Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Counties Manukau District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray:

One person has died, and another is in a critical condition following an incident in Manurewa overnight.

A critical incident investigation is now underway, which will establish the full circumstances of what unfolded.

At about 1am, a Police unit was travelling along Roscommon Road after attending an unrelated job.

Staff have then sighted a Mitsubishi vehicle pulling out of Sharland Road closely followed by an Isuzu.

Officers were concerned the Mitsubishi was being chased by the Isuzu and signalled for the Isuzu to stop on Roscommon Road.

Moments after lights and sirens were activated the Isuzu made contact with the Mitsubishi, causing the vehicle to leave the road and collide with a tree.

Officers immediately rendered first aid, however the passenger of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver was transported to hospital in a critical condition, where they remain.

The driver of the Isuzu was arrested at the scene and transported to hospital with minor injuries.

A scene examination has been completed by the Serious Crash Unit and the road has since reopened.

There are several investigations now underway, which will work to establish all the facts surrounding this morning’s tragic incident.

This includes notifying the Independent Police Conduct Authority, as is standard procedure.

We are also working to support those affected and their families, as well as our staff who were involved.

As part of our investigation, we are seeking information from witnesses who may have been in the area at the time, or prior to this incident occurring.

If you have information, please update Police online now or call 105.

Please use reference number 250627/8090.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are advising motorists to avoid all unnecessary travel in the Nelson Bays area this morning.

The area is being hit by adverse weather conditions with flooding across the area and road closures likely.

Especially avoid: Belgrove, Wakefield, Brightwater, Richmond, Whakatu Drive, Appleby, Redwood, Riwaka.

In extreme conditions, please limit yourself to essential travel only, ensure you have had your brakes and windscreen wipers checked. Reducing speed, using headlights and watching your visibility will also ensure a safe trip.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura, members of the police executive and wing patron former police officer, Glenda Hughes congratulated the 67 graduating constables from Wing 385 today. 

Also attending the graduation and presenting the prize to the top award winner was Minister of Police Hon Mark Mitchell.

Families and friends celebrated the newly attested police officers at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua this afternoon acknowledging the successful completion of their initial training course. 

There are some likeminded individuals in the wing with 13 of the graduates having family members currently working in the New Zealand police.

Four of those thirteen graduates were inspired by their fathers who are all constabulary working in Waikato District. The four new officers will be working in Waikato alongside their dads.

One proud father is Senior Constable Ross Moratti. “I’m honoured that Jordan decided to follow in my footsteps, he’s worked incredibly hard and will be a really amazing officer.”

Newly attested Constable Jordan Moratti says “Growing up seeing my dad in police gave me some encouragement to do the same. I really want to help people and I needed a job that was inspiring and challenging – like policing is.”

Six wing members have family serving in police services in other parts of the world and twelve recruits were born overseas. 

Two of the three award winners have made New Zealand their home.

Top award winner and winner of the Driver Training Award is Australian born Sophie Eskrigge. She put her study skills from university to good use, by capturing the top of wing prize.  Sophie has a diverse education ranging from marine science, and chemistry, to finance and accounting and is now studying for a post graduate degree in property practice. She can now add initial policing skills and criminal law to that list of achievements thanks to her successful recruit training.
“Graduation is just the beginning. From here on, we must prove ourselves worthy every single day to the people we now serve.”

Sophie will be based in Auckland City District.

Second Top Award and winner of the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award is Constable Holly Stuart.  She is originally from the United Kingdom and previously worked for the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service as a call handler, dispatcher, and on-call firefighter.  
“College has taught me so much about myself as well as others. I’ve found new strengths and learnt from a very skilled bunch of instructors. The pride I feel from graduating after my 20 weeks and placing second overall in the wing, is an achievement that will stay with me for a lifetime. I’m so excited to start my journey in the community that I now call home here in Aotearoa.”

Holly will be based in Central District.

Leadership Award winner Constable David Afamasaga is a former Corrections Officer and Court Security Officer for the Department of Justice.  He’s also a former top sportsman and captained the Manu Samoa Rugy Sevens Team from 2017 to 2020 and 2022.  Like the other wing award winners David also won a second prize – the Firearms Award for wing 385.

“I am truly honoured to receive this award, and be recognised by my peers and our sergeants, but I humbly take it on behalf of all my wing-mates. The hard work and dedication we’ve all put in to making it to our graduation day shows that everyone is a leader in their own right.”

David will be working out of Counties Manukau District.

Deployment:
Tāmaki Makaurau a total of 23 and broken down as follows: Waitematā  9, Auckland District 1, Counties Manukau 13, Waikato  11, Bay of Plenty 9, Eastern 1, Central 3, Wellington 8, Tasman 1, Canterbury 3, Southern 8.
The new constables will start their first week of duty in their Police districts from Monday 7 July 2025 and will continue their training on the job as probationary constables.

All Awards: 
Minister’s Award recognising top student and the Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award: Constable Sophie Eskrigge posted to Counties Manukau District.
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership and the Firearms Award: Constable David Afamasaga posted to Counties Manukau.
Patron’s Award for second in wing recognising second top student and the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Holly Stuart posted to Central District.

Demographics:
28.4 percent are female, 71.6 percent are male. New Zealand European make up 67.2 percent of the wing, with Māori 10.4 percent, Pasifika 6.0 percent, Asian 14.9 percent, Other 1.5 percent. 

385 Wing Patron: Glenda Hughes:
Glenda Hughes has had a multifaceted career in sports, law enforcement, media and public relations, and local and central government.
Her athletic achievements as a Commonwealth Games shot put champion and captain of the New Zealand Athletics Team are paralleled by her years of service in the New Zealand Police, where she handled serious criminal investigations, including drug investigations and high-profile cases such as the Rainbow Warrior inquiry. She was on the frontline of the Springbok Tour and Bastion Point protests. 
Beyond her police career, Glenda has made significant contributions in media as a consultant, journalist, and public relations expert who has trained New Zealand’s top athletes in media communications.
She is the author of Looking for Trouble and has contributed to Last Man Standing by James Shepherd and Organized Deception: My Story by Sharon Armstrong, both focusing on the dangerous world of international drug trafficking.
Her leadership roles include Independent Chairperson of the New Zealand Racing Board and the Racing Integrity Unit, a member of the New Zealand Parole Board, Trustee of KidsCan and Chair of Pet Refuge. These highlight her commitment to serving the community.
Glenda’s academic background in sociology, criminology, and communications underscores her deep understanding of societal dynamics.
Glenda values perseverance, integrity, compassion, and service. She credits her time in Police for her understanding of behaviours, motives, and options for handling various incidents. She believes Police offers a strong foundation for career development and the camaraderie fosters many lifelong friendships.

ENDS

Watch out for our Ten One story coming soon with more images and stories.

If you’re interested in joining police check out newcops.govt.nz

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey today officially opened Te Puna Wai Kātea, a new mental health facility set to improve mental health and addiction outcomes for people in the Taranaki region.

“This new facility is designed to support people with mental health and addiction needs by helping them transition successfully back into the community,” Mr Doocey says.

“The focus is on ensuring people receive not just clinical care, but also the wraparound rehabilitation support they need to live well in the community and achieve long-term improvements in their mental health and addiction outcomes.”

Located on the Taranaki Base Hospital campus, Te Puna Wai Kātea is part of Health New Zealand’s Mental Health Infrastructure Programme and was delivered at a cost of around six million.

The facility includes four short- to medium-term stay rooms, an activities room, family space, kitchen, dining, and living areas. It will open to patients from 1 July.

“The team here will work closely with clinical services, whānau, and government agencies like MSD, Kāinga Ora, and Pathways to develop the most suitable tailored transition plans for each individual,” Mr Doocey says.

“This Government is committed to delivering better mental health outcomes for New Zealanders through targeted investments, modern facilities and a clear focus on recovery and community reintegration.” 

Note to editors: 
•    Te Puna Wai Kātea achieved practical completion on 12 May 2025 and is one of 16 facilities being delivered through Health New Zealand’s Mental Health Infrastructure Programme to improve access to modern, fit-for-purpose mental health services across the country.
 

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

12 minutes ago

When Vanessa Santos first studied with EIT through a screen in the Philippines, she never imagined she would one day be sitting in one of those classrooms in person as the guest speaker.

The EIT graduate returned to EIT’s Auckland campus this month to speak to students in the Sustainable Organisations course that helped reshape her career direction and reignite a lifelong passion.

Vanessa began her Master of Digital Business in May 2021, studying online during the COVID-19 pandemic while borders remained closed.

After arriving in New Zealand in October 2022 with her husband Jeffrey, she completed her studies on-campus and graduated the following year.

“Just two years ago, I was one of those students, uncertain whether a mid-career pivot into sustainability was even possible. Being invited back to speak felt like a full circle moment.”

The 41-year-old’s path to sustainability wasn’t a straight one. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a background in human resources for IHG Hotels and Resorts, Vanessa initially worked in the corporate sector in the Philippines before shifting to freelance work with US-based clients in e-commerce, podcast production and various other digital projects.

“I’ve always been interested in tech. If I hadn’t gone into HR, I probably would’ve studied IT. Freelancing allowed me to explore that while building a flexible, remote career.”

She first visited New Zealand in 2012 with her husband and friends.

“We thought it would be a great country to live in. Our same friends actually moved here five years later and encouraged us to join them, but at the time we weren’t quite ready.”

Years later, a webinar about study options in New Zealand changed everything.

“EIT was one of the featured institutions. I was impressed by what they presented. I also had a friend who studied at EIT, so I thought, why not?”

It was during her studies at EIT that her passion for sustainability moved from personal lifestyle to professional goal. A paper on sustainable organisations, led by Associate Professor Dr Pii-Tuulia Nikula, became a turning point.

“She’s very inspiring. When she taught the class, it rekindled my passion for environmental sustainability and that’s when I thought that I wanted to try and pursue a career in sustainability.”

In February 2024, Vanessa joined Reclaim, New Zealand’s largest privately owned processor of recyclable materials, in a part-time communications role to help mark the organisation’s 50th anniversary.

She is now working full-time at the company as a Sustainability Advisor in Auckland.

Returning to EIT to share her story with current students felt “pretty special”.

“Back then, I didn’t know if I’d find work in a new country or if I could ever break into sustainability. To be able to stand there now, as someone who’s done it, it felt pretty special.”

Vanessa encouraged students not to be afraid of change or late pivots. “It’s never too late to pursue your passion.”

Associate Professor Dr Pii-Tuulia Nikula, School of Business, said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our EIT graduates step into professional sustainability roles and return to share their insights as guest speakers”.

“Vanessa’s experience is a testament to the transformative power of education. I’m humbled to have mentored her on this journey and look forward to celebrating her continued professional success in the years to come.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police is renewing public appeals for sightings of missing Māngere woman Ella Davenport.

The 57-year-old has been missing from her Hain Avenue home in Māngere East since Friday 20 June.

An initial appeal was released over the weekend, but she has still not returned home.

“Police have been carrying out extensive enquiries over the weekend and into the week,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Rob Kerr, of Counties Manukau West CIB, says.

“We have established a sighting of Ella near Woolworths Māngere East, on Massey Road, at 2.47pm on the same day.

“She was wearing a dark blue long sleeve top, maroon pants and dark coloured shoes.”

Police believe Ella could be in the Māngere East area or further afield in Auckland.

“We are growing increasingly concerned for Ella’s wellbeing, and we are asking assistance from the public to help locate her,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Kerr says.

“Our focus is to locate Ella and return her home safely to her family.”

Anyone who sees Ella should call 111 immediately.

Information can also be reported to Police online now or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number 250621/8662.

Timeline:

– 20 June: Unknown when Ella leaves her Hain Avenue address
– 20 June, 2.47pm: Ella is seen on CCTV at Woolworths Māngere East
– 20 June, 3.53pm: Ella is reported missing to Police
– 21 June, 11am: An unconfirmed sighting of Ella by a member of the public near the BP on Massey Road, Māngere East.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

10 minutes ago

An interest in computing sparked by a South African teacher has led Terrence Charamba to pursue study at EIT in Hawke’s Bay after relocating to New Zealand with his family.

Terrence began his studies in July 2024 and is now nearing the end of his first year in the Bachelor of Computing Systems. The 23-year-old is pursuing a future in data analytics and says EIT has offered the practical foundation and support he was looking for.

“I’ve always been curious about how computers work,” Terrence says. “But one of my teachers, who had studied computing herself, really encouraged me to take it further. That was the start of it.”

Originally from Zimbabwe, Terrence completed his schooling in South Africa before moving to New Zealand with his family. He says EIT stood out for its smaller class sizes and personalised approach to learning.

“I didn’t want to be just one of thousands. At EIT, it’s easy to talk to lecturers and ask for help, even outside of class. During study week we came in and they were there, ready to support us. That’s made a big difference.”

This semester’s paper on data concepts has been a highlight, aligning closely with his goal of working in data analytics or data engineering.

“It’s been practical and really relevant,” he says. “We’ve also had guest speakers from industry, including people who studied this same degree at EIT and are now working in the tech sector. That gives me confidence in the path I’m on.”

Terrence had previously begun study in networking systems after high school in South Africa but paused his studies when relocating. He says picking up his learning again in Hawke’s Bay was an easy decision.

“I didn’t want to stop learning. I wanted to continue, but with something that would lead to real opportunities.”

Now settled in Hawke’s Bay, Terrence says he appreciates the region’s climate and lifestyle and hopes to stay in New Zealand after graduating.

“The culture here is welcoming and the weather’s great. I’d love to build my future here.”
For those considering computing or tech-related study, Terrence says the support and structure at EIT make it a strong option.

“If you want to study something that matters and be in an environment where people want to help you succeed, this is a good place to start.”

Geoffrey Mather, Head of School of Computing, said: “Terrence has demonstrated resilience and commitment in his BCS studies and has built great connections with colleagues and peers alike”.

Source: New Zealand Police

Kaikohe Police have made a further arrest in relation to the death of Cattleya Tangimetua-Pepene.

A homicide investigation was launched last month after the 3-year-old’s death on 21 May 2025.

Detective Senior Sergeant Christan Fouhy, of Far North CIB, says Police have made a second arrest in the case.

“A 31-year-old woman appeared in the Kaikohe District Court today,” he says.

“Police have charged this woman with neglect and fraud related offences.”

The woman has been remanded in custody to reappear on 15 July 2025.

Detective Senior Sergeant Fouhy says further comment is limited given two people are now before the Court in this case.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Southland Police is continuing to shut down drug dealers’ operations as part of an ongoing investigation.

Just this week, an Invercargill woman was visited by the Southland Police Organised Crime Group.

During the search warrant on Tuesday, Police located LSD, MDMA and cannabis, as well as a shotgun at the Mabel Bush address.

It comes as Operation Strata continues to primarily target drug dealers with gang connections.

The warrant adds to the additional 15 warrants and 10 arrests that were made last week in the Southern district.

“We have a pretty simple message – if you sell drugs, expect Police to be in touch,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Baird.

“We simply will not tolerate drug dealers profiting from the suffering and harm of others.”

A 40-year-old woman was arrested and has been charged with offering to supply LSD, possession for supply of LSD, and possession of MDMA and cannabis.

The woman appeared in court and was remanded on bail. Further investigations are continuing.

Operation Strata involves over 30 staff from a number of Police groups across the Southern District and South Island, including the Te Waipounamu Gang Disruption Unit based in Christchurch.

If you have any information about the supply of illicit drugs, please contact us through 105, either online or via phone.

Information can also be reported to your local Police station, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

We encourage anyone affected by drug addiction to seek help through Alcohol and Drug helpline on 0800 787 797, or free text 8681.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety congratulates Professor Phil Bremer for scooping this year’s Significant Contribution to Food Safety Award at New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology’s Food Industry Awards last night (25 June 2025).

In addition to his roles as Professor of Food Science at University of Otago and Chief Scientist New Zealand Food Safety and Scientific Research Centre (NFSSRC), Professor Phil Bremer is also an active member on several industry steering groups.

“We are delighted to present Professor Bremer with the award,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

“With more than 40 years of contributions to the food safety sector, Professor Bremer has made a significant contribution to food safety science, publishing more than 200 academic papers.

“His work has helped build effective food safety culture, industry best practice, equipment and processing technology, product and packaging development, and science and research.”

Among his many achievements are leading the development of a guide to prevent contamination of infant formula with Cronobacter, a lethal bacterium for infants under 6 months of age.

“New Zealand dairy companies now benefit from this resource, which helps to ensure the safety of infant formula for the youngest consumers, at home and abroad,” says Mr Arbuckle.

“Professor Bremer has made an immense contribution to the quality and breadth of food safety science in New Zealand, and to the strength of the wider food safety sector, with a number of leadership roles in New Zealand food safety associations and societies across his 40-year career. He also passes on his knowledge undertaking significant post-graduate supervision.”

Mr Arbuckle says New Zealand Food Safety’s ongoing support of the award is an important opportunity to celebrate champions of food safety culture, research and applications in food production.

“We applaud Professor Bremer, all 2025 award nominees and past winners whose contributions and commitment support New Zealand’s world-class food safety system,” says Mr Arbuckle.

Previous winners of the Significant Contribution to Food Safety Award include Dr Pierre Venter (2024) and Dr Rob Lake (2023).

See our website for more information.

Significant Contribution to Food Safety Award