Source: New Zealand Police
A two-vehicle crash on the Northwestern Motorway / State Highway 16 has blocked most lanes for motorists heading to the city.
One person has sustained serious injuries and ambulance services are on scene.
Only one lane is open at this time, causing traffic to build.
Motorists are advised to avoid the motorway at this time, or delay travel.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Christchurch Police on safety patrol around the Electric Avenue concerts on Friday and Saturday are pleased with the behaviour of the event attendees.
An estimated 43,000 strong crowd headed to the concert each night, many coming from out-of-town.
Operational Commander Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons and her large team worked alongside 440 security personnel to ensure the safety of the public at the two-night concert.
“We did have some issues on Friday with individuals preloading on alcohol and arriving intoxicated to the venue.
“Drunk and disorderly behaviour in Riccarton and the suburbs around the university were problematic and took valuable staffing resources away from where they were most required.
“It was a much better result on Saturday and the crowd overall was well behaved. My team enjoyed the positive interactions with the partying public who were in great spirits.
“A small number of arrests were made, and minor disorder was reported.
“Team Events and Live Nation have run another successful festival this year that was much bigger than previous years. We are lucky to have this very cool event in Christchurch,” said Senior Sergeant Simmons.
Police encourage everyone to plan ahead when to heading out to enjoy events. Drink responsibly, look after one another, and have a sober ride home sorted.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
New Zealand has consistently condemned Iran’s nuclear programme, its destabilising activities in the region and elsewhere, and its repression of its own people.
Iran has, for decades, defied the will and expectations of the international community. The legitimacy of a government rests on the support of its people. The Iranian regime has long since lost that support.
In this context, we acknowledge that the actions taken overnight by the US and Israel were designed to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security.
We condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s indiscriminate retaliatory attacks on Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. We cannot risk further regional escalation, and civilian life must be protected.
We join the international community in hoping this crisis ends as quickly as possible.
We call for a resumption of negotiations and adherence to international law – and we urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution that returns Iran to the community of nations.
Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the conflict, and to the New Zealand families who are understandably worried about their loved ones in the region.
We recognise too the courage of the Iranian people who have taken to the streets in recent weeks to demand change, only to be met by violence and murder. The Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.
New Zealand Embassies in the region are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide support to New Zealanders. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises New Zealanders in the region to shelter in place. New Zealanders should follow the advice of local authorities and register on SafeTravel.
New Zealanders requiring urgent consular assistance should call the New Zealand 24/7 Consular Emergency Line on +64 99 20 20 20.
Source: New Zealand Police
One person involved in a three-vehicle crash in Bunnythorpe last week has now died.
Emergency services were called to Kairanga Bunnythorpe Road about 7.50am on 25 February.
Two people were transported to hospital in critical condition.
Sadly, on 27 February, one of those two people sadly died in hospital.
Police extend their condolences to their loved ones at this difficult time.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Emergency services are at the scene of a serious single-vehicle crash on SH1, Taihape, to the north of Spooners Hill.
Initial indications suggest there have been injuries.
The road is closed, with diversions in place, and motorists should avoid the area if possible.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
A $13.9 million investment to upgrade and expand the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Christchurch Women’s Hospital will provide a significant boost to neonatal care services for families across Canterbury and the wider region, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Every New Zealander deserves access to timely, quality healthcare, and that starts with supporting our most vulnerable patients – our newborns,” Mr Brown says.
“Christchurch’s NICU services have been under increasing pressure in recent years, with demand for care often exceeding available capacity.
“This investment will reconfigure the existing space to increase the number of neonatal cots from 44 to 54, meaning more babies will be able to receive the specialised care they need close to home.
“In addition to increasing capacity, the upgrade will enhance infection prevention measures, a vital part of protecting newborns and giving families peace of mind. The redesign will also ensure the facility meets the latest fire and safety standards, creating a safer, more modern environment for both patients and staff.”
Preparations for the upgrade are already underway, with careful planning to ensure all NICU services continue operating safely on the hospital campus during construction. Work is scheduled to begin next year and is expected to take around nine months, with the upgraded unit expected to be fully operational in early 2027.
“Improving New Zealand’s health infrastructure is a top priority for the Government, and this investment will make a real difference for families across Canterbury. More cots, better facilities, and stronger infection control measures mean that newborns get the care they need when they need it most.
“Our health system must keep pace with the growing needs of our communities, and projects like this show our commitment to supporting families and delivering timely, quality care for all New Zealanders” Mr Brown says.
Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died after a single-vehicle crash on Mahuta Gap, Te Kopuru, this morning.
Emergency services were called to the scene about 7.15am.
Sadly, one person was located deceased.
The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene.
The death will be referred to the Coroner.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Matthews:
One person has been arrested, and two people injured, after a serious assault on Lorne Street late last night.
Emergency services were called to the scene about 10.20pm.
One person reportedly sustained critical injuries, and is now stable. Another person received serious injuries. A knife was recovered at the scene.
A 65-year-old man was arrested at the scene by responding staff. He is due to appear in Auckland District Court today on two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Cordons remain in place today, and a scene examination will be carried out.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Transport Minister Chris Bishop says a newly completed roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 5 (SH5) and State Highway 28–Harwoods Road east of Tīrau will significantly improve safety on a key regional route.
“The SH5/SH28 Harwoods Road intersection had a poor safety record and is part of a corridor that has seen far too many serious crashes. Completing this new three-leg roundabout is an important step in making this stretch of highway safer for everyone who uses it,” Mr Bishop says.
“SH5 is a critical route for locals, tourists, freight, and agricultural vehicles travelling between Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. Improving safety and efficiency on this corridor is essential, and I am pleased to see another project delivered that helps achieve that.
““Between 2014 and 2024, 18 people died and 64 were seriously injured on this stretch of highway.
“Construction of the $6 million roundabout began in August last year, and I am pleased to see it completed on budget and several weeks ahead of schedule. Traffic was flowing through the site today, with temporary speed restrictions lifted as works were cleared.
“This roundabout is one of several safety improvements being delivered along SH5 between Tīrau and Tārukenga Marae Road on the Rotorua side of the Mamaku Range. NZTA has also built a right‑turn bay at nearby Waimakariri Road, and funding has been allocated to complete the design for a similar roundabout at the SH5/SH28–Whites Road intersection. While construction funding for that project has not yet been confirmed, design work ensures it is ready to progress when funding allows.
“We are also making SH5 safer by widening sections of the road to allow the use of wide centrelines, which have proven to be very effective in reducing crashes. The first section east of Whites Road was completed this summer and will be extended to Harwoods Road as funding allows.
“In addition, a section of SH28–Whites Road south of the SH5 intersection is currently being rebuilt, and the intersection itself will receive a new asphalt surface.
“I also want to thank the local MP Tim van de Molen, and other community leaders for their continued strong advocacy for this important project.
“Delivering practical safety improvements like this roundabout helps save lives and ensures the state highway network continues to support regional growth, tourism, and reliable freight connections. I am pleased to see this project completed and making a difference for road users.”
Source: New Zealand Police
Lindis Pass/State Highway 8 is closed from Broken Hutt Road and Old Faithful Road following a single-car crash.
One person sustained serious injuries and was seen by ambulance services.
The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.
The road is likely to be closed for a significant part of the day. Motorists should consider delaying travel.
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Issued by Police Media Centre