Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating the death of a man in Waikanae are asking the public for information and vehicle sightings.

Police have now charged five gang associates with murder, and one with being an accessory, in the ongoing homicide investigation in Waikanae.

Detective Inspector Jamie Woods, Field Crime Manager, says Police are resolute in holding all those who were responsible for the death of Michael Tofts to account. 

Mr Tofts died at an address in Kakariki Grove, Waikanae on Wednesday 19 November.

“We believe Mr Tofts was the subject of a targeted home invasion which led to his death.”

“A large investigation team is making good progress in identifying everyone involved,” says Detective Inspector Woods.

Several attackers were injured in the home invasion and Police can confirm a firearm was used during the altercation.

Police have not yet recovered the firearm.

As Police continue enquiries, they urge anyone with knowledge of what happened to contact us.

“We believe there are people who knew this was going to happen and assisted those who carried it out,” Detective Inspector Woods says. 

Police also want to hear from anyone who saw or has dashcam or footage of the vehicles pictured between 1 and 7pm on Wednesday 19 November.

All vehicles are believed to have been in and around Paraparaumu and Waikanae around the time of the homicide and travelled to Kāpiti from different locations in the Wellington Region including the Hutt Valley. 

“We also believe that after the alleged murder, the white Suzuki Swift travelled over Akatarawa Road towards Upper Hutt and the silver BMW travelled towards Paraparaumu and may have disposed of items,” says Detective Inspector Woods.

The occupants of the vehicles are believed to be involved either directly or indirectly in the home invasion and the lead-up to it.

Charges laid – all remanded in custody to appear in Wellington High Court 23 January 2026:

·                A 25-year-old man charged with murder.

·                A 35-year-old man charged with murder.

·                A 20-year-old man charged with murder.

·                A 43-year-old man charged with murder.

·                A 23-year-old man charged with murder.

·                A 26-year-old man charged with being an accessory after the fact.

All information can be given by contacting Police via 105 by phone or online, quoting file number 251119/8049. 

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Waipa last night.

The two-vehicle crash on Arapuni Road was reported just after 8:40pm.

One person died at the scene, three others sustained serious injuries.

Arapuni Road remains closed near Monckton Road while a scene examination is carried out.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden is urging New Zealanders to check their passport expiry dates this summer, with a massive surge in applications expected next year. 

In November 2015 the validity of passports changed from 5 to 10 years, meaning those who renewed their passport in 2015, and 2016 will be fast approaching their expiry. 

“The Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is forecasting a surge in applications due to the anniversary of the ten-year passports. I encourage you all to ensure yours is up to date before you will need it,” says Ms van Velden. 

The Department anticipates: 

Over 1.3 million passports expire in the next two years
In 2026: around 622,000 applications are expected
2027: 759,000 passports set to expire. 

“So, if your passport needs renewing soon, so will 622,000 others. 

“New Zealanders rightly expect excellent service, and I’m proud that our passport team has delivered exactly that. Through their efforts and operational improvements, we’ve dramatically reduced passport processing times from 25 days in 2023 to just 3 days – and that’s for all passport applications, not just urgent ones,” says Ms van Velden. 

“This represents a great improvement in service delivery that will benefit every New Zealand family planning to travel overseas. If your passport expires in 2026, renew now before the rush. Don’t let an expired passport get in the way of your travel,” says Ms van Velden. 

It’s easy to renew online. Most people can renew their passport quickly and securely at passport.govt.nz.  

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died after a single-vehicle crash in Mataura late last night.

Police were called to the crash on Oakland Street about 10.05pm.

Sadly, the sole occupant died at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene, and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A homicide investigation is under way after the death of a man in Tauranga today.

Emergency services were called to a Fraser Street address about 11.40am where they found a man deceased.

A person is currently assisting Police with enquiries and a scene examination will take place at the property today.

Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter, however we would like to hear from anyone who might have information about this incident or those involved.

If you can help, please contact Police online at 105.Police.govt.nz, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 251214/9237.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

As the summer season approaches and more people spend time outdoors, Hawke’s Bay Police are reminding residents to take extra precautions to keep their homes secure.

Recent reports show that opportunistic thieves have been taking advantage of unlocked doors and windows, even when people are at home.

Thieves are always looking for opportunities,” says Detective Gabrielle Parsons.

There has also been an increase in the number of diesel thefts in rural Hastings.

“Thieves are lazy, and simple steps like locking a gate or not leaving keys in your vehicle can make all the difference… Don’t make it easy for them.

“Even short lapses in security can lead to stolen items, such as phones, wallets and keys.”

Detective Parsons encouraged people to take simple steps to deter criminals.

“Lock all doors and windows, even if you’re only stepping outside briefly. Window stays are a good investment because they give you ventilation without compromising security.

“Alarms, sensor lighting, and quality locks are all good investments to make your home less of a target.”

People are also encouraged people to get to know their neighbours.

“Most importantly, report any suspicious activity to Police on 111 if it’s happening now, or contact us via 105 if it’s after the fact.”

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett:

A homicide investigation has been launched following the deaths of two people in Ruatiti.

The victims were located by Police at a rural property this afternoon.

A scene examination will begin tomorrow (Sunday 14 December) and is expected to take several days. Post-mortem and formal identification procedures will be carried out in the coming days.

There will be a heightened Police presence in the area as the investigation progresses.

Police would like to hear from anyone in the Ruatiti area who has information about the incident. Please contact Police online at 105.Police.govt.nz, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number P064773873.

Further information will be released when it becomes available.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager is celebrating results from this year’s National Wild Goat Hunting Competition, which saw the removal of 10,349 wild goats from New Zealand’s landscapes, for a total of 33,418 since the event’s inception.

“This competition exemplifies the power of hunter-led conservation efforts. When not managed properly, wild animals do serious damage to our native bush, farms and forestry. This competition highlights practical and collaborative ways the hunting community can help manage numbers,” Mr Meager says

Now in its third year, the competition is run in partnership between the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, along with crucial support from businesses and sponsors. 

“863 people participated in this year’s event, including 211 hunters under 18-years-old, along with two slightly older Ministers of the Crown. Wild goats act as an excellent introductory species for the next generation of hunters who are interested in conservation outcomes,” Mr Meager says.

“The competition is also influencing hunter behaviour, with 75 percent of entrants saying they are more likely to hunt wild goats because of the event. This highlights the power hunters, landowners and agencies partnering together can have in protecting our environment and encouraging more Kiwis into the outdoors.

“The initiative has wide-spread backing from the hunting sector, who donated more than $70,000 worth of competition prizes, including time and resources as collection points for the goats’ tails. This resulted in almost 20 percent of entrants winning one of 153 rewards.

“I want to thank everyone involved in the organisation and participation of this event, which has quickly become a key event in the hunting sector’s annual calendar.”

Source: New Zealand Government

A new scanner featuring the latest imaging technology has been installed at Wellington Regional Hospital, giving patients faster, higher-quality scans with reduced radiation exposure, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“The new SPECT-CT scanner replaces an older model and will operate alongside a recently installed unit, giving Wellington Regional Hospital two modern scanners to support patient care,” Mr Brown says.

“These advanced machines will help diagnose a wide range of patients across the region, including those receiving cancer treatment, children needing specialised imaging, and people requiring inpatient care.”

SPECT-CT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography – Computed Tomography) combines two advanced imaging technologies in a single scan. 

The Nuclear Medicine SPECT scan shows how organs and tissues are functioning, with the CT scan providing detailed anatomical images.

“By combining these two technologies in one scan, clinicians get a much clearer picture of what’s happening inside the body. This supports earlier detection of disease, more accurate diagnoses and better monitoring of treatment.”

The project also includes a full refurbishment of the scanning room to enhance the patient experience.

“The new space features soft lighting, scenic wall decals and modern design elements to create a calmer, more comfortable environment. This is especially important for children and patients undergoing longer scans that can take several hours.”

The installation of the new scanner is part of the Government’s wider $108 million upgrade to diagnostic imaging across New Zealand, delivering 32 new and replacement CT, MRI, and SPECT-CT scanners nationwide.

“By upgrading equipment and enhancing imaging quality, more patients will benefit from earlier detection, improved treatment decisions and better care across a wide range of health conditions,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Police

Five people have been arrested following an aggravated burglary in Albany on Friday.

About 11.20am, five people entered a commercial premises on The Avenue and were taking items when an altercation broke out. The owner of the store was assaulted, received minor injuries.

The offenders fled the premises in a vehicle, but they were located by quick-thinking Police near the intersection of Queen Street and Coatesville-Riverhead Highway.

By 12pm, all five were arrested.

Four young men, aged 17, 18, 18 and 21 have been charged with shoplifting. A 21-year-old Manukau man has been charged with aggravated assault and shoplifting.

The 17-year-old will be referred to Youth Aid, with the other four due to appear in the North Shore District Court on Monday.

Further Police work has linked three of the offenders to an instance of shoplifting from a commercial premises in Riverhead, which happened near the end of October. Two males have been charged in relation to this, with a third person referred to Youth Aid.

Waitematā East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Caroline Miles said staff from PST, Crime Squad, CIB, and the Tactical Crime Unit worked together to track and stop the offenders.

“It’s a great feeling knowing the alleged offenders have been caught, especially in less than an hour.

“We have offered support to the victim, who was confronted by a scenario that no person should ever have to deal with. We’re just grateful that he is able to recover at home and be with his family.”

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Issued by Police Media Centre