Source: New Zealand Police
A road closure is in place at the intersection of Wairau Road and Forrest Hill Road in Auckland, while emergency services respond to an incident on Wairau Road.
Motorists are asked to take alternative routes until further notice.
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Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Papatoetoe last night.
The single vehicle crash on Puhinui Road was reported at around 10:15pm.
The sole occupant of the vehicle was transported to hospital with critical injuries, where they died a short time later.
The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police have arrested and charged a man following a hit and run incident in Hamilton yesterday afternoon.
At around 3.15pm, Police were notified that a person had been hit by a vehicle on Raymond Street, Hamilton, and the vehicle had fled from the scene.
Police responded immediately, and the victim was taken to hospital via ambulance. They are in a serious but stable condition.
Officers were able to monitor the vehicles movements using available traffic cameras and sighted the vehicle going up the Kaimais towards Tauranga.
At approximately 7.20pm, the vehicle was located and stopped by Police on Redwood Lane, Tauriko.
Two people from the vehicle were taken into custody.
A 34-year-old man is due in Hamilton District Court today, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, that could assist in our enquiries – please get in touch through 105, either online or over the phone, and reference file number: 260104/7786.
You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, referencing the same file number.
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Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are pleased that, for a second year in a row, the number of holiday road deaths has decreased.
The provisional number of road deaths for the 2025/2026 Christmas holiday period stands at seven, well below the 15 deaths recorded for the same period last year, and a far cry from the 22 lives lost during the 2023/2024 holiday period.
Director of Road Policing, Superintendent Steve Greally calls the decrease in road deaths encouraging, but says Police aren’t celebrating.
“That’s still seven deaths too many. Seven families have lost loved ones, for no good reason, and instead of being able to celebrate during this holiday season, their lives have been changed forever.
“There are many contributing factors to lowering road trauma. Under Operation Open Roads, there has been an immense lift in Police enforcement over the last three years, to address those areas of the network that have higher speeds and those others that have high risk. This is likely to have played a part in the success over these years.
“We’re not going to celebrate until we have zero deaths on our roads, but this is trending in the right direction.
“For the month of December alone there were 17 road fatalities – that’s the lowest it’s been for that month in the last 45 years. The 10-year average for December road fatalities is 35, so to see that number halve in December 2025 is definitely encouraging.
“Even so, we want everyone to keep in mind that one death is one too many. Our job continues and we won’t be letting up our focus on road safety, not for a second.”
Police will continue to target unsafe driving behaviour through road policing operations and patrols, especially in those higher risk crash areas, Superintendent Greally says.
“We’re all responsible for road safety, and while our officers are doing all that they can on the roads to reduce the number of serious crashes, we need drivers to do their part.
“Make sure you are always driving free from alcohol, drugs, and fatigue. Everyone in your vehicle needs to be safely buckled up, drive at a safe speed for the conditions – under the speed limit, and put your cellphone away at all times.
“Please keep yourself, and everyone else on the roads safe – have empathy for other road users and stay patient.”
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
A large search is under way for a tramper missing near Lake Ōhau, and Police are appealing for information.
Connor Purvis, 20, intended to climb Mount Huxley on or about 30 December, descending via the Huxley River South Branch. Connor hasn’t returned from the tramp, prompting concern.
Police Search and Rescue teams have been joined by Land Search and Rescue teams from Omarama, Oamaru and Dunedin, along with the Department of Conservation’s alpine rescue team from Aoraki/Mt Cook, with air support provided by Heliventures in Oamaru and Helicopter Line at Mt Cook.
Otago Coastal Search and Rescue Coordinator Sergeant Matt Sheat says search teams have been looking through huts and campsites in the area but not found any sign of him.
“We ask anyone who has climbed Mt Huxley or has been tramping or hunting in the Huxley River South Branch between 28 December and 2 January to make contact with Police if they haven’t already.
“We also want to hear from anyone who may have seen or spoken to Connor in the South Temple, Ahuriri or Huxley valleys in that same timeframe. Connor has red hair and a handlebar moustache and we urge anyone with information to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
“It’s a large-scale search over a large area, and the smallest piece of information could make all the difference.”
Information can be provided online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260102/2266.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Emergency services are at the scene of a serious four-vehicle crash that has blocked State Highway 8 west of Tekapo this evening.
The crash happened about 7pm, between Tekapo Powerhouse Road and Braemar Road.
Three people are reported to have serious injuries, while another has moderate injuries. Three rescue helicopters are responding to the crash.
The highway is expected to be closed for some time.
Police are asking motorists to postpone travel between Tekapo and Twizel if possible, or expect delays. Drivers can check the latest roading conditions at https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
All lanes are now open on State Highway 1 at Takanini following an incident where a truck has collided with an overbridge, around 3.25pm today.
Police can advise there appears to be no structural damage to the overbridge.
Police also thank the public for their patience.
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Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 4, Aria, Waitomo is currently closed following a crash this afternoon.
Police were called to the single-vehicle crash, where a truck has rolled, around 4.30pm.
There are no reports of injuries.
Diversions are in place at Kopaki Road and Mangaiti Road.
Motorists are urged to take alternative routes and expect significant delays.
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Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 1, Takanini is down to one lane northbound after a truck, carrying a small house, has collided with an overbridge.
Police were called to the incident, between the Papakura on-ramp and the Manurewa-Takanini off-ramp, around 3.25pm.
Thankfully, no one has been injured.
The highway will be down to one lane, northbound, for some time while debris is being cleared from the road.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible, and expect delays.
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Source: New Zealand Police
Police are seeking any witnesses to a serious crash involving a cyclist and vehicle in Palmerston North on Friday.
The crash happened on Tennant Drive, outside Massey University, about 4.30pm on 2 January.
The cyclist received critical injuries and remains in intensive care in Wellington.
Acting Detective Sergeant Grant Christian said both the cyclist and the vehicle were heading towards the Fitzherbert Bridge when the crash occurred.
“We are asking for assistance from the public and need to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident, or anyone who has dashcam footage of the crash, or the moments before it.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police as soon as possible online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260102/2683.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre