Category: MIL-OSI

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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.

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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.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

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Attributable to Sergeant Anna Plowman:

Police are urging the public to prepare for the worst before heading outdoors this long holiday period following two land rescues in the Kaimai Ranges.

The first call for help came around 3.30pm on Friday 18 April, when Police were notified of two people having not returned from their hike.

The pair were located at around 7pm near a river that had flooded and blocked their exit.

Police kept in contact with the pair overnight before Search and Rescue, and Swift Water Rescue teams assisted them in getting back home safe the next day.

On Monday 21 April at around 6.45pm, Police were called to an area near Rataroa Stream where a hiker got stuck while walking a four hour hike. The person was located around two hours later.

Although we are pleased to have provided a swift response in both these incidents and help the three people return home safe, these incidents are a reminder to the public to prepare for any situation that may arise.

New Zealand’s environment and weather can be unpredictable, and with the recent wet weather, our rivers and streams are flooded, fast flowing, and high. It will take a few days for the rivers to return back to normal levels once the rain has completely stopped.

Your safety is your responsibility in the outdoors, by preparing for the worst-case scenario, you can enjoy your trip knowing you will be okay if anything goes wrong.

Even the most experienced people can get caught up in situations where they need assistance, and any day trip has the potential to turn into an overnight situation.

If you are going outdoors, no matter if it is hiking, hunting, or climbing, please follow the five simple steps of the Land Safety Code,

1. Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it. It is important to choose a trip that suits everyone in your group. When you are looking at options, make sure to think about everyone’s fitness levels and experience in the outdoors.
2. Understand the weather. New Zealand weather can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed. Weather can make or break a trip. It is one of the most important things to consider when going into the outdoors.
3. Park warm clothes and extra food. Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out. Any trip, even if it is short and easy, need preparation. Packing the right things can make trips safer and more enjoyable.
4. Share your plans and take ways to get help. Telling a trusted person about your trip details and taking a personal locator beacon can save your life. We all want our trips to go as planned – but sometimes they don’t. If you get hurt or lost on your trip, how would you get help?
5. Take care of yourself and each other. East, drink, and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together. The best way to enjoy your experience in the outdoors and make it home safely is to look out for one another.

Distress beacons can be hired for as little as $10 from many Department of Conservation Visitor Centres, and outdoor tramping and hunting stores.

If you have purchased a beacon, make sure to register it at www.beacons.org.nz.

For more information on outdoor safety, helpful free resources and videos, head to Know Before You Go – AdventureSmart – NZ Search & Rescue Council | AdventureSmart.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

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Police can confirm one person has died following a crash on Waipapa Road, Mangakino earlier today.

The two-vehicle crash was reported just after 4pm.

One person died at the scene, two others have been seriously injured.

The road remains closed, motorists are advised to avoid the area.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

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A person has died in an incident involving a farm vehicle on a property near Taupo.

Emergency services were called to the address on State Highway 5 at Wairakei shortly after 3:30pm yesterday (Saturday).

On arrival, they sadly located one person deceased.

WorkSafe was to be notified.

The death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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Attributable to Kawerau Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Al Fenwick:

A 30-year-old man has been taken into custody following an incident in Kawerau this morning.

About 2.50am, a person attempted to gain entry to the Kawerau Police Station, where an officer was inside, by smashing windows and attempting to smash a glass door.

The offender did not gain entry to the station and left the area in a vehicle.

A pickaxe was located nearby.

After making a number of enquiries, Police identified a suspect, whom they located at an address in the Cobham Drive area.

Police cordoned the area, and the Armed Offenders Squad took the man into custody without further incident, just after 6.25am.

All cordons in the area have been lifted.

A 30-year-old local man appeared in the Whakatāne District Court today, charged with intentional damage, and possession of an offensive weapon.

I would like to commend our attending staff for their rapid response to this incident, and for taking the alleged offender into custody quickly.

We would like to thank the Kawerau community for their cooperation and understanding while we resolved this incident.

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Issued by the Police Media Centre

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

A third person has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of 52-year-old Michael Tokona in Kawerau on 26 February.

A 15-year-old male is appearing in Whakatane Youth Court this afternoon.

This comes as a second 15-year-old male, and a 21-year-old male, are also before the courts for murder, after being arrested in recent weeks.

We are pleased to have been able to progress this matter and hold people to account.

The trio are expected to reappear in the High Court at Tauranga on 30 April.

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Issued by the Police Media Centre

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Police are appealing for information about another vehicle in relation to the murder of Kyle Whorrall in St Johns over Easter Weekend.

The vehicle, a silver 2004 Mitsubishi Grandis, registration GNG652, is believed to be connected to people Police would like to speak to.

We believe they have crucial information to share with us about the events surrounding Kyle’s tragic death.

The vehicle may have travelled to Northland in recent days.

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin is asking those occupants to make contact with Police as soon as possible.

“These people of interest could have the information we are looking for that will help us understand why Kyle was killed.

“We know they are likely feeling apprehensive about speaking with us, but we are asking them come forward as soon as possible. It is time to do the right thing.

“If you have any information about this vehicle or the people involved, we also want to hear from you.

“We will be continuing to carry out our enquiries to locate this vehicle and the people with it as a matter of urgency.”

If you have any information, please contact Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250419/9858, Operation Aberfeldy.

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

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Issued by Police Media Centre

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Police are seeking information on the whereabouts of Julie Butler, who is missing from Aotea/Great Barrier Island.

The 55-year-old usually lives aboard her yacht the ‘Blazing Shadz’, moored in Kaiaraara Bay.

Police were notified by a partner agency about concerns for Julie on 4 April.

Local Police enquiries were hampered by the adverse weather conditions on the island at the time. However, on 7 April it was confirmed Blazing Shadz was not moored in its usual location.

Enquiries have been ongoing since this time, including with the Police Maritime Unit and Coastguard.

Police have also made enquiries with nearby harbour masters that Julie has frequented, including Whangārei.

Police have also been making extensive enquiries with Julie’s friends, whānau and other partner agencies.

To date we have been unable to locate Julie or her vessel Blazing Shadz.

Police are seeking information from the public to assist these enquiries as there are ongoing welfare concerns for Julie.

Please contact 105 using the reference number 250404/8311 if you have any information about Julie or the vessel so that we can reunite Julie with her family.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Media note: Police are also releasing a photo of the yacht ‘Blazing Shadz’.

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Five duffle bags stacked with bricks of cocaine valued at close to $30 million have been unpacked at a Mount Wellington business.

Yesterday afternoon Police were called to the Carbine Road premises after a worker unloading a shipping container of building materials located the bags.

Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill, of Auckland City CIB, says more than 75 packages of cocaine wrapped in cellophane were located in the duffle bags.

“An investigation between Police and Customs is now under way following yesterday’s seizure.

“The joint investigation will focus on the movements of the container and its eventual destination,” he says.

“What we do know is that the container transited through Central America in late March 2025 on its way to New Zealand.

“Cocaine is a highly addictive drug and causes a concerning level of harm in our communities.

“This is a significant find and will put a noticeable dent in the availability of this illegal drug in the district and the harm caused by it.”

Customs’ Acting Investigations Manager, Rachael Manning says: “Customs is committed to working in collaboration with Police to play our part in preventing drugs from reaching our communities, where they cause significant social harm.

“We will continue to provide intelligence and investigative support to our Police partners to identify and hold those responsible to account.”

No arrests have been made and at this stage Police are not releasing any further details as investigations remain ongoing.

If you have any information that may assist Police in identifying and locating those involved in the supply of drugs or organised criminal groups you can report information to the Police via 105 if it’s after the fact or 111 if it is happening now.

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police