Source: New Zealand Police
The road has now reopened after the earlier serious crash at the intersection of SH2 and Waterworks Road, Kaitoke.
Motorists should expect some delays while backed-up traffic clears.
Police thank motorists for their patience.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Emergency services are at the scene of a serious two-vehicle crash at the intersection of SH2 and Waterworks Road, Kaitoke, Upper Hutt.
Police were called about 6.35pm.
Initial indications are that one person is seriously injured.
The road is blocked at the intersection, which will likely cause significant delays in both directions.
Motorists should avoid the area, if possible.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are urging motorists to plan ahead and expect hold ups, with an influx of traffic to Tairāwhiti over the holiday break.
With Rhythm and Vines on, and people travelling to see their families, the roads will be busy, says Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Danny Kirk.
“If you’re on the road, remember that you’re sharing it with people who might be new to the region. While you might know the terrain, our visitors might not.
“We’ve all got places to be, but build in some extra travel time so you don’t run late if you’re held up by traffic or something as simple as a flat tyre.
“Most importantly, expect to see our hard-working officers on main roads and back roads across Tairāwhiti. They’ll be focusing on restraints, impairment, distractions and speed – so stay sober if you’re driving, buckle up and make sure your passengers are wearing their belts, ignore the phone, and drive to the conditions.
“If we stop you, expect to be breath tested, and be warned that we’re not accepting excuses for poor driving behaviour.”
Inspector Kirk said Police would be unapologetically focused on road safety.
“It’s the holidays, and we’ve all got a responsibility to make sure that we, our passengers, and everyone else on the roads gets to where we’re going in one piece. That’s our goal, and every driver plays a part in that.”
If you’re on the roads and see unsafe driving behaviour, please call Police on 111 if it’s happening now. Alternatively, you can make a report via 105.police.govt.nz, or by calling 105.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute the following to Auckland City Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greaves:
Police are asking for the public’s assistance after the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of this morning.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A significant amount of police resource, including dog units were deployed to disperse parties at the disorder.
Police have an investigation underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
Police have arrested one person but are now asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105. Please quote one of the above file numbers.
Police are disappointed at the bad, aggressive and careless behaviour on display on Karangahape Road and will be holding any and all offenders to account.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government and industry are supporting training initiatives to improve animal welfare outcomes in New Zealand woolsheds, Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson have announced.
“We’ve worked with industry to establish a $75,000 fund to support targeted training initiatives that build knowledge, skills, and best practice in animal care and welfare compliance in the shearing industry,” Mr Hoggard says.
The fund will deliver in-person workshops, online modules, practical assessments, and resources for shearers, wool handlers, and others across the sector.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will contribute $25,000 to the one-year pilot, with PGG Wrightson and The New Zealand Merino Company each contributing $15,000, Wool Impact providing $15,000, and the New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association investing $5,000. The New Zealand Veterinary Association is providing in-kind support,” Mr Hoggard says.
“The fund is being administered by Wool Impact, with oversight from a steering committee that will include the New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association. This specific training is important to meet changing market demands while preserving and protecting New Zealand’s reputation for producing the best quality wool and sound shearing practices.”
Elite Wool Industry Training will deliver the programme. The initiative follows allegations of sheep mistreatment connected to shearing practices in December 2024, with MPI’s investigation continuing,” Mr Patterson says.
“New Zealand has a reputation for high animal welfare standards. Maintaining and improving those standards is important for meeting increased customer demands and protecting international market access for our wool exports,” Mr Hoggard says.
This follows MPI’s $75,000 investment in June in The NZ Merino Company’s Cadetship Programme, which expanded cadet training and included a dedicated animal welfare module.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are urging motorists to plan ahead and expect hold ups, with an influx of traffic to Tairāwhiti over the holiday break.
With Rhythm and Vines on, and people travelling to see their families, the roads will be busy, says Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Danny Kirk.
“If you’re on the road, remember that you’re sharing it with people who might be new to the region. While you might know the terrain, our visitors might not.
“We’ve all got places to be, but build in some extra travel time so you don’t run late if you’re held up by traffic or something as simple as a flat tyre.
“Most importantly, expect to see our hard-working officers on main roads and back roads across Tairāwhiti. They’ll be focusing on restraints, impairment, distractions and speed – so stay sober if you’re driving, buckle up and make sure your passengers are wearing their belts, ignore the phone, and drive to the conditions.
“If we stop you, expect to be breath tested, and be warned that we’re not accepting excuses for poor driving behaviour.”
Inspector Kirk said Police would be unapologetically focused on road safety.
“It’s the holidays, and we’ve all got a responsibility to make sure that we, our passengers, and everyone else on the roads gets to where we’re going in one piece. That’s our goal, and every driver plays a part in that.”
If you’re on the roads and see unsafe driving behaviour, please call Police on 111 if it’s happening now. Alternatively, you can make a report via 105.police.govt.nz, or by calling 105.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Fishery Officer patrols will be stepped up over summer to help reduce the illegal gathering and illicit trade of pāua, Oceans and Fishers Minister Shane Jones says.
“While our pāua stocks are in good shape overall, poaching is a growing problem. Summer is always the worst time of year for it. Poaching and black-market trade, some of it connected to gangs, is a significant threat.
“People in and around the ocean can expect to see more Fishery Officers this summer with patrols being stepped up, including in some of our more remote areas,” Mr Jones says.
While overall fisheries compliance rates sit at around 94 percent, compliance in Wellington and Wairarapa regions has fallen to around 74 percent. This means that, in those areas, around one in five inspections reveal some illegal activity.
“People can do their part to help break up the illegal trade in pāua by reporting those who break the rules to Fisheries New Zealand through the 0800 4 POACHER line,” Mr Jones says.
Legally caught pāua usually goes for about $100 per kilogram. If people are offered prices that seem too good to be true, they should reconsider.
“Fishery Officers have seen an increase in social media pāua sales over recent years. This is extremely prevalent during December/January each year and people should not be tempted.
“There are no excuses for not doing the right thing. Pāua poachers are thieves that take from all of us and cut across the legitimate catch of recreational, customary and commercial fishers. Let’s work together this summer to put a stop to them,” Mr Jones says.
Download the NZ Fishing Rules App for all the fishing rules in different parts of the country.
Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 2 near Petone is open for traffic both ways after a single-vehicle crash around 5.17am.
Police continues to investigate the crash and urges safe driving during the holiday season.
Police also thank the public for their patience this morning.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police successfully coordinated a water rescue of three people in the Manukau Harbour last night after their boat started taking on water.
Three fishermen set off from the Mangere Bridge Boat ramp and were approximately two kilometres away from Puketutu Island when their boat sunk. They managed to call Police just after midnight but did not know exactly where they were.
A search and rescue operation immediately commenced, coordinated by Police Maritime Unit from the Marine Rescue Centre. Units were on the ground, Police Eagle in the sky and the Auckland Airport Crash Fire Hovercraft was tasked on the water.
All three were located by Eagle not long after and were safely taken aboard the rescue hovercraft around 1.30am.
Sergeant Jesse Jenden from the Auckland Police Maritime Unit said the fishermen did everything right and helped their own rescue.
“We’re happy these fishermen did all the right things when heading out on the water. Anything can happen and you really need to be prepared for that.
“They ticked all the boxes by having waterproof communication devices, were wearing life jackets, listened to the instructions from the rescuers and kept hold of some chilly bins for extra floatation if needed,” said Sergeant Jenden.
Family of the fishermen said they were in good spirits once they were back on shore.
For any water related emergencies, always call 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police Eagle has sadly located a body at Port Waikato, which is believed to be the man who went missing while jet skiing on Christmas Day.
Police will be referring the matter to the Coroner.
Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with the man’s family at this extremely difficult time.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre