Police Commissioner Richard Chambers will be on the beat in Nelson on New Year’s Eve working alongside frontline staff, as well as policing at Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne in late December.
Commissioner Chambers says: “Being in Nelson this New Year’s Eve is the right place for me to be. It will be a year since our much-loved colleague Lyn Fleming was killed and I wanted to be there to back up the staff who’d worked alongside her, and to remember her.
“I am also looking forward to helping out with the policing at the Rhythm and Vines festival near Gisborne later this month. I will be joined by Eastern District Commander Jeanette Park before she is expected to take up a new Assistant Commissioner role.
“As Police staff know, I try to get out with the frontline as much as I possibly can because I enjoy it, but also because it is important the frontline is supported well.
“That has been one of my priorities since day one.
“I recently introduced a requirement for all senior sworn staff – regardless of rank or location – to get out to help support the frontline and ensure Police leaders are visible and connected.
“The new Frontline Service Model means over the next 12 months about 600 Level 2 Responders will be deployed for a total of at least 40 hours each. It applies to sworn staff who work in predominantly office-based roles.
“This will contribute more than 25,000 hours of additional support to our frontline colleagues. It is a substantial investment in community safety and operational resilience.
“Their duties will include assisting with road policing, working at concerts and sports events, reassurance patrols and being out on the beat.
“Helping out frees up the frontline to do other jobs and provides extra resource for major investigations and busy peak seasons, such as over summer.
“It will also be of benefit to those senior staff. Many have already stepped up for this, including helping with reassurance patrols after the Bondi attack, at the recent premier of the Avatar movie, working on road policing operations, and area canvassing following major crimes such as homicides.
“Refresher training courses are compulsory, and I am delighted almost all Level 2 responders have now done that training.
“More specialised training is offered if a particular deployment requires it. For some duties – such as executing search warrants and road policing – they must be accompanied by suitable Level 1 District staff.”
Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett will also take part in frontline duties over the New Year’s period in Tamaki Makaurau and acting Deputy Commissioner Tusha Penny will be out and about in Wellington.
A man was due to appear in court today following an incident in Hornby yesterday evening.
Police received multiple calls shortly after 6:30pm reporting a male being chased by others on Amyes Road, one with a firearm in their possession.
Several vehicles in the area then fled the scene.
Police went to the hospital, where one person was found to have a suspected gunshot wound which is not considered life threatening. Officers also spoke to several other people at the hospital.
Further enquiries led Police to another location of interest, and scene guards remain there and at Amyes Road.
There will remain a police presence in these areas while we work to determine exactly what happened.
A 19-year-old man was arrested at an Amyes Road property last night, and is due to appear in Christchurch District Court today on a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
If you have any information that may help, and you have not yet spoken to Police, please contact officers on 105 and reference file number 251225/8572.
Aotearoa is home to some seriously special marine mammals — and that’s not just Kiwi bias talking. Nearly half of the world’s whales, dolphins and porpoises have been spotted in our waters, with some species found nowhere else, like Hector’s dolphins and New Zealand sea lions.
Because they’re so unique, we all have a role to play in protecting them. That means knowing and following the Marine Mammals Protection Act — for example, it’s illegal to disturb or harm a seal.
Understanding how to behave around marine mammals helps keep them (and you) safe and lets everyone enjoy nature in Aotearoa the right way.
New Zealand fur seal, South Westland 📷: Neale, Don
Every summer we get heaps of calls about seals that look injured or need help. While the instinct to step in is admirable, the best thing you can usually do is give them space. Never try to touch a seal, no matter how cute they look. They need breathing room and often heal just fine on their own.
There are times when we will step in – if a seal is in very poor condition, in immediate danger, tangled in debris, being harassed (by people or dogs), or causing a safety risk (yes, seals sometimes wander onto busy roads and refuse to budge).
New Zealand doesn’t have marine mammal rehab centres, and intervention can sometimes mean difficult decisions, made alongside vets.
If you’re worried about a seal, call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). Most of the time though, a hands-off approach is best — even if the seal is sneezing, coughing, flapping flippers, fighting, or pups appear to be on their own.
Photo: Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari
Human food is not seal food.
Feeding — or trying to feed — marine mammals might feel kind, but it actually puts both you and the animal at risk.
Human food can change how marine mammals behave, disrupt their natural hunting skills, and make them more likely to approach people and boats. Once they start expecting handouts, they’re far more vulnerable to injury or harm.
So even if a seal looks hungry on the shore, resist the urge. Save the snacks for humans and let our marine mammals stick to the wild menu they’re built for.
Heading out on the water or along the coast this summer? If you’re lucky enough to spot one of our marine mammals, giving them space is key.
On the water, slow right down — stick to idle or no-wake speed when you’re within 300 metres of whales, dolphins or seals, and remember only three vessels are allowed in that zone at any one time.
When it comes to interactions, think calm and respectful. Approach slowly from the side, keep your distance, and never circle, block their path or cut through a group. A little space goes a long way in keeping these ocean locals safe and stress-free.
Infographic – Interacting with marine mammals | Photo: DOC
Out for a swim this summer? You might just cross paths with some of our marine locals — and that’s where a bit of care goes a long way.
For everyone’s safety, don’t swim with whales, avoid dolphin pods that include juveniles, and keep at least 5 metres back from the water’s edge when seals are around.
By respecting wildlife and giving them space, we can all enjoy our coastlines while keeping Aotearoa’s marine mammals safe and thriving.
The wildlife matters more than your selfie.
Feeding, breeding and birth rates — that’s what’s really at stake when a selfie comes before the animal.
A World Animal Protection report found wildlife selfies on Instagram jumped 292% between 2014 and 2017, with 40% putting animals at risk through handling, hugging or harassment. Here in Aotearoa, it’s our endangered fur seals that often pay the price.
The message is simple: seals and sea lions need space. Keep at least 20 metres away — about the length of two buses. Get closer and they may panic, stampede, and injure themselves.
They might look cute and sleepy on land, but don’t be fooled. If their path to the sea or their pups are threatened, they can move fast — and bite hard. Let them rest, keep your distance, and leave the selfie for another day.
Dogs aren’t just a threat to our flightless birds — they can also disturb coastal wildlife like fur seals, penguins, and seabirds. Even the best-trained dog can stress or injure wildlife, and in the process, put themselves at risk too.
Here’s how to keep everyone safe this summer:
Know before you go: Only take your dog to approved areas, especially near marine mammals.
Stay alert: Even in dog-friendly spots, keep a lead handy and leash your dog if wildlife is nearby.
Call your dog: If you spot a marine mammal, bring your dog back. It’s a simple step that helps protect threatened species and lets everyone share Aotearoa’s coasts safely.
A little planning and vigilance go a long way in keeping both dogs and wildlife safe.
Leave your drone at home.
Flying drones near marine mammals — whales, dolphins, or seals — can be more stressful for them than it looks. Just because they seem calm doesn’t mean they’re not stressed.
If you want to fly closer than 150 m to a marine mammal, whether for fun or commercial purposes, you need a DOC permit. Always avoid disturbing wildlife — don’t chase, herd, or scatter them with your drone. Even loud noises can disrupt seals, dolphins, and seabirds, so fly responsibly and let our marine locals enjoy the water in peace.
Pod of Hector’s dolphins, Akaroa Harbour, November 2006
Love New Zealand? Show it by looking after the wildlife we share it with. Giving animals their space, not feeding them, and letting them go about their natural behaviours isn’t just polite — it’s essential for protecting our unique native species.
When you visit public conservation land, remember you’re a guest in their home. Every step you take, every sound you make, and every interaction you choose can either protect or disturb the species that call these places home. Keeping your distance, sticking to marked tracks, and observing quietly helps ensure our native birds, marine mammals, and other wildlife can thrive — for generations of Kiwis and visitors to enjoy.
Respect their space, and you’re helping preserve the magic of Aotearoa’s wild places.
Please attribute to Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett:
The 29-year-old man Police required to speak to about a double homicide in Ruatiti on Saturday 13 December has handed himself into Police custody.
Police launched a homicide investigation following the deaths of 56-year-old Brendon Leigh Cole and 54-year-old Trina Michelle Cole at a rural property in Ruatiti.
The man was identified as someone Police needed to speak to in relation to the investigation.
He has presented himself to Whanganui Police Station today about 1.30pm and was arrested on an active warrant, due to appear in the Whanganui District Court tomorrow.
Police on ground in the area will now be making further enquiries in the investigation.
Police thank the public for their patience and support.
Police have arrested three youths following a swift response to reports of an aggravated robbery in Hamilton this morning.
About 6:40am, Police were alerted to the aggravated robbery on Mill Street, involving a stolen vehicle.
Thankfully, nobody was injured, however the offenders made off with two cash tills, among other items, says Hamilton City Area Commander Inspector Neil Faulkner.
“Police acted on previous information that a number of stolen vehicles had been dumped on Horne Street, and began making enquiries in the area.
“A door knock was conducted at an address of interest, and a search was conducted after Police were met with a strong smell of cannabis.
“A number of items linked to the robbery were located, including the two cash tills and the clothing the alleged offenders were seen wearing. A firearm was also located at the property and seized.”
Inspector Faulkner praised the officers involved.
“They’ve used their training and acted decisively; as a result, we’ve been able to locate the persons of interest in a very short space of time.
“Within half an hour of the aggravated robbery report, three youths were located and arrested.”
They are due to appear in Youth Court in the coming days.
Inspector Faulkner urged anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour to call 111 as soon as possible.
“Every break or theft causes harm to people, and we’re committed to holding those responsible to account, and will use every avenue available to us to do just that.”
Please attribute to Detective Inspector Daryl Smith, District Manager Criminal Investigations:
Police have arrested and charged a man with murder in relation to the death of Jason Poa, also known as Jason Tipene, in Hamilton last week.
Mr Poa died at a Lake Crescent address last Thursday, 18 December.
Today, Police arrested a 21-year-old man at an address in Chartwell. He is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court on Friday 26 December on a murder charge.
Police are not seeking anybody else in relation to the death.
Hawke’s Bay Police are reasonably pleased with the results of an operation targeting drink driving on Friday 19 December – but four impaired drivers let the side down.
With the holiday season in full swing, Police set up a checkpoint at the roundabout of Pakowhai Road and Te Aea Kahikatea in Hastings.
Across the afternoon operation, Police stopped over 1100 vehicles, with four people blowing over the legal alcohol limit.
In addition to this, a number of infringement notices were issued for licence breaches and failing to wear a seatbelt.
Sergeant Nathan Ross of the Hawke’s Bay Impairment Prevention Team says Police will continue to have a visible presence on the roads over the holiday season to ensure everybody gets home safely.
“Alcohol continues to be a factor in a number of crashes on our roads.
“While we are pleased that most people were being responsible, four people over the limit is four too many. It only takes one person to lose control and crash for multiple lives to be lost, changed, or affected forever.
“The message is simple, if you are drinking, don’t drive. Plan ahead by organising a sober driver, or book a rideshare.”
You can continue to expect to see Police on the roads throughout the region for the safety of everyone.
