Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Carl Fowlie, Waitematā North Police:

An operation is underway after a man and his vehicle have been reported missing near Warkworth.

At 7.41am, information was received that a man had been washed away at a river crossing on Falls Road, near the intersection with Woodcocks Road.

Police have since been on scene and established further information, after a passenger was able to exit the vehicle and raise the alarm.

A Police Search and Rescue team has deployed to the area, and Police are assisting Fire and Emergency crews with ongoing search efforts.

At this stage the man remains outstanding.

A section of Falls Road has been closed.

Police strongly advise members of the public to avoid the area, and people should pay close attention to weather warnings in place.

Please take additional care around waterways with further rain forecasted.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  21 January 2026

“With an orange heavy rain warning from MetService in place for Northland, we’re asking people to check the DOC website for the latest warnings and closures before heading out to DOC sites this week,” says Acting Director Regional Operations, Phelan Pirrie.

“MetService is forecasting intense rainfall between Wednesday and Thursday morning, which could affect tracks, campsites and access roads.

“Conditions can change quickly, so we’re urging everyone to plan ahead if they’re considering naturing, take care and put safety first.”

Further closures in Northland and other parts of the country might be put in place if necessary. These will be announced on DOC’s website. The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk has also been closed due to safety concerns. If you have a booking that is affected, please email booking@doc.govt.nz to arrange a refund.

DOC staff will carry out assessments on assets once the extreme weather has passed, and this work will determine when huts, campsites and tracks can be reopened to the public.

Closures

Bay of Islands/ Te Pēwhairangi

Whangarei

Kauri Coast/Waipoua forest

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

One man has been arrested after allegedly ramming the stolen vehicle he was driving into a Police unit.

Auckland Central Police responded to information just before 8.30pm on Tuesday, about a stolen hatchback vehicle being driven along Great North Road.

Inspector Grae Anderson, Auckland Central Area Commander, says the vehicle was tracked into the Grey Lynn area.

“Police camera operators tracked the vehicle’s movements to Tuarangi Road, and a unit carried out enquiries in the area,” he says.

“A unit came across the Toyota Vitz and attempted to carry out a traffic stop when it was allegedly rammed.”

The patrol vehicle was not seriously damaged but the Vitz fled the scene.

Inspector Anderson says a pursuit was initiated after the vehicle was seen entering the Northwestern Motorway towards the city.

The vehicle exited at Newton Road and headed towards Ponsonby.

“Police have brought this vehicle to a stop at the intersection of Karangahape Road and Pitt Street, with both occupants arrested without further incident,” he says.

The 36-year-old man will be facing charges of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, failing to stop, reckless driving and assault with a weapon.

Inspector Anderson says, “it’s fortunate that none of our staff sustained any serious injuries as a result of this man’s reckless behaviour last night.

“I acknowledge the work of our people in bringing this matter to a swift conclusion without any further harm being inflicted.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  21 January 2026

MetService has issued a Red Heavy Rain Warning for Coromandel in response to the weather system moving down the northern half of the North Island, and is expected to dump up to 290 mm of rain on the peninsula today alone. The MetService’s rain warning is paired with a strong wind watch due to possible gales in exposed places.

DOC Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly says it’s prudent to close tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove given the weather system’s impact – which now includes flooding across some parts of the district and its roading network.

“DOC’s priority for this site continues to be the safety of visitors and managing visitor risk. Poor weather exacerbates the landslide and rockfall risks at Mautohe Cathedral Cove.

“We strongly discourage people from visiting the cove while this weather system moves – the conditions make it unsafe.

“We do not want people getting hurt.”

Nick says the Mautohe Cathedral Cove closure is now in effect and will be in place until further notice. Decisions about whether it is safe to reopen tracks to the beach will be made once staff undertake site inspections and weather forecasts are assessed.

DOC will lift an alert on the Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track web page once it reopens.

Sea swells are expected to increase with the weather system and anyone planning to visit Mautohe Cathedral Cove by boat should check sea conditions first and consider the risks.

Mautohe Cathedral Cove is one of Coromandel and New Zealand’s most picturesque and iconic coastal locations, famous for its rock arch. However, land around the cove is known to be potentially unstable with a noted geological and landslide risk after heavy rain events.

DOC’s Trigger Action Response Plan for Mautohe Cathedral Cove guides decision-making for track closures at the site.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

Southland is set for a major economic boost, with the Government committing a $3.1 million loan through the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to kickstart an industrial subdivision near Gore, Associate Minister for Regional Development Mark Patterson announced today.

“The 43-hectare development is a 50/50 partnership between Ngāi Tahu iwi authority Hokonui Rūnanga and Robertson Transport Limited. It tackles the critical shortage of large industrial lots in the Gore District and supports long-term prosperity for both partners and the wider Eastern Southland community,” Mr Patterson said.

The $13.6 million project, strategically positioned on State Highway 1, will transform underutilised farmland into a thriving industrial hub. It is expected to create up to 50 jobs during construction and attract industries such as fertiliser distribution, farm equipment services, warehousing, and retail.

“Importantly, this development will provide Hokonui Rūnanga with a sustainable income stream through long-term leases, enabling it to fund vital health and social services for the community,” Mr Patterson said.

The RIF is delivering the infrastructure Southland needs to diversify its economy and build resilience. It also tackles a critical shortage of prime industrial land in the Gore District, which needs an additional 100 hectares to meet future growth.

Southland already delivers 12 per cent of New Zealand’s pastoral exports with just two per cent of the population. This investment will help ensure the region’s economy continues to thrive,” Mr Patterson said.

Construction is expected to start in mid-2026, following rezoning and consents. 

This development marks the first stage of Hokonui Rūnanga’s 90-hectare master plan, with future stages set to include marae relocation, papakāinga housing, and a potential childcare facility.

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Commissioner Richard Chambers:

New Zealand Police is celebrating a record-breaking year with 100 former officers rejoining in 2025. Last year was by far the largest year in history for rejoins, with more than double the previous record number when 40 officers rejoined in 2023. 

“I’m thrilled that we had 100 former officers return to constabulary positions in 2025.  So many former staff deciding to get back in blue highlights what a positive, rewarding and unique career being a police officer is. 

“Our rejoining officers are telling us they made the decision to come back because they missed supporting their communities and the camaraderie of working on the frontline. They’re reenergised with an even greater appreciation for the important work Police does every day. 

“Experienced officers are worth their weight in gold. They’ve brought back years of institutional knowledge, strengthened our capability, and filled critical skills gaps for specialist roles across the country.

“16 of the 100 rejoins are detectives. It takes a lot of dedication and specialist training to become qualified for this role.”

Most former officers who have been away for less than seven years are eligible to rejoin instead of having to go back through the full 20 weeks of training at the Royal New Zealand Police College. 

“In addition to the 100 officers who rejoined there are also 41 rejoins still working their way through our application pipeline or waiting for a vacancy in a specific role or area. 

“We have seen how rejoins are bolstering our frontline and made a conscious effort to attract and recruit them. This included our creative marketing late last year where we targeted those that moved to Australian police jurisdictions to get them to come home.  

“While we have had some success from targeting officers in Australia, the majority of last year’s 100 rejoins had moved away from a policing altogether for reasons such as trying a new career or because of family commitments. It’s great to see them returning to the service after a short break with a newfound passion for the role. 

“The wealth of knowledge rejoins bring with them has been critical for supporting the 788 new police officers that graduated last year.

“If you were once a police officer and have been thinking about getting back in blue get in touch with our rejoins team through www.newcops.govt.nz to find out more.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Three young people have been apprehended after a shoplifting event became violent in Newmarket.

Police responded to the area on Tuesday night after reports of a shoplifting at a hobby store on Broadway, in which a staff member suffered a stab wound.

“At around 5.40pm, three young males allegedly stole from the business and fled on foot,” Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce, of Auckland City CIB, says.

“An employee from the store pursued this group, managing to stop one of these males on Nuffield Street when a knife was produced.”

The employee suffered a moderate stab wound, and he was later taken to Auckland City Hospital with moderate injuries.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bunce says Newmarket Security arrived on scene, holding the young male and removing the knife from his possession.

Police then took the 16-year-old Hamilton male into custody, charging him with aggravated wounding and shoplifting.

“The other two young males were tracked to nearby Newmarket Train Station and were apprehended.”

The pair, both aged 13, were spoken with and will be referred to Youth Aid.

“We’re appalled at the unnecessary level of violence that was inflicted on this staff member last night,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunce says.

“Police acknowledge the quick actions of Newmarket Security staff and members of the public who quickly swung into action as our staff were responding to the scene.

“This could have a very different outcome, and the victim is recovering from his injuries in hospital today.”

The 16-year-old arrested will appear in the Auckland Youth Court on 26 January 2026.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand and Palau have agreed to cooperate closely on Pacific regional issues, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. 

“As the next two hosts of the Pacific Islands Forum, it’s important that New Zealand and Palau forge an even closer partnership,” Mr Peters says.

Mr Peters has held high-level talks in Koror, Palau today, meeting with President Surangel Whipps Jr, Minister of State Gustav Aitaro and other members of President Whipps’ Cabinet.

“New Zealand stands ready to assist Palau with its hosting of this year’s Forum in practical ways, and we were pleased to discuss that with President Whipps today.

“We want to ensure that we can get the most out of the next two Forums, for the benefit of the Pacific, including by attracting the greatest possible support for our region from development partners in line with Pacific priorities.

“The region faces a very challenging global strategic environment, and in this context Pacific countries best advance our shared interests when we work together, showing strength through unity. 

“Our discussions today have been a valuable opportunity for our countries to share perspectives on a diverse range of issues affecting the Pacific as we gear up to take on these important regional leadership roles. 

“Pacific regionalism matters because the challenges we face, including ocean health, fisheries management and economic resilience, cross borders. When the Forum speaks with one voice, it speaks with authority – and that matters in a world where small nations must stand together to be heard.”

Today’s discussions also canvassed areas of bilateral cooperation between Palau and New Zealand, including on protecting the ocean, which makes up more than a third of New Zealand’s overall development assistance to Palau.

“The health of the ocean is central to Pacific livelihoods. By working together, Palau and New Zealand can safeguard this resource for future generations,” Mr Peters says.

Palau is home to the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) and Mr Peters announced a year-long extension of New Zealand’s support for the Office, totalling NZ$1.1 million.

Mr Peters will travel to Nadi tomorrow, where he will meet with his Fijian counterpart, Sakiasi Ditoka, other members of Fiji’s Cabinet, as well as Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Crews continue working from both ends of the SH2 Waioweka Gorge, as there is currently no safe access through the central section.

Damage is extensive, and the full condition of the road and underlying structures remain uncertain until debris can be safely cleared.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Controller SH2 Waioweka Gorge Response and Recovery, Rob Service says he is confident in the work underway.

“Our contractors are progressing well and continuing to push forward on what is a very large and complex task.

“Our focus remains on restoring at least one lane of access. We do not yet know what this will look like or when it will be possible, but we will share updates as soon as we can.”

Gisborne side progress:

• Crews have fully cleared 2 slips today.
• Work continues on drainage and clearing blocked culverts.
• Teams are also supporting vehicle recovery where safe access allows.

Ōpōtiki side progress:

• Crews remain on track to remove 60 large truck loads of material from what’s called the Goldsmith slip – the first from the Ōpōtiki side and potentially largest (approx. 110 metres high and up to 60 metres wide).
• An additional truck has been brought in, with 8 trucks and 3 diggers now active on this side.
• Two additional crews are focusing on drainage and opening culverts to reduce the risk of further issues.

NZTA is closely monitoring the upcoming weather system. The network is already in a fragile state, and there is a risk that more loose material may come down. Recovery work will pause if conditions become unsafe for crews on the ground.

“With a significant weather system expected tomorrow afternoon, our current plan is to withdraw crews from the Gorge if orange or red alerts are in place.

“Keeping our crew safe is paramount. This will allow crews to rest and return safely on Friday to continue recovery efforts over the long weekend,” says Mr Service.

State Highway 35 (SH35) and SH2 south of Gisborne remain open, but long detours are required.

There is a significant increase in traffic on SH2 south of Gisborne and large numbers of vehicles through to Bayview.

Travellers should delay travel where possible or allow significant extra time if using SH35 or SH5. With more wet weather on the way its important people slow down, be patient and drive with care and to the conditions.

A reminder that the Waikare Acrow bridge on State Highway 2 at Pūtōrino, between Wairoa and Napier, is a single lane, priority give way bridge. If you’re travelling north toward Wairoa, you will have right of way. If you’re heading south toward Napier, you need to slow down and be ready to stop at the bridge.

NZTA acknowledges SH2 is the primary connection between Gisborne, Tairāwhiti, and the Bay of Plenty. There is no short or convenient detour, and the disruption is significant for communities and freight movement.

The attached map shows the initial recovery sites. Please note this map is indicative only and will be updated as surveys are completed. Early assessments indicate there are around 40 slips ranging in size and scale – not all of them will be shown on there.

View larger site map [PDF, 3.6 MB]

We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this significant disruption. Further updates will be provided as soon as additional assessments and clearance work can safely continue.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now name the woman who died following a fatal crash on State Highway 6, Winton on Thursday 15 January.

She was 75-year-old Patrizia Botti, from Balano, Italy.

Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre