Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

A Police investigation has identified an offender allegedly behind two targeted wilful damage incidents in an Auckland suburb.

The development comes after Waitematā West Police scoured across Whenuapai to get answers.

A local man has been gifted a court appearance after a search warrant was executed on Christmas Eve at his home.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, Waitematā West Area Investigations Manager, says two incidents occurred under the cover of darkness on 9 and 11 December 2025.

“In the first incident, the victim’s tyres were allegedly slashed in the early hours of the morning,” he says.

“This was followed just days later when a substance was allegedly poured over the vehicle causing extensive damage.

“It’s ended up leaving the female victim fearful for her safety and we have promptly begun an investigation into what occurred.”

Enquiries and CIB staff worked together to gather evidence in the case, going door-to-door across the neighbourhood in recent weeks.

Seventy-five addresses were checked in the immediate area.

“Home CCTV has been extremely useful, allowing us to follow the movements of the alleged offender following these incidents,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.

“This footage, along with other investigative work into a bottle the man was carrying, has advanced the investigation to the point of a search warrant being executed today.”

A 34-year-old Whenuapai man has been charged with two counts of wilful damage and will appear in the Waitākere District Court on 5 January 2026.

“It should never be okay for someone to feel unsafe in their own home,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.

“We have updated the victim that an arrest has been made in this case.

“I know Police presence in the area has prompted a lot of discussion amongst community members, and I would like to reassure everyone that this is an isolated incident.”

Police acknowledge the Whenuapai community for assisting the investigation.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says the case highlights the value of CCTV being installed at your home.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  24 December 2025

Dolphin researcher Jochen Zaeschmar from the Far Out Ocean Research Collective spotted the solitary dolphin this week, and it has since been observed in English Bay in the Opua channel. DOC has authorised Jochen to locate the individual and take a DNA sample to confirm which species it is.

DOC Marine Species Senior Advisor Kristina Hillock says sightings of Hector’s or Māui dolphins in this location are very rare. “This would be just the second confirmed sighting of a Hector’s in Northland in 100 years,” Kristina says.

Hector’s dolphins were once found along the coast of most of the South Island as well as parts of the North Island. Today, Hector’s dolphins are classified as nationally vulnerable and live in different sub-populations around the South Island. They are only occasionally seen around the North Island.

The Māui dolphin is a nationally critical subspecies of the Hector’s dolphin, which is found on the west coast of the North Island, mainly between Taranaki and Kaipara Harbour. It is estimated just 54 adult Māui dolphins remain.

The two dolphins are not easily distinguished from each other without genetic analysis but are readily identifiable from other dolphins. Both Hector’s and Māui dolphins are grey and white, with black markings and a distinctive black rounded fin, shaped like Mickey Mouse’s ear. “If the dolphin has a rounded fin, call it in,” is DOC’s message to the public on reporting on the species.

Report any sighting to 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or use the SeaSpotter app (available for download in App Store and Google Play).

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Wellington Police have disrupted multiple planned anti-social road user gatherings overnight.

Hutt Valley Area Commander Inspector Wade Jennings says checkpoints and a visible Police presence at key locations stopped the convoy of vehicles from setting themselves up.

Operation Kereru focused on 200 vehicles coming from areas such as Whanganui, Levin, and Palmerston North, with the intent of descending on the Wellington area to carry out dangerous driving activities.

The group first attempted to set up at Motukaraka Point, Pāuatahanui, about 10pm. Police had already arrived and set up an alcohol checkpoint at the location.

The vehicles then moved onto Jamaica Drive in Granada North but were met with further Police intervention.

“I’m pleased with the work from our teams here, which meant that the group wasn’t ever in a position to set up there and cause further disruption,” Inspector Jennings says.

A final attempt by the group to set up in Seaview eventuated with bottles and fireworks being thrown at Police.

“Fortunately, no officers were injured, however this is completely reckless and unacceptable,” he says.

Over the course of the evening Police arrested four people and issued 22 infringement notices.

“Police are committed to disrupting any and all anti-social road user behaviour – it puts our community members in harm’s way. We will continue to take action, whenever we can to prevent damage to our roads and the unruly behaviour that comes with these activities,” says Inspector Jennings.

“It’s also just very frustrating to our community.”

Police urge the public to continue reporting any unlawful or dangerous road-user activity as soon as possible, by calling 111 if it is happening now, or providing information via 105.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has been located deceased following a house fire in New Plymouth overnight.

Emergency services were called to a property on Trelawney Crescent around 2:30am today to reports of a house fire.

Sadly, one person was located deceased.

A scene examination is ongoing at the property, and Police will work alongside Fire and Emergency NZ to determine the circumstances of the fire.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A section of Blockhouse Bay Road is closed due to a damaged power pole.

Emergency services responded to a single vehicle crash just after midday near the intersection with Matata Street.

A power pole has been damaged as a result.

Fortunately the occupant of the vehicle is not seriously injured.

Blockhouse Bay Road is currently closed at the intersections with Puketea Street and Margate Road.

Power line contractors have now arrived on scene, but it is not yet clear how long it will take to complete their work.

Expect delays in the area or take an alternative route if at all possible.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are in attendance at a crash in Kingsland which is causing delays.

A pickup truck has collided with several vehicles in the crash on New North Road.

The crash was reported near the intersection with King Street at 12.20pm.

No serious injuries are currently being reported from the scene, but five people are requiring medical assessment.

The crash has blocked both directions of New North Road, between King and New Bond streets.

Please avoid the area if possible while the scene is cleared or expect delays on your travels.

Allow additional time to reach your destination safely this Christmas Eve.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 25, Hauraki is closed near the intersection with Hauraki Road following a crash.

The two-vehicle crash, involving a truck was reported just before midday.

Three people have been seriously injured, a further two people have sustained moderate injuries.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area, diversions are in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now name the man who died following a motorcycle crash on State Highway 35 near Ōpōtiki on 19 December.

He was Steven Haskell, aged 45.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  24 December 2025

A leopard seal has been regularly seen in the Abel Tasman and Kaiteretere area for several weeks.

DOC Senior Marine Technical Advisor Jody Weir says the apex predator is an unusual visitor to the region. Leopard seals are normally found much further south, though some individuals do spend time in New Zealand every year.

“Seeing a leopard seal in the area is a rare and special event. We don’t know why the leopard seal has settled into the area for so long. It seems happy and healthy and will move on in its own time.”

Jody says its crucial people give the leopard seal plenty of space – for the safety of both the seal and people.

“This means staying at least 20 m away on both land and water and removing fishing lines from the water when the seal is in the area. Do not feed, touch or disturb the leopard seal – it’s a protected species and it’s illegal to harass.”

Jody says people can watch for signs of stress in the seal, such as raising its head or opening its mouth while resting on land, or moving suddenly.

“If you see these behaviours, you’ve gotten too close and it’s time to back away slowly to give the leopard seal the space it needs.

“We’ve had a report of the leopard seal swimming around and even bumping into the boats of a group of kayakers. If the animal approaches you while you’re out naturing on the water, stay calm and don’t make any loud noises or sudden movements and it should lose interest.

“Importantly, never try to touch or feed a leopard seal or other marine mammals.

“Although leopard seals aren’t typically aggressive towards people, this is a large predator and it could react if its feeling threatened, which could result in serious injuries. They’re also opportunistic hunters and there are a few records of leopard seals attacking people – though this is extremely rare.”

Jody says leopard seals are incredible animals and anyone who encounters one is privileged to see it.

“Everyone has a part to play to make sure this rare visitor remains safe and undisturbed.”

Background information

Guidelines for visitors who encounter the leopard seal:

• Keep your distance: Stay at least 20 m away on land or in kayaks. Never swim close or block its path to the sea.
• Remove fishing lines from the water to prevent harm to the animal.
• Do not feed, touch, or disturb: It’s illegal to harass seals and can result in serious penalties.
• Watch for signs of stress: If the seal raises its head, opens its mouth, or moves suddenly, you are too close – back away calmly.

Leopard seals are easily identified by their long slim body and comparatively large fore-flippers. The leopard seal’s disproportionately large head, massive jaws, impressive teeth and tremendous gape give it a snake-like appearance.

Females can grow up to 3.6 m long and weigh up to 500 kg.

They prey on a variety of species, including krill, penguins, birds, fish, seals and cephalopods. It’s likely leopard seals are opportunistic and will eat whatever is readily available.

Leopard seals are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Duty Inspector Neil Faulkner:

At around 6:10am Police received reports of a body being located on the beach by a member of the public near Thames Coast Road, Kereta.

A formal identification is yet to take place, but Police believe it is the man who was reported missing on 22 December, near the Waikawau boat ramp.

The death is expected to be referred to the Coroner.

Local iwi have placed a rāhui on the area.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.