Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

A 30-year-old man faces a range of charges after Police seized a modified firearm, cocaine, and shotgun shells from a vehicle in Queenstown.

About 4:30am yesterday, Police stopped a suspicious vehicle on Suburb Street.

During the search, Police uncovered a sawn-off shotgun, eight shotgun cartridges, rifle ammunition and a substantial amount of cocaine. A large quantity of small plastic bags and a set of electronic scales was also seized.

“Illegal firearms have no place in our community,” says Otago Lakes Central Area Commander Inspector Paula Enoka.

“Taking weapons and drugs off Queenstown streets makes everyone in our town safer.

“Our message is clear – drug dealing, and the harm that comes with it, isn’t welcome here.”

The arrested man is due to appear in Queenstown District Court on 20 October.

He is charged with unlawful possession of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm in a public place.

“Police will continue to focus on disrupting the supply of drugs and hold to account those who are financially gaining through this harm,” says Inspector Enoka.

If you have concerns about illegal drug use in your community, please call 111 if there is an immediate risk to safety, or make a report via 105.

You can also anonymously report information to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police work alongside partner agencies to help people affected by addiction get the help they need.

People are able to get support by calling free and confidential services, such as:
• Alcohol and Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797
• Narcotics Anonymous: NZ 0800 628 632
• 1737 – free text/phone to speak with a trained councillor
• Youthline: 0800 376 633

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Protesters have arrived at Victoria Park as part of the protest activity taking place in central Auckland today.

Police estimate 20,000 people participated in protest activity today.

A number of protesters have started dispersing from Victoria Park, and Police will continue to monitor those who remain gathered in the park.

Roads are now reopening across the route.

There are no issues to report.

Police acknowledge the public for understanding with disruptions this morning.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 2 is blocked at the intersection with Pahoia Road in Whakamārama, due to fallen power poles and trees.

No injuries have been reported.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

Diversions are in place, however these diversions are not suitable for heavy vehicles.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A Police operation continues to monitor protest activity taking place in central Auckland today.

The lead group of protesters are arriving into Victoria Park, with the remainder spread across Queen, Customs and Fanshawe Streets.

Traffic management remains in place. There are still no issues to report.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Trade and Investment, and Agriculture Todd McClay will lead a high-level delegation of 21 New Zealand businesses to Riyadh this coming week to promote and strengthen trade and investment ties with Saudi Arabia.

“This mission will raise the profile of New Zealand businesses in a market predicted to be the 6^th largest global economy by 2050 with enormous long-term potential, building partnerships that can deliver growth, jobs, and prosperity on both sides,” Mr McClay says.

“Saudi Arabia is one of the most dynamic markets in the Middle East worth USD$2.8 trillion and is driving one of the largest global transformations and rebuild programmes through its Vision 2030 strategy,” Mr McClay says.

“This mission will showcase the very best of what New Zealand has to offer —safe, high-quality food and beverage, innovative agricultural expertise, world-leading construction and technology solutions, and a creative sector that is globally recognised. 

The Government is ambitious about doubling the value of New Zealand’s exports in 10 years, unlocking new opportunities for Kiwi exporters, and supporting Saudi Arabia in their food security and development goals. 

Saudi Arabia is already one of New Zealand’s largest and fastest-growing export destinations in the Middle East. Exports have more than doubled in four years, from $620 million in June 2021 to $1.35 billion in June 2025 bringing two-way trade to $1.58 billion.

Business Delegation

• 26 Seasons
• Barker Fruit Processors
• Egmont Honey
• Endace
• Envico Technologies
• Fonterra Co-Operative Group
• Framecad Holdings
• Gallagher Animal Management
• Gentrack
• Les Mills International
• New Zealand United Export
• NHNZ Worldwide
• NIG Nutritionals
• Pultron Composites
• Ravensdown
• Seequent
• Silver Fern Farms
• Swiss-Belhotel International
• The True Honey Company
• Westland Dairy Products
• Wētā Workshop

Source: New Zealand Police

Protesters are now making their way down Queen Street as part of protest activity in Auckland CBD today.

Police staff are deployed along the route to Victoria Street to manage activity.

Traffic management is in place along the route.

We are monitoring a small group of counter protesters that have gathered at the intersection of Queen Street and Victoria Street West.

There are no issues to report, and the Police operation continues.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Patients attending Whanganui Hospital’s onsite dental unit will now benefit from a modernised and upgraded facility following a refurbishment, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“The refurbished dental unit provides a brighter, more welcoming and accessible space for patients and families, ensuring the community can receive timely, quality oral healthcare in an appropriate environment,” Mr Brown says.

“The old space was outdated and cramped. The upgraded unit now has an enlarged waiting room to better accommodate a growing number of patients, along with a dedicated area for those receiving IV sedation.

“Access throughout the clinic has been improved for wheelchair users, while the reception area and front desk have been reconfigured to enhance both patient flow and safety from the moment patients arrive.

“A new recovery space has been created for patients who require sedation. This will support the growing number of patients being treated under IV sedation in the dental unit, which has reduced the need for general anaesthetic procedures and helped shorten that waitlist.

“Two dental rooms have also been modernised with new cabinetry and equipment, enabling staff to deliver care more efficiently and safely.”

To ensure treatment continued during the building works, a mobile dental unit was available on site for patients.

“With a new dentist now working regularly in the unit, more patients are now being seen. This refurbishment will ensure it can keep pace with the needs of the community.

“This Government is committed to delivering modern, fit-for-purpose health facilities that improve access to care. Whanganui’s dental unit upgrade is another example of our focus on ensuring patients receive care in the right setting.”

Source: New Zealand Police

A Police operation is underway today to manage protest activity taking place in Auckland.

Protesters are arriving in the CBD and heading to Aotea Square.

It is expected that the protest will make its way to Victoria Park, down Queen Street, from 10am this morning.

Police have staff deployed throughout the city along the route and are monitoring the situation.

We are advising the public to expect delays across these areas today.

People coming into the city are advised to use the AT Mobile App or real time AT Journey Planner to check for any bus service changes of time or route.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Aerial photos are being used by several media outlets showing Police vehicles parked next to a pile of rubbish as part of the Tom Phillips investigation.

The quad bike and motorbike pictured are relevant to the investigation, however the pile of rubbish in the same photo is unrelated to the investigation.

All material related to the investigation has now been removed from the area.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Media are advised that the cordons on Te Anga Road have been lifted this evening, following the completion of a scene examination.

The area Police have been working in is on private property and the landowner has indicated people entering the area would be trespassing. Media are asked to stay away from the area.

With regard to media contacting the families of the officers involved in the critical incident, the Phillips family, and the mother of the children, all have requested privacy from media at this time. We ask media to please respect their wishes.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre