Category: MIL-OSI

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Police can confirm one person has died following a serious crash this morning.

At around 7am, Police were notified of the single vehicle crash on Charles Upham Drive in Rangiora.

Despite efforts by emergency services, one person died at the scene.

A scene examination has been completed and the road has reopened.

While enquiries into the crash are ongoing, initial indications suggest this is a suspected medical event and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Police can confirm the 50-year-old woman reported missing from the Addington area on 16 April has been located safe and well.

We would like to thank the members of the public who provided information that assisted in locating her.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

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In the 18 months to Monday, first responders had seen the result of crashes that killed 26 people around rural Canterbury.

By Tuesday, it was 28.

Inspector Peter Cooper, the Canterbury Rural Area Commander, is a 40-year veteran but says experience doesn’t make fatal crashes easier to deal with.

Ahead of the Easter weekend he’s urging motorists to take it slow and stay focused on their driving.

“Every one of those fatalities comes with a massive human toll, affecting the families and friends of the deceased, the motorists who are first on the scene, and the first responders – particularly the large number of them who are volunteers.

“Every death on the roads affects us all – it’s people in our rural  community who are going to the deaths of people from their communities.”

Even for seasoned Police, seeing the effects of a crash on a person can be hard.

“In the space of two hours on Tuesday, the team that investigated a fatal crash in Culverden then had to attend the second fatal crash in Leithfield. It’s rough for everyone, and you’re seeing things nobody should have to see.”

Inspector Cooper didn’t want to dwell on the reasons for each crash – but he says drivers need to focus on driving safely rather than pushing themselves and their cars to the limits.

“If the weather’s bad like it’s meant to be this weekend, slow down. If you’re tired from driving, take rest breaks and take in the scenery.

“Drive like your life, and the lives of those you love, depends on it. When we say one death is too many, we mean it.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

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One person has died following the earlier crash on SH1, Leithfield, this afternoon.

State Highway One is open, however the entrance to Mays road is closed while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene.

Motorists should continue to avoid the area if possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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One person has died following the earlier crash this afternoon on SH7, near Culverden.

Another person has sustained moderate injuries.

The road remains closed, with diversions in place, while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene.

Motorists should continue to avoid the area if possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Please attribute to Relieving Central District Commander Inspector Ross Grantham:

Police accepts the findings by the Independent Police Conduct Authority which investigated complaints against three officers involved in the investigation and trial regarding the murder of Palmiro MacDonald.

Mr MacDonald went missing in March 2016 and his remains were found several months later in Horowhenua. Police began a homicide investigation and three people were charged with his murder. However, charges against all parties were eventually dropped or dismissed in court.

We accept and agree with the findings by the IPCA that there were issues with disclosure of information but that these were not intentional or deliberate acts.

Since this incident, the Solicitor-General has issued guidelines for the use of inmate admissions evidence, and Police now require senior detective supervisors to review inmate admissions evidence against these guidelines in homicide investigations.

Police were also involved in the development of the High Court ‘Criminal Disclosure in High Court Trials’ practice note which was implemented in 2023. That practice note requires specific consideration of ‘inmate witnesses’ or ‘incentivised witnesses’ in terms of ensuring disclosure obligations are addressed.

Police are confident that these two significant changes to the process will avert as best as possible any future mistakes being made.

The IPCA recommended Police prescribe in policy that it be standard practice that all prison informant interviews being undertaken for the purpose of taking statements should be video or audio recorded.

Police do not agree with the recommendation, but will engage with the Authority in an effort to resolve the issue.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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Police can now release the name of the man who died following a single-vehicle crash on SH5 near Mamaku on Tuesday 22 April.

He was Paul John Coleman, 51, of Hamilton.

Police extend their condolences to his family and friends.

His death has been referred to the Coroner.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

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Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Owhata overnight.

The two-vehicle crash on the corner of Te Ngae Road and Tennyson Drive was reported at about 9:10pm.

One person died at the scene. A second person received serious injuries.

Police would like to speak with anybody who witnessed the crash. This includes any dashcam or CCTV footage around the area.

If you have any information, please contact Police via 105, either online or over the phone.

Please reference file number 250426/9296.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

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Police are seeking photos of a Russian stuntman who went missing in 2002, in the hope the image can help identify partial remains located at Motutere earlier this year.

Artour Melikov was 36 when he was reported missing on 10 September 2002. Turangi Police located his vehicle at the Jellicoe Reserve, 400 metres north of Bulli Point at Lake Taupo. The car key was left inside the vehicle, along with Artour’s throwing knives, clothing, passport and other important documentation.

Despite extensive search efforts, there was no sign of Artour and Police established he hadn’t been seen since he left Auckland two days prior. 

On 9 January this year, Police were called to a holiday park at Motutere, where several bones were located near a walking track.

Senior Constable Barry Shepherd QSM, of the Taupo Area Search and Rescue Squad, said Police believed the remains were those of Artour, but extensive enquiries have been unable to lead to a positive identification.

“We’ve been unable to contact his next of kin, so hope there is a colleague or friend who may be able to help us.

“Artour was a stuntman for the likes of Xena: Warrior Princess during his time in New Zealand, and we hope there is someone who worked with him who may have high-quality photos of his face, and especially his teeth.”

Artour had gold teeth in his upper jaw, that would have been distinctive, Senior Constable Shepherd said.

“We know 22 years is a long time, but I urge anyone who may have worked with Artour, to please review any images you may have and contact us if you can help.”

If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please make a report via 105, using the reference number 250110/2158.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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Police can confirm one person has died following a crash on State Highway 5, Mamaku.

The single vehicle crash was reported at about 3:50pm.

The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

State Highway 5 remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre