Source: New Zealand Police
Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash that has closed State Highway 3/Ōhaupō Road where it intersects with Ryburn Road.
A two-vehicle crash was reported about 9.15am this morning.
Initial indications are that two people have serious injuries.
Diversions are in place and motorists should expect delays while emergency services work at the scene.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Two people have died following a water related incident on Ripirō Beach between Mahuta Gap and Glinks Gully yesterday.
Police were called about 6.50pm with a report that two men could be seen struggling in the water.
Police and other emergency services responded immediately, and the men were pulled from the water unresponsive.
First responders provided first aid but sadly both men died at the scene.
Our thoughts are with their family and friends during this difficult time.
The deaths have been referred to the Coroner.
Local iwi have placed a rāhui on the area, until 7pm Monday 5 January.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
One northbound lane of State Highway 20, Māngere Bridge is blocked following an incident this evening.
Police were notified of the incident where a person has received serious injuries, near Hastie Avenue, around 6.50pm.
There is no threat to the public, however motorists should expect delays.
ENDS
Source: New Zealand Police
Motorists around Gisborne are being urged to avoid non-essential travel as heavy rain and surface flooding affects roads across the region.
Multiple reports of surface flooding are coming in and several roads have been closed.
Police are urging anyone who must travel to exercise extreme care, especially as night falls.
Please drive to the conditions and respect road closures and other signage. Drivers are also warned to be especially careful when driving through fords or surface water.
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Source: New Zealand Police
Motorists in the Waikato district are reminded to slow down in this wet weather and drive to the conditions.
Police have responded to a number of crashes across the Waikato area today, especially on the rural roads.
Thankfully, these have been minor.
With the wet weather, the roads are extremely slippery – make sure you’re slowing down around corners and keeping a safe following distance.
Any road emergencies or dangerous driving should be reported immediately by calling 111.
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Source: New Zealand Police
The south side of the Brynderwyns is closed following a serious crash.
The two-vehicle crash was reported about 12.45pm today.
Initial indications are that multiple people are injured, some seriously.
Motorists should expect delays while emergency services work at the scene.
Southbound traffic is diverted through Waipu.
Northbound traffic is diverted down SH12 towards Dargaville.
The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police investigating an unexplained death in Devonport are seeking help from the public.
Emergency services were called to the Kerr Street address around 11pm on 1 January to discover a person deceased at the scene.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting says a scene examination at the property is ongoing, and people can expect to see a Police presence in Kerr Street throughout the weekend.
A post-mortem is being conducted today.
Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says officers are continuing to conduct enquiries, and as part of these are seeking help from the public.
“We’re appealing for assistance from residents and businesses in the Devonport area with road-facing CCTV cameras,” he says.
“Specifically, those on Vauxhall Road, between Grove Road and Church Street.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says Police are also keen to hear from anyone who drove on that stretch of Vauxhall Road or Kerr Street, between 10:30am and 10:30pm on 1 January, New Year’s Day, who has dash camera footage.
If you can help, please contact Police via 105, either online or over the phone, referencing file number 260102/0177.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash that has closed Cove Road at Waipu this evening.
The two-vehicle crash was reported about 7.50pm. One person is reported to have serious injuries.
Cove Road is closed between South Road and McLean Road and diversions are in place.
The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and the road is expected to remain closed for several hours.
Motorists should expect delays while emergency services work at the scene.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Neilson
Four people will appear in the Hamilton Youth Court tomorrow on a number of charges following an aggravated robbery in Thames today.
Two men, aged 20, 18, and two 14-year-old boys are charged with aggravated robbery, unlawfully using a vehicle and failing to stop for Police.
About 8am today, Police received a report of an aggravated robbery at a business on Pollen Street, Thames.
Prior to Police arriving, the alleged offenders were seen fleeing the scene in a vehicle before abandoning it on a nearby street and leaving the area in a different vehicle.
Through enquiries Police were able to identify the second vehicle being used by the alleged offenders.
A short time later, Police started receiving reports of a vehicle driving dangerously, with the description matching the vehicle officers were looking for.
About 10.10am, the vehicle was spotted in Nawton, Hamilton. The Police Eagle helicopter was tasked from Auckland and assisted in locating and tracking the vehicle of interest.
Two of the occupants were seen being dropped off at a residential property near Waikato Hospital before the vehicle carried on; the pair were arrested a short time later.
Another two people remained in the vehicle, which was successfully spiked around 11.30am on Bartholomew Drive, before it came to a stop on Sunnyside Road.
The alleged offenders attempted to flee in a third vehicle but were intercepted by Police and taken into custody.
An investigation into the incident continues and further charges are likely to follow.
The victim of the robbery was understandably shaken by the incident and Police would like to thank members of the public who assisted the victim.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
A teenager, who was stuck in a rip, was safely brought back to shore after a Police Officer and a member of Surf Lifesaving entered the water after them.
Around 7pm Thursday 1 January, Police received a call reporting that a teenager was caught in a rip at Paritutu Beach and was unable to get themselves back to shore.
Police responded immediately, and a water rescue operation was launched including tasking a rescue helicopter.
During this time, the teen was floating further and further away from shore.
A member of the public, with a surfboard, attempted to swim out to the teen in order to assist but was unable to reach them.
Quickly, the Police Officer on scene and a member of Surf Lifesaving made the decision to head out on the water and were able to rescue the teen using a flotation device.
The teen was brought back to shore and assessed to be in a moderate condition and the rescue helicopter was stood down.
Central Districts Duty Officer Inspector Ashley Gurney says it was very lucky that this outcome was not worse.
“Without the quick thinking and bravery of my colleague and the Surf Lifesaving team member, this incident would likely be drastically worse.
“I commend them both on their efforts, it is great that no one was seriously injured or worse.
“I also commend the member of the public who was brave enough to attempt to help the young person,” says Inspector Gurney.
The member of the public was able to make their way back to shore at their own accord.
For any water related emergencies, always call 111.
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Issued by Police Media Centre