Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now share the names of the two people that died following a fatal crash in Tikitere on Thursday 15 January.

They were 42-year-old Gisborne man Saul Rerekura and 32-year-old Rotorua woman Taukirangi Hewitt.

Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Saul and Taukirangi at this difficult time.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash and would like to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of a green Honda Spike registration HBS903, between the areas of Fenton Street, Rotorua and Curtis Road/SH30, Tikitere, between 2am and 4.20am on Thursday 15 January.

Anyone with information is asked to make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260115/4480.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: New Zealand Police

Hutt Valley Police investigating a spate of commercial robberies are seeking information from the public, specifically the clothing worn by the offenders.

On Saturday 10 January, Police were notified of an incident at a bar in King Street at around 1.30am.

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Todd says two people unlawfully entered the premises with weapons and threatened employees.

“Thankfully the employees were uninjured, but this incident has understandably left them shaken.

“After making various demands, the offenders fled in a stolen vehicle later located abandoned on Sinclair Street.”

One offender was wearing a black beanie, a dark coloured sweatshirt, long pants, and a blue cloth covering their face.

The second offender were a beanie, a ‘Nike Academy’ sweatshirt with distinctive white stripes, dark coloured pants, distinctive coloured shoes, and wore a cloth over their face.

Police are seeking information in relation to this incident, including CCTV or dashcam footage in the King Street and Sinclair Street areas.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who may know someone that wears or has worn a Nike brand Men’s Dry Academy Soccer Track Jacket with black and white colouring, similar to the one pictured.”

“One offender’s shoes are quite distinctive. They appear to be a silver/metallic/chrome coloured sports shoe with a reflective logo or marking on the back of the heel.  The brand is unknown.  If you know someone who has worn these shoes previously, please contact us,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Todd.

Since 10 December 2025, three Hutt Valley bars have been targeted in similar ways where offenders have used various weapons, including a firearm, to demand money and other items.

Detective Senior Sergeant Todd says Police believe these robberies may be linked.

“There are some similarities in aspects of these incidents, which indicate they are likely linked.

“We are always concerned with any offending where firearms are involved and  the investigation team is determined to hold these offenders to account.”

Police have contacted a number of bar owners in the Hutt Valley and wider Wellington District to offer support and talk to them around staff safety procedures.

If you have any information regarding these incidents, or recognise the clothing in these images, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.

Please use the reference number 260110/6662.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers online or by phone via 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons:

A homicide investigation is underway after a woman was found deceased at a Burnham property early this morning.

Emergency services were called to a Burnham School Road address about 3.05am after a report of disorder.

After arriving at the property, Police located the body of a woman.

One person has been arrested and is assisting Police with our enquiries.

Cordons are in place and a scene examination has commenced at the property.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now name the man who was located deceased in the Mahurangi River near Warkworth on 24 January.

He was Tekanimaeu Arobati, 47, from Kiribati.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time, and we are offering support to the family.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) has been activated today to support people displaced by recent severe weather events affecting parts of the North Island, including Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti, and other affected areas, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Temporary Accommodation Service is accepting registrations from people who have been displaced, or who expect they may need temporary accommodation as a result of the recent weather events.  

“MBIE is working closely with Civil Defence Emergency Management, the National Emergency Management Agency, local councils, communities, and Iwi to ensure a seamless transition for people in need to access safe, suitable accommodation,” Mr Potaka says.

“Agencies will continue to work together to provide wrap-around support for communities affected by the severe weather events, including social services, mental health support, financial support and more. I want to acknowledge and thank all those marae, whānau, communities and organisations who have supported people with housing need at this very difficult time.”

MBIE has a responsibility to coordinate temporary accommodation following an emergency, as per the National Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan Order 2015.

Note to editor:

• People affected by the recent severe weather who have a current, or expected future need for temporary accommodation, are encouraged to register via the TAS website: www.tas.mbie.govt.nz  or phone 0508 754 163.
• At this stage it is too early to confirm numbers of registrations for the Temporary Accommodation Service.

Source: New Zealand Police

Specialist technology is being used to ensure the safety of teams working on the recovery operation at Mount Maunganui.

The search area was evacuated at 11.50am yesterday, after a contractor driver noticed potential instability on the face of the slip. Following advice from two independent geotechnical experts, it was deemed too hazardous for teams to continue working.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson says the recovery effort resumed at 10.30am today.

“There is an ever-present risk to the dedicated teams working in the shadow of the maunga, but sensitive surveillance equipment is now giving us a real-time overview of the condition of the environment. Slight movements can be tracked, and we can get people out of the immediate area under the slip.

“The equipment was helicoptered to Tauranga from Wellington last night and as of this morning, it’s operating and providing an extra layer of protection. We can’t control the hazard, but we are focused on controlling the consequences.

“We are doing everything we can to protect the people who are trying to reunite loved ones with their families.

“Recovery teams are working methodically through the scene, but there are still many days of work ahead of us. Due to the conditions, there is no timeline for completing our work. It is a delicate operation, and it will take as long as it takes.”

Constant monitoring

Overnight, a design engineering firm with geotechnical expertise installed the three cameras that now provide a “visual web” of the slip and slope area, up to 300 metres wide.

In addition to the cameras, drones capture photo imagery of the mountainside three times a day. Three human spotters are also watching the mountain constantly while crews are working on the recovery.

“Every person at the scene has been told to raise the alarm if they see potential movement. It doesn’t matter if it turns out to be a false alarm – our main concern is for the people working that danger zone.”

Ground crews hoping for sun

Superintendent Anderson says weather remains the biggest obstacle to the recovery effort.

Until the sodden, clay-like material is cleared, layer by layer, it’s hard to estimate the volume that came down, but it could possibly be “in the tens of thousands of cubic metres”.

“We’re just holding out for the weather to improve because moisture is the enemy at this point.

“The condition of the ground is slowly stabilising but there is no technology that will stop the threat that rain brings. The ground is saturated and what we need is days of fine weather.”

Sensors will be installed on the mountain “hopefully, in the coming days”, if conditions allow the ground to dry and stabilise.

“It’s really important for people to remember, ‘stabilised’ doesn’t mean safe. The recovery teams are working in conditions that remain highly dangerous.”

Overwhelming aroha from community

Superintendent Anderson says Police, Council and geotechnical experts are working together on whether cordons can be reduced “if conditions allow”.

“We want to thank the community for their understanding while this delicate work is ongoing.

“It’s been humbling to see the outpouring of support and aroha from so many people, including those providing food for staff and the many offers of equipment and supplies.

“I also want to acknowledge our Family Liaison Officers, and the specialist staff working at the scene. Their efforts are enormous. They are extremely dedicated people who are keen to reunite families with their loved ones as soon as possible, and they doing an incredibly thorough and professional job.

“The community has rallied around the families and the responders, and it really shows what a special place this is.”

Appeal for footage continues

Police are asking anyone with video footage of the slip at Mt Maunganui to upload it via this online portal.

Privacy request from families

Police are aware some family members are feeling uncomfortable with receiving multiple requests for comment. We ask that their wishes be respected while they grieve, and that they are not approached repeatedly if they do not reply to messages or calls.

Media can request comment through the Police Media Centre, and requests will be passed on by Family Liaison Officers.

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Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Inspector Peter Cooper, Area Commander Canterbury Rural:

Police maintained a highly visible presence across North Canterbury throughout the Muscle Car Madness weekend, with officers focused on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the wider Rangiora community.

Over the course of the event, Police and Court bailiffs seized and/or impounded 11 vehicles, and completed enforcement action including four excess breath alcohol (EBA) detections and one related arrest.

While the Muscle Car Madness Car Show itself was well run and continues to provide genuine benefit to the community, Police were disappointed by the overall behaviour at the associated temporary camping area. Heavy intoxication and dangerous driving behaviour fell well below what is acceptable, and Police have raised concerns about the suitability of the camping ground and whether it should continue there in future years.

The challenging weather over the weekend created further pressure for organisers, however there did not appear to be an adequate contingency or wet‑weather plan in place, which contributed to the issues encountered.

Police will now review the activity and enforcement outcomes from the weekend to inform planning ahead of any future events. As always, the safety of the public remains our priority, and we will continue to work closely with event organisers and local partners to support safe and enjoyable events in our community.

As always, members of the public who witnessed dangerous or unlawful behaviour over the weekend are encouraged to report it to Police on 111 if it is happening now, or 105. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: New Zealand Police

One person died following a serious crash on Saturday 24 January on State Highway 1, Oakleigh, Whangārei.

Police and other emergency services responded to the crash around 2.20pm.

Sadly, one person died at the scene.

Three other people were transported to hospital, two in serious condition and one in moderate condition.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Government

A new Department of Conservation cadetship programme has been launched in Renwick to help build a skilled, fit-for-purpose conservation workforce for the future, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. 

The Te Pū Hono programme is a 30-month paid cadetship designed to support people at the start of long-term conservation careers. The first intake of 10 kaihonoa taiao cadets has begun the programme following a pōwhiri at Ōmaka Marae, hosted by Te Rūnanga a Rangitāne o Wairau on behalf of the Te Tauihu iwi. 

“Our conservation system relies on skilled people working on the ground,” Mr Potaka says. 

“That’s why the Government is focused on fixing the basics by investing in workforce pathways that ensure DOC has the capability it needs now and into the future.” 

Cadets come from a range of backgrounds and will be working for nature from day one. The programme includes hands-on experience in trapping, weed control, ecological monitoring, track and hut maintenance, historic site restoration, and backcountry skills. 

Cadets will also gain experience in more specialised areas aligned to their interests, such as chainsaw operations or biodiversity monitoring. 

“Our native species, tracks and huts are central to who we are as New Zealanders and are a key part of our tourism and economic offering,” Mr Potaka says. 

“Investing in DOC’s workforce is essential to protecting these assets and maintaining New Zealand’s world-class conservation experience.” 

The cadets were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, reflecting strong interest in conservation careers and working in New Zealand’s backcountry. Once the programme is established, DOC intends to recruit up to 10 new kaihonoa taiao cadets each year. 

“This programme is about building the future by creating a strong pipeline of skilled conservation workers who can care for our natural environment for generations to come,” Mr Potaka says.