Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.

Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.

Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Blair Dalton says there are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe on Facebook Marketplace this holiday season.

“A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created,” says Senior Sergeant Dalton.

“If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”

Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up.

“We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member – that’s a huge red flag.

“When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through.

“Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage.

“Due diligence is also very important if you’re purchasing expensive items. If you’re buying a car on Marketplace, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”

Senior Sergeant Dalton emphasises that with Facebook Marketplace, a golden rule will always apply.

“If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.”

Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is also seeing a rise in text messages, phone calls, and emails being sent from scammers pretending to be from customers’ banks.

“Key things to remember are that a bank will never contact you asking for your login information. Your bank will also never ask you to withdraw cash or ask you to deliver your bank card for collection.

“If you’re suspicious, reach out to your bank immediately and report what has happened.

“Suspicious activity can also be reported on 105.”

Source: New Zealand Police

A coordinated Police response meant an offender didn’t get far after she allegedly carried out an aggravated robbery in Newmarket.

Around 4pm the alleged offender entered a shop on Osborne Street allegedly carrying a knife.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Kirk, of Auckland City Crime Squad, says the woman approached the sole attendant of the shop and demanded they open the till.

“This offender allegedly demanded cash, and also took two bags worth almost $200,” she says.

“She then fled the shop, thankfully leaving the victim uninjured.”

A Police Camera Operator became aware of the incident, and tracked the alleged offender’s movements as she made her way through the city in a taxi.

“Our camera operator spotted her getting into a taxi further up the street,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kirk says.

“They then guided Police units to the taxi’s location based on the approximate direction of travel, and they located it on Market Road.”

Officers followed the taxi at a distance until more units were able to assist in stopping the vehicle in a safe location.

“Once we were able to safely carry out a traffic stop, the taxi was pulled over,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kirk says.

“The alleged offender was taken into custody without any further issues.”

The stolen property was recovered and returned to the store.

“This was a fantastic result in apprehending this person with the help of camera operators guiding officers to their location,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kirk says.

“We are pleased to be able to hold the alleged offender to account and answer for her actions.”

An 18-year-old woman will appear in the Auckland District Court today charged with aggravated robbery.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  04 December 2025

New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) members can fly into the Hauhungaroa Range at a heavily discounted rate through a partnership between the Department of Conservation, NZDA and a local helicopter operator.

DOC has waived landing fees to support the trial, and a local helicopter operator is contributing by offering flights at a significantly reduced rate to make participation affordable for hunters.

DOC Wild Animals Manager Mike Perry says hunters will record catch data and collect deer jawbones so their age can be determined.

“Data gathered from hunters will be compared with historical monitoring data and provide a baseline for future work.”

Mike says wild deer browsing damages native forests – they eat seedlings and palatable plants – and that in high numbers, wild deer can threaten biodiversity and long-term forest health.

Pureora Forest Park spans 80,000 hectares and is one of New Zealand’s top six recreational hunting destinations, with more than 6000 permitted hunters each year.

The trial runs until the end of January 2026. DOC will use the findings to start discussions on a deer management plan for Pureora Forest Park, building on similar work in Ruahine Forest Park.

Mike says while recreational hunting is important to help manage deer, it is not normally enough on its own to meet biodiversity goals – a mix of professional and recreational hunting is often needed, backed by ongoing monitoring to measure forest health.

The long-term approach will be worked through with the community as the management plan is developed.

This initiative reflects DOC’s ‘Always Be Naturing’ approach. Hunters are encouraged to enjoy the outdoors while giving back to conservation, while a local business supports efforts to protect our forests for future generations.

NZDA members can register for the trial by contacting Maureen Coleman at tvdeerstalkers@gmail.com. 

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Location:

Source: New Zealand Police

Canterbury Police have launched a two-month operation to target and disrupt youth-related offending in Christchurch.

As part of this operation, the Police Air Support Unit, known as the Eagle helicopter, will be temporarily deployed to Christchurch from tomorrow. Eagle will be utilised on occasion throughout the two-month operation.

Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill says Police are using all available resources to tackle the recent rise in youth crime.

“In addition to Eagle’s deployment, we’re also boosting the capability of the Youth Targeting Team with extra staff.

“Serious offences should be met with serious consequences, and we want our community to know that we are bringing in every available resource to help keep them safe.

“We understand there is a lot of frustration among the community following recent offending, and we hear you. This operation is being launched to disrupt offending patterns, hold offenders to account and deter any further offending.”

Earlier this week, a store worker was seriously injured by a young person during an aggravated robbery.

“We know the impact this has on business owners and their staff. Nobody should turn up to work in fear of becoming the next victim of this violent offending.

“Our message to the youths involved is simple, you can expect action to be taken if you are committing offences.”

Police will continue to work with a number of partner agencies to prevent any further harm to our community.

We continue to urge anybody who witnesses any criminal offending to contact Police by calling 111 if it is happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand will host the third Antarctic Parliamentarians Assembly in Wellington next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced. 

It is the first time the Assembly has been held in the Southern Hemisphere. 

“The Assembly brings together Parliamentarians and experts from across the world to discuss how they can work collectively to raise awareness of Antarctica’s importance, and support the work of the Antarctic Treaty,” Mr Peters says. 

“The Treaty has been maintaining peace and promoting scientific collaboration in the Antarctic for close to seven decades, but we know the region is not immune to the impacts of our changing climate or shifts in the geopolitical landscape.” 

Mr Peters says the Treaty provides the framework to respond to challenges facing the Antarctic, whether it be sea level rise, warming oceans, or strategic competition for resources. 

“We must work together to ensure the long-term protection of the Antarctic as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science, which supports our shared security and prosperity. 

“The Assembly’s aim is to create a network of Antarctic advocates in Parliaments and communities around the world, who will speak up for Antarctica’s continued protection and conservation.” 

The Assembly will take place on December 8 and 9 and will be chaired by National MP Andrew Bayly.

Source: New Zealand Police

The on ramp at Drury heading northbound is blocked following a crash.

The single vehicle crash was reported to Police at 11am.

There are no reported injuries.

The on ramp will remain closed while the truck is cleared.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and should either delay travel or use an alternative route.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealanders deserve clarity, fairness, and straight-up information when they move into a retirement village, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.

“The Government is taking the next step to strengthen protections and give residents and their whānau greater confidence, which is part of our wider focus on fixing the basics and building the future.

“For too long, residents have faced uncertainty, especially when moving out and waiting for their money to be repaid.

“We’re fixing that. These changes put people first by setting clear expectations and making the whole system more transparent,” Mr Potaka says.

Progressing the review of the Retirement Villages Act is part of the National – New Zealand First Coalition Agreement and the Government’s reforms provide a pragmatic and balanced response to key issues within the sector, Seniors Minister Casey Costello says.

“We know the vast majority of retirement village residents are very happy with the lifestyle and amenities offered within villages,” Ms Costello says.

“The changes we are making will address concerns around fairness and provide certainty to residents and their families.

“At the same time, the changes recognise the important role that retirement villages play in providing housing options for older New Zealanders and that around two-thirds of them provide aged care facilities.”

The reforms will make legal documents easier to understand, require operators to be upfront about what they offer, and set clear responsibilities for the chattels they own. A new independent disputes scheme will also give residents a simple, accessible way to resolve issues.

A major focus is on reducing the stress families face when a loved one leaves a village.

“Family deserve certainty during what is often a challenging time,” Mr Potaka says. 

“These steps deliver that certainty and strengthen the rights of residents, while supporting the sector to grow and innovate for the future.”

Key improvements include: 

• a process for former residents to apply for early access to funds in situations of specific need
• interest being paid after six months if a unit remains unlicensed
• repayment of funds no later than 12 months after a unit is vacated
• weekly fees and deductions stopping immediately when a resident vacates.

“These are practical, balanced reforms that reflect the feedback of residents and operators.

“Retirement villages play a significant role in our housing system. We’re putting in rules that are fair, transparent and built to last.

“The Government thanks residents’ representatives, operators, and the Retirement Commissioner for their sustained advocacy and constructive engagement throughout this review.

“More than 11,000 New Zealanders took the time to share their experiences and expectations, and that level of engagement has directly informed the decisions announced.”

The Bill is expected to be introduced to Parliament mid-next year. The Select Committee process will provide another opportunity for residents, families, and operators to have their say.

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Kristine Clarke:

Police are continuing to appeal for information regarding missing Waikato man Louis Van Der Walt.

Louis, aged 44, has not been seen since he parted company with family members during a walk on the Te Aroha side of the mountain, on the morning of Thursday 13 November. 

Police Search and Rescue teams and LandSAR volunteers have searched the area extensively since Louis was reported missing, alongside a number of other enquiries.

Unfortunately we have not yet located any sign of Louis, and we are appealing for anyone out and about in the area to be vigilant for anything which may assist us in locating him.

Louis was wearing a blue T-shirt, brown short and  jandals when last seen.

If you have any information which could help, please contact us via 105 and quote file number 251114/9651.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Government

The completion of a multimillion-dollar upgrade of a key port in Tasman District is a major step forward for economic development and resilience, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Fisheries Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft say.

Port Tarakohe in Golden Bay underwent a $12.7 million upgrade and is now the only all-tide, all-weather, deep-water port in Tasman District.

“This is a key infrastructure upgrade that enhances the port’s capacity, supports commercial use, and provides a vital back-up route during State Highway 60 closures on Tākaka Hill Road,” Mr Jones says.

“The port is an important asset for regional resilience and connectivity ensuring continuity of freight, fuel, medical supplies, and emergency response capabilities. The wharves support the area’s growing aquaculture industry as well as marine tourism and transport operations.”

“This new facility is vital for the aquaculture sector,” Ms Marcroft says.

“The previous single-wharf facility was at capacity, creating congestion for mussel farmers and other users. The upgraded infrastructure creates more space and will allow for the development of more mussel farming, which is expected to unlock close to a billion dollars of value over 25 years.”

The upgrades include a new wharf to replace the old timber wharf, repairs and improvements to an existing concrete wharf, new commercial berths, breakwater extension and new service facilities.

The project received $6m in government funding, including $600,000 from the former Provincial Growth Fund. Tasman District Council co-funded $6.7m. 

“With the challenges this region has faced recently, it’s great to see infrastructure like this ensuring vital access to Golden Bay in times of need,” Mr Jones says.