Source: New Zealand Police
Randwick Road, Moera, Lower Hutt is currently blocked following a serious crash this afternoon.
Police were notified of the crash between York Street and Mason Street, where a pedestrian has been hit by a vehicle, around 4.10pm.
Initial indicators are that there has been serious injuries.
The Serious Crash Unit have been advised.
Motoroists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
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Source: New Zealand Police
A sliver of cell phone reception led to the rescue of three young men, after they endured a cold and wet night stranded in a gorge.
Wellington District Search and Rescue coordinator Sergeant Jonathan Westrupp says the trio intended to float down the Hutt River in the Kaitoke Regional Park, but their planning was flawed.
“They set off late in the day on Monday to traverse the river on inner tubes but were wearing only light clothing and soon found themselves in a dangerous situation with darkness descending and impassible cliffs on both sides of the river.
“They happened to be able to get a glimmer of cell phone reception and called for assistance about 7.30pm.”
Sergeant Westrupp says Police coordinated a search and rescue operation to rescue them as the weather worsened.
“A New Zealand Defence Force NH90 helicopter was sent, but it couldn’t get to them due to low cloud and rain setting in.
“Land Search and Rescue and Police reached the three men about three in the morning and provided them with shelter, clothing and food. At first light, with the aid of Wellington Rafting, we were able to get them out of there.”
Sergeant Westrupp says the men were grateful to see rescuers, but it was an uncomfortably close call.
“They were on the verge of not being able to contact anyone. If they hadn’t managed to find a scrap of cell phone coverage in the gorge it could have been a very different Christmas for them and their families.”
“If you’re going out on an excursion in the bush, or adventuring on rivers like these guys, you need to be prepared for any eventuality. PLBs are cheap to hire, and they’re capable of saving your life, even when there’s no cell phone reception.”
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant John Love:
Police have arrested four people of interest following the investigation into the murder of Bill Maangi in Gisborne.
Mr Maangi died in hospital, after being shot in the early hours of Monday 29 September at an address on Ormond Road.
Between Wednesday 9 December and Thursday 11 December, Police executed search warrants at multiple addresses in the Gisborne area, in relation to the homicide investigation. This included a search of a section of the Taruheru River by the Police Dive Squad.
As a result, four people aged between 25 and 37 were arrested. They are due to appear in Gisborne district in January and are facing charges of aggravated robbery, and firearm and drug related matters.
During the search warrants, Police located and seized a number of items including firearms, which have been sent for forensic examination.
Enquiries are ongoing and Police are not ruling out further charges for the people who were arrested, and are not ruling out any further arrests.
Nobody deserves this, and the investigation team remains committed to getting justice for Mr Maangi and his family.
We urge anyone who knows what happened to Mr Maangi, or who has any information that could help, to please contact us.
Information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, using reference Operation Bushman or the file number 250929/9035.
You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, using the same reference or file number.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
A section of State Highway 50, Fernhill, Hastings has been closed following a fire near the highway.
Police were notified of the vegetation fire around 2.50pm and are in attendance assisting Fire and Emergency New Zealand with some evacuations.
At this stage, no injuries have been reported, however the road is expected to remain closed for some time due to smoke compromising visibility.
The public are advised to avoid the area where possible, and motorists should take alternative routes and expect delays.
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Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Detective Inspector Daryl Smith, District Manager Criminal Investigations:
Police investigating a homicide in Lake Crescent in Hamilton on Thursday 18 December can now release the name of the person who died.
He was 55-year-old Jason Poa, also known as Jason Tipene.
Emergency services were called to a Lake Crescent address at about 6:15pm last Thursday, where two people had been injured.
One of the victims later died at the scene, and the other was taken to Waikato Hospital in serious condition.
The homicide investigation is ongoing, and Police are appealing for any sightings of a Subaru Impreza hatchback, registration: KZH714.
If you have seen the Subaru or have any other information please make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, and clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 251218/5897.
Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has today provisionally appointed four new District Commanders in the regions of Waikato, Wellington, the Bay of Plenty and Eastern District.
Superintendent Scott Gemmell (Ngāpuhi) has been provisionally appointed as Waikato District Commander, where he has previously relieved in the role.
Scott is currently the Partnerships Director across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Scott joined Police in 2002 and brings extensive experience from many areas of policing, including investigations, special tactics, Armed Offenders Squad (AOS), and as Area Commander.
Superintendent Penny Gifford has been provisionally appointed as Wellington District Commander.
Penny began her policing career in the 1990s, became a member of CIB and AOS, and was the Area Prevention manager for Kāpiti Mana.
She has held roles at Police National Headquarters (PNHQ), relieved as the Director of the Royal New Zealand Police College and acted as an Assistant Commissioner.
Penny is currently the Director of Tactical Operations.
Inspector Will Loughrin (Ngāti Whakaue) has been provisionally appointed as Bay of Plenty District Commander.
Will began his policing career in Counties Manukau before moving to Waikato in 2011.
An experienced investigator, he has worked across several investigations workgroups and held senior leadership roles including Area Commander for Waikato West and is currently the Acting District Commander for Waikato. He has recently acted as Director of Integrity and Conduct at Police National Headquarters.
Superintendent Joel Lamb’s provisional appointment is Eastern District Commander.
He has policed in Auckland and in Southern District, where he was the Southland Area Commander and relieved as the District Commander.
More recently, Joel has worked offshore in liaison roles and is currently the Director of Major Operations.
The new District Commanders are expected to start their roles in February 2026.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Two people who allegedly stole an E-Bike from two teenagers in Belmont last weekend have been caught by Police.
At about 2.30pm on Saturday two teenagers riding their E-Bikes along Lake Road were confronted by two people who pulled up next to them in a vehicle.
Waitematā East Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams, says the male passenger has allegedly demanded the bike and presented a knife towards the victims.
“The man has then allegedly pushed one of the victims off the bike before assaulting him and riding off on the bike.
“Officers have then made a number of enquiries and were able to confirm a registration for the vehicle.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Williams says quick Police work resulted in two search warrants being executed at properties in Belmont and Ōtara yesterday.
“Two people were then taken into custody at the Ōtara property.
“A number of other stolen items were also located at the address, however enquiries remain ongoing to locate the bike.
“I would like to acknowledge the work of all staff involved. This is a great example of cross district collaboration and support to hold offenders to account who are causing ongoing harm to our community.”
A 28-year-old man will appear in North Shore District Court today charged with aggravated robbery and three counts of shoplifting.
A 31-year-old woman charged with resisting Police, assaulting Police and failing to carry out obligations in relation to a computer search will appear in North Shore District Court tomorrow.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Northland officers have located restricted weapons after they were unexpectedly joined by a Commodore with flashing red and blue lights.
The non-police vehicle slid into a Police convoy outside Kawakawa Police Station last Thursday evening, catching the attention of officers.
Mid/Far North Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Clem Armstrong, says a quick check of the vehicle revealed the registered owner was disqualified from driving.
The real Police officers signalled the Commodore to pull over.
“The man was arrested and officers carried out a search of the vehicle,” he says.
“During this search we located a loaded firearm underneath the driver’s seat as well as a 3D-printed gun, a stash of ammunition and methamphetamine.
“It was quite the unexpected find.
“Our team is extremely pleased to be able to remove these items from our community and hold this offender to account.”
A 30-year-old man will reappear in Kaikohe District Court on 20 January on charges including personating a Police officer, unlawful possession of a restricted weapon, driving while disqualified and possession of methamphetamine.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are asking for the public’s help finding Larissa, who has been reported missing from the Avondale area.
The 16-year-old was last seen at about 10pm on Sunday evening near Tiverton Road.
Larissa is described as about 175cms tall with brown eyes and blonde hair and was wearing black shorts and a black singlet.
Police and Larissa’s family have concerns for her wellbeing and would like to bring her home.
If you have seen Larissa or have information that might help us find her, please call 111 and quote reference number 251222/7046.
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Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Detective Inspector Gerard Bouterey, Field Crime Manager, Central District CIB:
Police investigating a double homicide in Ruatiti on Saturday 13 December can now release the names of the two people who died.
They were 56-year-old Brendon Leigh Cole and 54-year-old Trina Michelle Cole.
Enquiries are ongoing and Police are continuing to search for 29-year-old Mitchell Cole in relation to the investigation.
Please remember – if you see Cole, do not approach him, and instead call 111 immediately.
If you have any information that could assist Police, please contact us via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 251213/6207.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Issued by Police Media Centre