Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, members of the police executive and wing patron, Jude Simpson MNZM congratulated the 83 graduating constables from Wing 387 this afternoon.

Families and friends watched as the newly attested police officers marched out at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua. The celebration acknowledged the successful completion of their initial training course at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC). 

New Zealand Police were joined by executives and staff from the Victoria Police of Australia and a minute’s silence was observed during the graduation for the loss of two officers in their jurisdiction last month. 
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, were killed in the line of duty in Porepunkah, Victoria on 26 August 2025.
Commissioner Chambers says, “It is important to mark the service Neal and Vadim gave to their communities, organisation and country.”

The top award winner for wing 387, former teacher and member of the New Zealand Airforce, Constable Sarah Thomas was excited to be heading to Wellington District to start her new career. 
Constable Thomas is no stranger to policing and has worked in the Police Emergency Communications Centre and previously trained recruits as a Defensive Tactics Instructor at the RNZPC before donning the uniform.

“My family have been an amazing support for me coming into this, and I know I couldn’t have done it without them. I also could not have done this without my amazing 387-wing mates, my barrack mates especially. We are honestly like family. I’m also grateful for the support and encouragement of the amazing college staff, (my ex-colleagues), and of course, my section sergeant at the RNZPC.”

Sarah will be based in Wellington District.

Leadership Award Winner, Constable Laura Comerford, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Tapuika (Te Arawa), Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, is thrilled with her success.

“My primary reasons for wanting to join Police are first and foremost my beautiful nieces. I want to be a positive role model for them and encourage them to believe in themselves to achieve their goals. I want to uplift wāhine Māori to aspire to pursue their wildest dreams.  The hardest part for me was believing I was actually good enough to be a police officer. I’d never been the fittest, smartest, or best at anything. Thankfully, I took a leap of faith, trained hard and had some key people that believed in me to help get me through. I’m living proof that with determination, discipline, perseverance and an amazing support system, anything is possible.

Laura will join Sarah in Wellington District.

Deployment:

The new constables will start their first day of duty in their Police districts on the week beginning Monday 15 September 2025 and will continue their training on the job as probationary constables.
Northland 1, Tāmaki Makaurau a total of 22 and broken down into the three districts: Auckland City 5, Waitematā 4, Counties Manukau 13, Waikato 9, Bay of Plenty 10, Eastern 2, Central 7, Wellington 16, Canterbury 8, Southern 7.

All Awards: 

Minister’s Award recognising top student and the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Sarah Thomas posted to Wellington District.
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership: Constable Laura Comerford posted to Wellington District
Patron’s Award for second top student: Constable Daniel Brown posted to Canterbury District.
The Firearms Award: Constable Nathan Forster posted to Waitematā District.
Driver Training and Road Policing Award: Valentine Beattie posted to Eastern District.

Demographics:

25.3 percent are female, 74.7 percent are male. New Zealand European make up 68 percent of the wing, with Māori 12 percent, Pasifika 4.8 percent, Asian 12 percent, LAAM 2.4 percent.

Wing Patron, Jude Simpson MNZM, is a family harm education and training specialist. She is passionate about empowering victims of family harm to live their life to their full potential.
Jude has been working for the past 11 years at the Royal New Zealand Police College as the lead Family Harm Facilitator. She designed, developed, and delivers training for recruits on family harm from the perspectives of a victim and a perpetrator. Alongside other family harm training, this gives recruits a full view of family harm and how to respond to it with empathy and understanding.
Jude has also worked for Presbyterian Support Northern as a Family Violence Advocate and while in this role designed, developed, and delivered a programme for the Department of Corrections focusing on low-risk women offenders. The objective of the programme was to build self-esteem and empower and support the women into work or training.
Over the years, Jude has become a skilled presenter and facilitator, and she has spoken at many conferences as the keynote speaker.
Jude was the lead female spokesperson for the “It’s not ok” national campaign for several years and helped raise awareness of family harm and the needs of victims. She was the project lead on Mangere College becoming the first school in the country to be an “It’s not ok” school.
In 2018 Jude was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her contribution and work relating to family harm. 

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 Police

Northland Police have uncovered a substantial amount of ammunition, drugs and cash after executing a search warrant in Onerahi this morning.

Two people are now facing charges are officers executed a search at a Ross Street property.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei CIB, says officers found a significant amount of methamphetamine, cash and ammunition at the address, as well as a grenade.

“These arrests continue on from good Police work earlier in the week.

“We have zero tolerance for this type of offending, and will continue to hold those responsible to account.”

A 29-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman, both charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and possession for supply of methamphetamine, will appear in Whangārei District Court tomorrow.

Suspicious or illegal activity should be reported to 111 if it’s happening now.

If it’s after the fact, you can make a report online at www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or call 105.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Northland Police have easily answered a pesky dirt bike rider’s question “catch me if ‘ya can” – yes, we just did.

The taunting question was sent to Police by a rider who had been causing havoc amongst the Whangārei community in recent months.

It ended up with the youth in custody, and the bike taken off his hands, Northland Road Policing Manager Inspector John Fagan says.

This is one of several results as Police crackdown on unsafe and illegal dirt bike riding activity across Northland’s communities.

“Police share the frustrations expressed by many in the community with dangerous activity on public roads and public spaces,” Inspector Fagan says.

“In many cases this involves young people posting their offending footage online for clout.

“What they don’t realise is that they are committing offences which put themselves and other people at serious risk.”

Members of the Whangārei Youth Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a Maunu property recently.

“We located a 14-year-old as part of enquiries into an earlier incident where his bike failed to stop for Police,” Inspector Fagan says.

“The young male had also been posting footage online, including sending an image to Police social media pages with the message ‘catch me if ‘ya can’.

The teenager is being dealt with by Youth Aid and his dirt bike has been impounded.

• Bikes off the road in Kaitaia:

Up in the Far North, Police took dirt bikes off the road in Kaitaia after numerous driving complaints in preceding weeks.

“Staff patrolling came across two bikes being driven recklessly, and it turned out it was bikes of interest to Police,” Inspector Fagan says.

Both bikes ended up being stopped by Police.

Enquiries established both riders had previously been forbidden from operating a vehicle.

A tow truck was called and both bikes were impounded off the road.

“Concerningly, both riders were young people and they had been carrying a child with them at the time.

“It’s fortunate that none of those young people were injured as a result of reckless behaviour.

“These bikes are not toys and have the ability to cause harm and damage to both people and property.”

• Reporting is key:

Northland Police continue to encourage the community to report instances of dangerous driving behaviour in their community.

Inspector Fagan says reporting helps Police build a picture of those people involved, enabling enforcement action to be carried out.

“We really encourage people to report offending as it happens, including bike and rider descriptions, or what addresses these people are travelling from,” he says.

“I know this is an issue that causes frustration amongst so many in our community, and we will keep working to make sure our communities are safe.”

Report offending taking place by calling 111, or report to Police after something has occurred either online or by calling 105.

People can report information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Defence Minister Judith Collins has visited Ukraine, seeing firsthand the heartbreaking human cost of war to its people.

“Russia’s illegal invasion has brought misery and destruction to the Ukrainian people for three-and-a-half long years now,” Ms Collins says.

“New Zealand’s response was swift when Russia invaded in February 2022 – and our support for Ukraine remains steadfast. This was the key message I conveyed in Kyiv.”

While in Kyiv Ms Collins had formal talks with her Ukrainian counterpart, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, and engagements with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the Office of the President and Deputy Minister of Defense Oleksandr Kozenko.

She also paid her respects at the Wall of Remembrance in Mykhailivska Square and visited the site of a residential apartment building hit by a Russian ballistic missile on 17 June, killing 23 civilians, including children. 

“Seeing the devastating impact of Russia’s illegal war – the disruption to everyday life, the human cost, the impact on children, the physical destruction – was heartbreaking,” Ms Collins says. 

“My visit, accompanied by Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies, was a tangible reminder of both New Zealand’s strong support for Ukraine and our strong support for the international rules-based order.

“My counterparts said they deeply valued the fact we had made the effort to travel from the other side of the world to demonstrate New Zealand’s support and solidarity for Ukraine, and that it gave them enormous strength.”

Ms Collins also visited Warsaw, Poland, where she met Deputy Foreign Minister Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. She is also scheduled to meet Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

“Poland remains one of our most trusted partners in Central and Eastern Europe,” Ms Collins says.

“We are united by shared values and strategic interests that underpin our close relationship. 

“My engagements in Warsaw underline Poland’s critical role as both the key logistical hub for support to Ukraine and the anchor of NATO’s eastern flank.”

Following engagements in Poland, Ms Collins will travel to the UK, to undertake defence and security-focused meetings.

“New Zealand and the UK have a deep and enduring security partnership, including through our Five Eyes relationship,” Ms Collins says.

“These ties play a vital role in safeguarding the security of both our nations and allow us to contribute to collective efforts to uphold global security. I look forward to engaging with UK counterparts in the days ahead.”

Ms Collins returns to New Zealand on September 13.

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Fiona Roberts, Area Response Manager, Wānaka, Southern District.

Southern District Police are investigating a serious crash in Wānaka and are seeking witnesses.

Police responded to a crash on Cardrona Valley Road, around 4pm Wednesday 4 September.

We would like to speak with anyone who saw the accident, or witnessed the manner of driving prior to the crash.

If you have any information that could assist Police, please contact us via 105, either over the phone or online. Reference file number 250904/6697.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.

Police appreciate the patience shown by motorists caught up in the road closures.

The road is reduced to one lane this afternoon so further enquiries can take place. 

It is important we all continue to do everything we can to prevent lives being lost on our roads. 

We urge motorists to ensure everyone in your vehicle is safely restrained, drive at a safe speed for the conditions under the posted speed limit, put your cell phone away, and ensure you’re free of fatigue, alcohol and drugs.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

East Taieri-Allanton Road /SH1 between Law Road and Riverside Road is closed following a two-vehicle crash around 1:30pm.

One person has sustained serious injuries and diversions are in place.

Motorists should expect delays.

The road is expected to be closed for several hours.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

For people that live near or travel along Cambridge Road, some temporary disruptions are on the way during the school holidays later this month as part of the State Highway 29 (SH29) Tauriko Enabling Works project.

Work is underway on a major retaining wall at the intersection of SH29 and Cambridge Road. This is in preparation for a new, safer intersection with traffic lights, a key upgrade that will also include a new connection to Whiore Avenue for buses and people walking and cycling wanting to access Tauriko Business Estate.

Darryl Coalter, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Acting Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery says that great progress is already being made.

“We’ve already moved the power lines underground and we’re now ready to switch them on and remove the old lines and poles.

“To do this safely, there will be a short power outage and temporary lane closures. We’ve timed this work to happen during the school holidays to minimise overall disruption to the travelling public.”

Power outage and right-turn bay closure – Monday 22 September, 9am to 4pm

To switch on new underground power cables, a power outage is planned for both Cambridge Road and SH29. Affected customers will be notified by their power providers. During this time, temporary traffic management will include: 

• Cambridge Road – stop/go and a 30km/h speed limit.
• Cambridge Road to SH29 – closure of the right-turn bay. Hamilton-bound traffic must turn left onto SH29, then use the SH29/SH36 roundabout to change direction.
• SH29 – a lane shift and shoulder closure (westbound towards Hamilton).
• 60km/h speed limit on all approaches to the work site.
• All eastbound traffic (towards Tauranga/Bethlehem via Cambridge Road) will be maintained.

Cambridge Road lane closure – Sunday 28 September, 9am to 4pm

A closure of a section of the northbound lane (heading to Bethlehem) on Cambridge Road is also needed to safely remove the old power poles and lines on Cambridge Road and SH29. No power outage is required.

The lane closure includes a short section of road from the intersection with SH29 to 559 Cambridge Road. People should be prepared for moderate disruption. During this time, temporary traffic management will include:

• SH29/Cambridge Road intersection to Bethlehem Town Centre – detour routes for Bethlehem-bound traffic are expected to take approximately 15 minutes via SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road (toll applies), and approximately 22 minutes via SH29A and Cameron Road (free route).
• Cambridge Road residents – access from SH29 will be via the detours. We acknowledge the inconvenience and are committed to completing this work as quickly as possible.
• The southbound lane on Cambridge Road heading towards SH29 will remain open.
• Shoulder closures and mobile operations on SH29, with SH29 traffic maintained in both directions.

View larger/downloadable map [PDF, 377 KB]

NZTA thanks everyone for their patience during this important work.

Work to upgrade the SH29/Cambridge Road intersection is expected to be completed in 2027.

The SH29 Tauriko Enabling Works are being delivered by NZTA together with Tauranga City Council, with construction by Downer. 

Tauriko Enabling Works

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown has today written to Health New Zealand and the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) calling on both parties to urgently enter binding arbitration.

This action follows the collective agreement expiring 12 months ago, with mediation, facilitated bargaining, and an Employment Relations Authority recommendation failing to resolve the dispute. 

Most importantly, strike action continues to disrupt care for thousands of patients, with ASMS this week rejecting the latest offer and immediately balloting to strike, instead of returning to the negotiating table. A further strike later this month could impact care for thousands more patients.

The Government’s focus remains on ensuring New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare.

Both parties have been asked to confirm their agreement to arbitration by Friday 4:00 PM.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

People are being reminded that if they want to have their say on proposed tolling for Canterbury’s new Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass (B2P), they need to do so before the opportunity closes in a few days.

The proposal is for two tolling points (or gantries) to be introduced as part of the Roads of National Significance project, each charging $1.25 per passing light vehicle, and $2.50 for heavy vehicles.

When built, the B2P project will provide a 10km four-lane motorway extension north of Christchurch and a bypass that reduces the heavy traffic burden on State Highway 1 through the town of Woodend. The proposed tolling is aimed at striking a balance between helping pay for much-needed infrastructure and minimising impacts on local communities.

The Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024 requires New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to consider tolling for all new Roads of National Significance. The investment case for the B2P project confirmed tolling was possible and the revenue would support the construction, maintenance and operation of the road.

Read the full statement from NZTA last month about the tolling proposal 

“We’ve had a good amount of public feedback already, with well in excess of 3000 submissions,” says NZTA System Design Regional Manager, Richard Osborne.

“If you haven’t already had your say, and want to be heard on this tolling proposal, then you will need to make your submission by 5pm on Tuesday 9 September.”

Learn more about the proposed tolling and how to provide your feedback

Following public feedback on the tolling proposal and analysis of that feedback, a final tolling recommendation will go to the NZTA Board at the end of October. A proposal will then go to the Minister of Transport, with a final decision on tolling resting with Cabinet on the advice of the Minister.

Source: New Zealand Government

Good morning, everyone.
It’s great to be here in beautiful Queenstown. 
I’d like to thank Leonie Freemen and her team at the Property Council for hosting this event.