Source: New Zealand Police
Stuart Street, Kaikorai, Dunedin, is currently blocked following a structure fire this afternoon.
Police were called to assist Fire and Emergency New Zealand around 3.40pm.
Cordons are in place on Stuart Street from Kaikorai Valley Road to Highgate.
Motorists are advised to avoide the area and expect delays.
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Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Superintendent Tony Hill, Canterbury District Commander:
Christchurch Police conducted a significant operation over the last week, as a number of gang members travelled into the region for a gang-related funeral.
The operation commenced last Thursday, 8 January as gang members began to travel into Christchurch, concluding yesterday, 13 January as gang members dispersed following the event.
During the operation, four people were arrested, including one person for a gang insignia breach. Other arrests were for outstanding warrants and driving offences.
Police also impounded both a motorcycle and a vehicle. A search of the vehicle resulted in Police locating an air pistol, air rifle and associated magazine and ammunition.
Police are continuing to review and investigate evidence gathered during the operation to determine whether any offences have been committed. This includes assessing potential breaches of gang-related legislation.
The public rightly expects that gang members are held accountable for any illegal activity. Police will continue to take a firm approach to ensure community safety and uphold the law.
Our focus remains firmly on preventing harm and holding those who make the decision to engage in unlawful behaviour accountable.
We ask anybody who has witnessed any illegal or antisocial behaviour to make a report to Police via 105, either over the phone or online at www.police.govt.nz/use-105
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Charcuterie du Pacifique Sud Limited in its recall of its L’Authentique Chicken & Duck Parfait due to a failure of food safety controls.
“The concern with this product is that it has been produced without the required food safety controls being followed,” says New Zealand Food Safety director food risk management Jenny Bishop.
“L’Authentique Chicken & Duck Parfait (100g) with a use-by date of ’24/08/26′ (24 August 2026) should not be eaten. You can return it to the place of purchase for a refund. If that???s not possible, throw it out.”
The affected products are sold at supermarkets and retailers nationwide.
More information and photographs of the affected product
If you have consumed any of this product and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.
New Zealand Food Safety has not received any notifications of associated illness.
The products have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported.
“As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with Charcuterie Du Pacifique Sud to understand how the failure occurred and prevent its recurrence,” says Ms Bishop.
The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur. Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the New Zealand Food Safety food recall page.
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
Source: New Zealand Police
A 63-year-old Southland man has sped his way into court after allegedly travelling at high speeds in Edendale.
On Wednesday 24 December, Police received multiple reports from members of the public of a black sports car speeding within the community.
Constable Julie Russell says it is alleged the man returned to the area multiple times, and in some instances took several people for rides in the vehicle.
“Thanks to information provided by the public, and through our initial enquiries, we identified the vehicle and its driver.”
The black 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 was found to have allegedly travelled over four times the posted speed limit, as well as doing burnouts in the area.
“Not only is this a ridiculously dangerous speed, but this reckless driving may have had the potential to cause serious harm to a number of people.”
On Tuesday 13 January, Police executed a search warrant at a nearby property where the man was suspended from driving for 28 days and summonsed to court.
The Chevrolet Corvette, worth $160,000, was seized and impounded for 28 days.
Police would like to thank the members of the public who contacted Police at the time of the offending.
“This real time information is crucial in helping us know where to be and assists in our investigations, allowing us to take action like seizing vehicles and holding those responsible to account.”
“We appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has CCTV or dashcam footage and is yet to contact us to please do so.”
If you have information that can assist in our enquiries, you can contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking ‘Update Report’, using the reference number 251227/2052.
The 63-year-old man is due to appear in Gore District Court on 11 February charged with sustained loss of traction and reckless driving.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Media Note: Police ask media to please use the attached images in their reporting.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police have charged a man after a business owner was assaulted at work on Sunday evening.
The assault was reported in Whananaki just after 8pm on 11 January, when the victim was allegedly assaulted by a patron.
Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom, says Police have since located a 36-year-old Whangārei man, arresting and charging him over the incident.
“He has been charged with injuries with intent to injure and will appear in the Whangārei District Court next week,” she says.
“No one should have to experience aggression or violence in their place of work, and there is no place for this in our community.
“The man charged will now be held to account through the court process.”
The 36-year-old man is expected in the Whangārei District Court on 19 January 2026.
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Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
Police investigating yesterday’s fatal crash at Hamurana, near Rotorua, are appealing for dashcam or CCTV footage of one of the vehicles involved.
The crash occurred about 5.30pm on State Highway 36, when a silver Lexus sedan collided with an oncoming truck. The driver of the Lexus died at the scene and his two passengers were seriously injured, while the driver of the truck received minor injuries.
Police have praised members of the public and the responding officers, who put themselves at risk to save the passengers from the burning Lexus.
Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Bay of Plenty Road Policing Manager, says Police are appealing for information from the public about the vehicle involved.
“We are seeking any CCTV or dashcam video of a silver Lexus sedan, carrying the registration DZS7, on State Highway 1 and State Highway 5, between 4pm and 5.30pm.
“The vehicle was seen driving dangerously, overtaking vehicles, speeding, and cutting other motorists off. If you have video of this vehicle, please let us know.”
Anyone with information is asked to make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260113/9655.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
More than 500 newly graduated doctors have started work across New Zealand this week, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“I want to congratulate every one of these new doctors for the hard work it has taken to get to this point and thank them for choosing to serve patients and communities right across the country,” Mr Brown says.
“A sustainable health system relies on a strong pipeline of New Zealand-trained clinicians entering the workforce, supported by high-quality supervision and training.”
This year, 531 Post Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) doctors are beginning their careers, with the majority starting this week. The 2026 cohort will work as House Officers in hospitals and health services across the country, providing frontline care as part of multi-disciplinary teams.
“We are focused on investing in the next generation of doctors, because every additional clinician means better access to care for patients and their families. Building a stronger pipeline now ensures New Zealanders can get the treatment they need, when they need it.
“That means increasing medical school places so more home-grown doctors come through in the years ahead.
“During the term of this Government, medical school placements have already increased by 75 places each year. From this year, we are adding another 25 places annually, bringing the total increase to 100 extra places under this Government.
“This lifts the cap on first-year medical school enrolments to 639 a year, which is a key part of our plan to grow the number of New Zealand-trained doctors entering the workforce.
“To the 531 new doctors starting this year, your work will make a real difference for patients and their families. I wish you every success in your first placements as you begin delivering the care New Zealanders need,” Mr Brown says.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are responding to a crash on the Southern Motorway, in the northbound lanes near the Papakura on-ramp.
The crash involving a car and a bus was reported at 10.50am.
One person has recieved serious injuries.
The Serious Crash Unit will be attending, with two of the lanes being closed.
Police advise motorists to expect delays and are asked to avoid the area if possible.
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Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
A young driver has died and his two passengers are in a serious condition in hospital after the car they were in crashed into an oncoming truck in Hamurana, north of Rotorua, yesterday.
Police received multiple calls from the public around 4:30pm on Tuesday, reporting that the driver of a silver Lexus was driving dangerously on State Highway 1 south from Cambridge. The car was seen cutting off multiple vehicles and travelling at speeds of more than 80kmh above the legal limit.
Police located the car near Tīrau and recognised it as a vehicle of interest following an aggravated robbery in Tauranga on Monday, says Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Bay of Plenty Road Policing Manager.
“The manner of driving has been erratic and posed a significant risk to other road users. The vehicle’s movements were relayed to nearby units, allowing them to take positions ahead of the vehicle and prepare to deploy road spikes. The vehicle was spiked on Oturoa Road, near State Highway 36, and again on Hamurana Road about 5.30pm.
“On State Highway 36, Police found the Lexus had crashed into a truck and caught fire. Tragically the driver was deceased, and the two young passengers were trapped and seriously hurt.
“Members of the public and officers put themselves at significant risk to put the flames out and protect the car’s occupants from the fire. People ran to the scene with extinguishers and about 18 were used to put the fire out.
“Their actions were courageous and saved lives of the trapped passengers.”
The truck driver sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by ambulance staff. Several officers were also treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation.
Inspector Gillbanks says a critical incident investigation is under way and the IPCA has been notified.
The Serious Crash Unit completed a scene examination last night and the road reopened about midnight.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Three people are in a critical condition after a shooting overnight in Waitārere Beach.
A man was also found dead at the Waitarere Beach Road address, and Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.
Police responded to a 111 call about 12:40am today, says Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham.
“Responding officers were told that a firearm had been discharged at the address and when they arrived, four people were found with wounds that are consistent with being shot.
“An adult woman and two older teenage males were located with critical injuries. The woman was taken to Palmerston North Hospital by ambulance and the two males flown to Wellington Hospital.
“Another young person who was at the address is physically unharmed and they are being given wrap-around support.”
Inspector Grantham says a firearm was located at the scene and a forensic examination of the property will begin today.
While Police are not looking for anyone else, officers will be visible around the area while the investigation progresses.
“This is a shocking incident for Waitārere Beach and the district. This was a confronting scene, and I want to acknowledge the emergency personnel who responded to the call for help.
“We are still in the very early stages of our enquiries, but we are focused on understanding how and why this tragic event occurred,” Inspector Grantham says.
Information will be released proactively when it becomes available.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre