelated to another protest near the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

30 January 2026

WorkSafe extends its sincere condolences to the whānau and friends of the six people missing in the landslide at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park on 22 January 2026.

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a single vehicle crash on Nelson Road this afternoon.

Emergency services were notified of the crash about 5:20pm.

Nelson Road remains closed, and diversions are in place.

The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Nelson Road, east of Taupaki, is closed following a serious crash.

Emergency services received reports of the single vehicle crash at around 5:20pm.

Initial reports indicate there are serious injuries.

Diversions are in place and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police would like to urgently correct the earlier statement issued on behalf of Nils and Anders.

It should read: “Måns was artistic, which was one of the many things we loved about him.”

Police unreservedly apologise for the error, and thank the family for their understanding. 

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre