Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

A 26-year-old woman’s plan to allegedly steal a $74,500 necklace in Auckland’s CBD was derailed this afternoon after quick actions of store employees.

Police were called to a commercial premises on Galway Street just before 5pm this afternoon.

“The woman has entered the store allegedly holding a metal pole, before taking a necklace from its display,” says Senior Sergeant Dean Henderson.

“When challenged by store employees when attempting to leave, the woman has threatened the employees.”

Senior Sergeant Henderson says upon arrival Police spoke with the woman.

“She has then allegedly used the metal pole to smash a $20,000 cabinet.”

The woman was taken into custody without further incident.

“The necklace has since been returned to the Galway Street premises,” says Senior Sergeant Henderson.

“Police acknowledge the quick actions of the store employees that resulted in this arrest.”

The 26-year-old is due to appear in Auckland District Court on 5 March, charged with demands to steal, possess offensive weapon, threatens to do grievous bodily harm, shoplifts over $1,000, and intentional damage.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Taranaki Area Commander, Inspector Mark Miller:

Taranaki Police have arrested one person and summonsed another following antisocial road user behaviour in Oaonui last weekend.

On Saturday 21 February, around 1am, Police were notified of a group of antisocial road users gathering at Kina Road.

Police attended and found the group to be well established. After speaking with some of the people gathered, a tactical decision was made to move back and gather information to be used in the investigation phase following the event.

Over the last week, Police have arrested an 18-year-old man, who is due to appear in Hāwera District Court on 3 March 2026, charged with reckless driving.

Another man has been summoned to appear in Hāwera District Court on 10 March 2026, also facing reckless driving charges.

This is in addition to impounding one vehicle, and 14 infringement notices that have been issued for driver licence breaches – nine of which were issued on the night of the incident, and five during our investigation phase.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Police are appealing for any information on the whereabouts of a silver or light-coloured Toyota Estima – or its driver – that was involved in Saturday night’s activities.

Anyone who can help with the above information, or any information related to this matter, is urged to contact Police either online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or by calling 105.

Please reference file number 260221/1417.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 2/Remutaka Hill Road is currently blocked near the summit on the Wairarapa side following a crash.

The two-vehicle crash was reported just after 3pm.

One person has recieved minor to moderate injuries.

The road is currently blocked and motorists are advised to avoid delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Two Napier men have been charged in connection with the homicide of Sharlene Smith – one charged with her murder.

Sharlene’s body was located on a worksite in Omahu on 3 February.

Detective Inspector Martin James says to have made two significant arrests within the month is exceptional, and he hopes it reassures Sharlene’s family and the community.

“It’s been 24 days since Sharlene’s body was found, and for our busy team to have achieved this result so promptly should reassure the community we take these significant incidents incredibly seriously,” he says.

A 47-year-old man has been arrested today and charged with murder and injuring with intent, and is expected to appear in Napier District Court tomorrow.

A 45-year-old man was arrested yesterday and charged with accessory after the fact to a culpable homicide. He appeared in court today and is remanded to reappear in Napier on 4 March. 

He also faces three domestic-related charges unrelated to Sharlene’s death.

Detective Inspector James is praising the work of the investigation team, and members of the community who have come forward with information.

“I want to thank our Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Kris Payne, and everyone in the team who has been working so hard on this enquiry,” Detective Inspector James says.

“I also want to extend a huge thanks to members of the public who have helped us with information such as CCTV footage.

“They have taken the time to trawl through video and then notify Police, and their efforts have helped immensely in getting these quick arrests.”

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  27 February 2026

Nathan Pettigrew, an avid wildlife photographer and naturalist, shared the images with DOC to help build understanding of the distribution and behaviour of the turtles in New Zealand waters.

Nathan says he’s seen leatherbacks every year for the past six, but this time was different.

“I was on the water when Dolphin Seafaris gave me a call and said ‘you’ve got to come see this.’ I shot back closer to shore – just 1.5 km or so from land. It was incredible, there were five leatherbacks and sunfish too with Mount Manganui in the background. I’ve never seen so many leatherback turtles in one place at a time.”

DOC Senior Marine Science Advisor, Dr Karen Middlemiss, says it’s remarkable and very exciting to learn of sightings like these.

“It’s almost unheard of to see five leatherbacks together because they’re generally solitary turtles. They usually only group together if there is a feeding aggregation or they are close to nesting beaches and these turtles don’t nest here.

“Leatherbacks are the largest turtle in the world, and can grow to a width, length and weight similar to a classic mini car.

“We’re hoping to satellite tag some of these magnificent turtles to learn how they use our waters. One thing is for sure, New Zealand waters provide critical foraging habitat for leatherbacks.”

The leatherback turtles present in New Zealand waters belong to the critically endangered Western Pacific population. Each summer, part of the population migrates from California to the islands north of New Zealand, with some visiting the Bay of Plenty and waters off East Cape where they feast on jellyfish and salps (a jelly-like zooplankton).

Little is known about leatherback behaviour in New Zealand waters, and Karen says that images and videos of sea turtles, along with time, date and location details, are useful for researchers.

“Nathan is a great example of using hobbies – in this case water sport and photography – to support nature. Taking everyday actions, like reporting sightings of protected marine species, is true naturing. And with Seaweek starting what better time to enjoy the water!”

28 February to 6 March 2026 is Seaweek, Aotearoa New Zealand’s annual celebration of the sea.

Spot a turtle. Let us know. Email turtles@doc.govt.nz for sightings. If a turtle is seen on the beach or injured in the water, please contact our emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Contact

Source: PHARMAC

Information on what the Cancer Treatments Advisory Committee (CTAC) will be considering at its upcoming meeting in March 2026.

Source: New Zealand Police

A number of people are before the courts facing new charges following an operation by Manawatū Police on 25 February.

Operation Maxim is taking place across Central District and is focused on locating people wanted for a range of offending, including retail crime and bail breaches.

Officers from Palmerston North, Horowhenua, Tararua and Feilding participated on 25 February, dealing with 29 people in total. A total of 14 new charges were also filed.

“Some people don’t seem to understand that if the Court directs you to appear in Court and abide by bail conditions, then that is what you have to do,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson.

“We are here to enforce those directions, and we will continue to do so until people understand that it is simply easier to appear in Court and abide by the bail conditions.”

“It is also pleasing that we were able to locate a number of people that had been carrying out retail crime in recent weeks,”  says Detective Senior Sergeant Thompson.

“Our local businesses have rightly had enough of being targeted by these offenders and we are committed to holding people to account for this offending.”
 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager:

A man is before the courts after assaulting a woman in Ōpōtiki overnight.

Police were notified of the assault, that occurred on Ohiwa Harbour Road, at around 10:30pm.

Area enquiries were made to locate the alleged offender, who was located on Phoenix Drive, Whakatane shortly after 12:30am and taken into custody.

The victim is understandably extremely shaken and has sustained moderate injuries following the assault. Police are offering her all the necessary support.

A scene examination will be carried out on Ohiwa Harbour Road today, and Police continue to investigate this heinous attack.

We understand the community will be shaken following this incident, and Police will conduct reassurance patrols in the area.

Our initial enquiries suggest this is an isolated incident, and there is not believed to be any further risk to the public.

The man, 34, is due to appear in the Whakatāne District Court today, charged with abduction, wounding with reckless disregard and assault with intent to commit sexual violation, indecent assault, and strangulation.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Press Release Service

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