Source: New Zealand Police
One person has died following a house fire in Sydenham this afternoon.
Police were called to assist Fire and Emergency New Zealand at the Korimako Lane property around 4pm.
One person was transported to hospital in critical condition, where they sadly passed away.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the fire are ongoing.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Tauranga Direct Road, Hamurana, Rotorua, is closed following a serious crash this evening.
The two-vehicle crash occurred around 5.30pm, between Hamurana Road and Te Waerenga Road.
Several people have been injured.
The Serious Crash Unit have been advised and the road is expected to remain closed while emergency services work at the scene.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
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Source: New Zealand Police
Police can confirm the name of the man who died following a water-related incident in Mahia on Sunday 11 January.
He was 69-year-old Peter Reece Walker, from Mahia.
Our thoughts are with those close to him at this time.
The death has been referred to the Coroner.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
An earlier release stated the fatal crash on Taihape-Napier Road involved two vehicles and a pedestrian.
This is incorrect, the crash involved one vehicle and a pedestrian.
We ask media to please update their stories to reflect this.
We apologise for any confusion caused.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now release the name of the woman who died following a water-related incident in Okitu on Monday 12 January.
She was 42-year-old Sandie Lee Reihana, from Kaiti, Gisborne.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.
The death has been referred to the Coroner.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Bay of Plenty Police are seeing a concerning increase of nitrous oxide use while driving.
Police are aware of some people illegitimately using small sliver cannisters while driving, putting all road users at significant risk.
Inhaling nitrous oxide can cause euphoria and dissociation, among other side effects. Whilst these effects are generally short term, they seriously impact a person’s capability to drive and make cognitive decisions.
At 3pm on Wednesday 7 January, a Rotorua driver was stopped after a member of the public observed the driver inhaling from a balloon on Te Ngae Road.
The vehicle was followed and stopped by police shortly after. The 18-year-old driver has been charged with dangerous driving and was forbidden to drive.
Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Bay of Plenty Road Policing Manager, says it’s extremely concerning behaviour.
“The effects might be temporary, but there is no margin for error when you’re driving tonnes of metal around. If you black out while you’re driving then you’re likely to kill or maim yourself, your passengers, or some other innocent person – why would you want to take that risk?
“Nitrous oxide, or any drugs or alcohol have no place in your system if you’re driving. Police are investigating a number of serious crashes – including fatal crashes on behalf of the Coroner – across New Zealand where huffing nitrous oxide, or ‘nangs’ is a potential contributor, including in the Bay of Plenty.”
In just October last year there was widespread publicity about a number of avoidable deaths as a result of young people driving while significantly impaired by nitrous oxide.
You can find out more about nitrous oxide and its effects here.
“If you see someone inhaling from balloons or similar items while driving, call 111 immediately.
“You could save a life,” says Inspector Gillbanks.
“If you have any information concerning the illegal sale of nitrous oxide, or anywhere this is being sold for other than its intended purpose, please notify Police via our 105 service.”
If you’re concerned about your own drinking or drug taking, you can reach out to the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, or text 8681.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
A person has died following a crash in Rangitikei this morning.
The crash on Taihape-Napier Road, involving two vehicles and a pedestrian, was reported just after 11:20am.
The pedestrian died at the scene. The drivers of the two vehicles involved sustained moderate to serious injuries.
Taihape-Napier Road remains closed near Comet Road while a scene examination is conducted.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
A person has died following a crash in Rangitikei this morning.
The crash on Taihape-Napier Road, involving two vehicles and a pedestrian, was reported just after 11:20am.
The pedestrian died at the scene. The drivers of the two vehicles involved sustained moderate to serious injuries.
Taihape-Napier Road remains closed near Comet Road while a scene examination is conducted.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police have made two additional arrests in connection with a 2023 homicide investigation in Pt England.
Operation Pastel investigated the murder of 32-year-old Charles Pongi after he was shot on 5 August 2023 at Taurima Reserve.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, of Auckland City CIB, says two men were arrested today in the Auckland region.
“These two men were identified as part of the Operation Pastel investigation and have jointly been charged with murder over the death of Mr Pongi,” he says.
A 28-year-old man appeared earlier today in the Auckland District Court and has been remanded in custody to reappear in the Auckland High Court on 4 February 2026.
A 25-year-old man is due to appear in the Auckland District Court this afternoon.
This man also faces a charge of presenting a firearm.
Detective Inspector Baldwin says four men were convicted and sentenced for Mr Pongi’s murder late last year.
“We’re pleased to have laid further charges in this investigation,” he says.
“I’m unable to comment further at this time with the court process ongoing for these two men, as well as a 21-year-old man who will be subject of a re-trial later this year.”
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Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
State Highway 20 is down to one lane due to a rubbish fire in the left west bound lane near the Lambie Drive offramp.
The fire was reported to Police at 2.17pm, after a rubbish truck spilled its load onto the lanes, which was on fire.
Smoke from the fire is also affecting the Lambie Drive offramp, with visibility impacted.
The lane will be closed for some time while the debris is cleared.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and expect delays.
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Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police