Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

A man has been arrested after a routine traffic stop yielded drugs, cash, and weapons yesterday in Lower Hutt.

Wellington Police Dog Section Officer in Charge, Senior Sergeant Paul Fleck, says a Police dog handler unit and partner stopped a vehicle that was seen to be speeding, around 5pm on Waterloo Road.

“Officers quickly noticed a hammer that appeared out of place in the driver’s door that could be easily accessed and used as a weapon, which raised safety concerns,” he said.

Police conducted a search of the vehicle and located a second hammer under the passenger seat, a pair of knuckle dusters, and bags containing cocaine.

Both occupants of the vehicle were also searched, to which Police found a fanny-pack containing several thousand dollars in cash.

“The driver of the vehicle was observed by officers leaning over a nearby fence – Police checked the area and located two additional stacks of cash which had failed to be concealed in the shrubbery.”

Senior Sergeant Fleck says the find prompted some light-hearted references to a “money-tree”, but the offending itself was serious.

“Police arrested a man, and approximately 9g of cocaine and over $16,000 in cash was seized, along with the weapons and a mobile phone,” he says.

A 24-year-old man was arrested and appeared in Hutt Valley District Court today, he is due to reappear on 5 May, facing charges of possessing an offensive weapon and possession of cocaine for supply.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government welcomes new data showing New Zealand’s international visitor numbers continue to rise, with particularly strong growth from people visiting from China over Chinese New Year.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says Stats NZ’s latest monthly international travel data shows New Zealand tourism continues its strong positive recovery.  

“Our tourism sector continues its strong growth, with over 408,000 overseas visitors choosing to visit New Zealand in February 2026, over 53,000 more than the same time a year ago. 

“International tourism contributes to our Government’s plan to fix the basics and build the future and support economic growth, with businesses, jobs and communities across the country feeling the benefits of increasing visitor numbers,” Louise Upston says.  

Annual figures show overseas visitor arrivals reached 3.58 million in the year to February 2026, an increase of 229,000 on the previous year. This continues to track towards pre‑COVID levels, now sitting at 92 per cent of December 2019 figures.

“It’s great to see continued growth from our largest visitor market, Australia, with 1.54 million arrivals in the year to February, up 123,000 from the year before.

“Changes that allow eligible visitors from China and the Pacific to travel to New Zealand from Australia with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), rather than a visa, are also making a difference. 

“Chinese visitor arrivals were up 41,700 (increase of 214 per cent) in February 2026 compared with the same month in 2025, as more Chinese visitors chose to take advantage of the NZeTA and experience New Zealand’s unique scenery and hospitality over Chinese New Year.”

Monthly data shows 53,700 more international visitors arrived in February 2026 compared with February 2025.

“This Government has backed our vital tourism and hospitality sector through initiatives including funding for promotion of New Zealand as a year-round destination and strengthening partnerships with key markets. 

“As a country we are seeing the flow on growth and confidence in our tourism and hospitality sector as more visitors have chosen New Zealand as their next holiday destination. 

“More international visitors mean more customers for our businesses and ultimately more jobs. 

“The effects of the fuel crisis are yet to be seen but I will keep working with tourism operators on ensuring New Zealand continues to be seen as an attractive and safe destination to visit,” Louise Upston says.

Source: New Zealand Police

Counties Manukau Police are seeking information into two incidents where ambulances were targeted and damaged.

Police are investigating the wilful damage reports at two Hato Hone St John bases in Manukau and Ōtāhuhu.

A new appeal is being issued after the latest incident was reported at the Ōtāhuhu Station, on Atkinson Avenue, on 9 April.

It follows the first incident at the Manukau Station on 28 February.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward, Counties Manukau West Area Investigations Manager, says, “in both events, an offender has illegally gained access to the stations’ compounds before slashing tyres of ambulances parked there.”

Six ambulances have had tyres slashed in total.

“We are keeping an open mind as to whether these two events are linked,” he says.

“This sort of offending is extremely reckless, given the ambulances were rendered inoperable.

“It’s thoughtless and risks the lives of anyone who required urgent medical care during the period that ambulances were out of action.”

The risks became clear in Manukau, when Hato Hone St John staff first noticed the damage when trying to respond to a priority job.

Hato Hone St John Acting Auckland District Operations Manager, Angela Jardine, says damaging ambulances is a serious and unacceptable act that directly affects the community.

“Ambulances are a critical part of the emergency response system.

“When vehicles are taken out of service, it has the potential to delay care for patients who need urgent medical help.

“Our people come to work to care for others, and incidents like this are incredibly frustrating.

“We are working closely with Police and urge anyone with information to please come forward,” she says.

Police are now seeking any information that might help identify the person, or persons, responsible for both wilful damage incidents.

– Manukau Station: Offending has occurred overnight between 28 February and 1 March

– Ōtāhuhu Station: Offending has occurred overnight between 8 and 9 April

Detective Senior Sergeant Hayward is calling on those with information to come forward.

“There will be people in the community that know who is responsible and they need to do the right thing and come forward.”

Anyone with information can update Police online now at 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105, using the reference number 260409/0402.

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

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Inspector Jamie Woods, Wellington Police:

Police can now release the name of the man found deceased at a Malone Road, Lower Hutt property on 9 April.

He was 29-year-old Nathaniel Sturmey.

We acknowledge this is an incredibly difficult time for Mr Sturmey’s family and support is being provided.

The investigation into the circumstances of Mr Sturmey’s death continues, and there will continue to be an increased Police presence in the Lower Hutt area.

The scene examination has been completed, and Police are working to understand Mr Sturmey’s movements in the hours preceding his death.

Police are appealing to the public for information about the incident and are particularly interested in any suspicious activity in the Waterloo, Lower Hutt area between the hours of 10pm on 8 April and 3am 9 April 2026.

Anyone with information that might help our enquiries can go online or call 105, quoting reference number 260409/9927.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Dodgy licence plates spotted by Police have served up two prolific burglars overnight.

An eagle-eyed Police Camera Operator observed a vehicle travelling with mismatched licence plates in Manurewa at about 1.45am.

Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager, Inspector MinHo Lee, says Police units arrived quickly to its location at outside a bar on Maich Road.

“Two people were seen leaving the bar and entering the vehicle, and our staff intervened before the vehicle could leave,” he says.

“Further enquiries revealed the pair were also wanted in relation to a spate of burglaries at Auckland businesses so it was a great catch.”

Inspector Lee says further investigations revealed the vehicle was also stolen from Kingseat in January.

“This is a great example of our community keeping an eye out and a reminder for the public to continue reporting any suspicious or concerning activity to Police immediately on 111.”

A 33-year-old man has been charged with nine counts of burglary, and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, and will appear in Manukau District Court today.

A 35-year-old woman will also appear in Manukau District Court today charged with unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle, possession of methamphetamine and cannabis, possession of an offensive weapon and six counts of burglary.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are condemning a man’s actions, after the Police Eagle helicopter suffered a laser strike overnight.

The west Auckland man will appear in court this week facing a serious charge.

At about 2.35am this morning, Eagle was in the Glen Eden area attending jobs when the crew were repeatedly targeted by a laser from the ground.

Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen, Officer in Charge, Air Support Unit, says the laser shone directly into the cockpit of the helicopter and the crew were subjected to the glare and flash blindness associated with such a strike.

“Our onboard technology was able to clearly capture the alleged offender in the act, and instantly identified their address.

“Police ground units arrived quickly and took a 50-year-old man into custody without incident.”

Senior Sergeant Larsen says the man has been charged with endangering transport.

“This offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment, recognising the terrible consequences that could occur after lasering any aircraft.

“The Police Eagle helicopter is out there working hard for the protection and safety of our community and this type of behaviour is unacceptable.”

The 50-year-old man will appear in the Waitākere District Court on 20 April.

Police are limited in further comment as this matter is now before the Court.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a two-vehicle crash on Main South Road.

The crash was reported to emergency services just before 7.30am.

Sadly, one person was pronounced deceased at the scene. One other person sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Main South Road was closed as emergency services worked at the scene this morning, and has now been cleared and opened for traffic.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

David Boyle has been appointed as Retirement Commissioner, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer has announced.

Cameron Brewer says Mr Boyle has had a strong focus on retirement savings during his extensive experience in the public and private sectors.

“He played a key role in establishing KiwiSaver at ING and is currently the general manager of KiwiSaver at Fisher Funds.

“With our much-loved Baby Boomers now somewhere between 62 and 80 years of age, issues around retirement savings and caring for our seniors are only growing in prominence. Likewise, the role of the Retirement Commissioner continues to increase in importance.

“Mr Boyle has also previously worked at the Retirement Commission with a focus on improving financial wellbeing, monitoring of retirement villages, and leading the initial development of the Commission’s ‘Sorted in Schools’ financial education programme.

“This experience makes him ideally placed to advise the Government on retirement income policy issues and to champion the steps all New Zealanders should be taking to secure a comfortable retirement.”

Mr Boyle is currently chair of children’s charity Stand Tū Māia, has chaired Ngāi Tahu investment scheme Whai Rawa Funds Limited, and was a board member for youth songwriting charity Play it Strange. His career in the financial sector includes senior banking roles, and he is a regular media commentator on financial issues.

Mr Boyle has been appointed for a three-year term, starting on 18 May.

Mr Brewer also acknowledged outgoing commissioner Jane Wrightson, who will step down after six years in the role.

“I would like to thank Ms Wrightson for her leadership and commitment. Over her two terms as commissioner, she has been a steadfast advocate for better financial capability and retirement outcomes for New Zealanders.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Inspector Scott Miller:

A second person has tragically died in Waikato Hospital following a crash on Wairere Drive, Hamilton.

The crash involved a car, with four people inside, and a truck on Wairere Drive near Pukete around 2.30pm on Monday.

One person died at the scene and three others were taken to hospital.

One of those people tragically died in hospital overnight. Two others remain in a serious condition.

Police extend their condolences to the families of all of those involved.

We would also like to thank the members of the public who came to the aid of those who were injured and assisted at the scene.

Investigations are currently underway into the cause of the crash.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Cutting red tape to speed up medicinal cannabis export licensing is growing the export industry in New Zealand, Associate Health Minister David Seymour says. 

For licences issued by Medsafe since 1 January 2026, the average timeframe to issuing a licence is 6.4 working days. The average timeframe for the 2024/2025 year was 10 working days. 

“This matters to Kiwi exporters. It means product is moving quicker and cashflow is improving. New Zealand companies are becoming more reliable trading partners overseas,” Mr Seymour says. 

“A license is required for every shipment of medicinal cannabis exported from New Zealand. I heard from one exporter that their first export license in 2023 took 155 days. Their most recent application was completed this year in 8.  When Medsafe process export licenses faster, more applications are made.”

Applications for an export license and the average processing times: 

• 2022/2023: 26 applications; 22.5 working days
• 2023/2024: 48 applications; 17.8 working days
• 2024/2025: 65 applications; 10.0 working days 

“I expect those numbers to continue to improve. Last year Medsafe reviewed the licensing regime for the export of medicinal cannabis. Now they are in the process of implementing changes to make the process even faster,” Mr Seymour says. 

“For example, previously the export application form was made to print off, complete in handwriting, scan, and email to Medsafe. Feedback was that this was outdated and inefficient. Now it’s moving to an electronic form which can be completed online. The two most prominent exporters have started trialling the new process, and their feedback will inform future changes.

“We need to get money into the country. Not everybody likes this stuff, but there’s a market for it.  Export volumes of cannabis flower increased from 49.0kg in 2021, to 2310.3kg in 2025. 

“The Government is also looking at giving exporters more permanent licences to reduce red tape and bureaucracy. Vendors are required to hold a medicinal cannabis licence, and must also apply to Medsafe for a controlled drug export licence for each shipment. Officials have said there may be an option to consider a broader or enduring export licence across multiple consignments.

“On top of this, we’ve made it easier for growers of low‑THC hemp to operate by modernising outdated legislation. Medicinal cannabis cultivators will soon be able to grow low‑THC plants without a licence, allowing more of the plant to be used to make medicinal cannabis products. For growers this means new opportunities.”