Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch, Wellington Area Investigations Manager:

Police continue to investigate the death of Abdulhassan Nabizadah, a year on from when he was critically injured on Camperdown Road, Miramar.

Mr Nabizadah was assaulted and robbed around 12.30am on 17 March 2025, in what Police believe was part of a premeditated attack.

The offenders, who stole nothing more than his car keys, then callously left him bleeding and unconscious on the footpath.

No one has yet been held responsible for his killing, and police are committed to continue their pursuit of justice for the Nabizadah family.

The investigation team has gathered a significant amount of information and believe they know who is involved.

We know the people responsible will have talked about the death with friends and family.

We ask those people tell us what they have heard. Any information, no matter how small may make the difference for investigators.

Mr Nabizadah has been described as a gentle, caring man, and his family continue to grieve their loss of him. It is not too late to provide Mr Nabizadah’s family with answers – if you know something, we encourage you to speak with us.

If you have any information that could assist the Operation Celtic investigation team, please get in touch with us online through 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number 250317/6324, or reference Operation Celtic.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are seeking the public’s help to locate the 65-year-old, who was last seen in Saint John’s yesterday afternoon.

She has brown hair and was last seen wearing a white patterned t-shirt and black leggings.

Police, and her family, have concerned for her wellbeing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police as soon as possible.

If you have seen Jane, please contact Police on 111 or 105 or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking Update Report.

Please use reference number: 260316/7192.

ENDS.

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Green Party

Finance Minister Nicola Willis today announced no new support for families hit by the fuel crisis.

“Nicola Willis pulled together a press conference to announce that there is no new support on the way for families, despite it costing $23 more than normal to fill an average petrol car and $36 more to fill a diesel vehicle,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.

“Governments across the world are taking steps to support their citizens while our government has no answers on providing relief to everyday New Zealanders.

“They instead ask you to tighten your belts even more.

“People are facing huge price increases, and the Finance Minister has said ‘I have not taken recommendations to Cabinet and I have not considered specific responses.’

“Many people are already struggling with the daily cost of living. Instead of coming with a plan to alleviate hardship, the Finance Minister has nothing on the table to give the support that is needed.

“New Zealanders are looking for a plan. They want to understand what will happen and when as the fuel crisis intensifies. Willis has nothing to give them. 

“This crisis has also exposed a deeper failure in the Government’s long-term planning.

“They cancelled the Clean Car Discount, weakened the Clean Car Standard, hiked public transport fares and are locking in further exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices with their LNG terminal.”

“We need real actions that help regular people hurting from these price increases, and a serious plan to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels so the next crisis does not hit families just as hard,” says Davidson.

Source: New Zealand Government

Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced the end of night closures on State Highway 35, restoring 24-hour access to the important East Coast route following severe weather events at the start of the year.

“Crews have been working since the end of January to restore access after the road was hit by heavy rainfall and large slips, above and under the road”, Mr Bishop says. 

“Until now, the stretch of SH35 between Hicks Bay and Te Araroa has only been open between 7am and 7pm, while the Potaka to Hicks Bay stretch was opened around the clock last week. 

“The rate of progress on SH35 between January and now is testament to the hard work of NZTA crews, many of whom are local and have been personally affected by the road closures too.

“To reach this milestone, crews have removed around 25,000 cubic metres of material – the equivalent of over 750 shipping containers – from the largest slip at Punaruku, installed additional drainage, and laid a new road surface.

“While the road will be open 24 hours a day, people still need to drive with caution, as there will be multiple work sites and temporary traffic management and reduced speeds. There’s no sugar coating it. SH35 suffered extensive damage in January and work will be continuing for some time. Drivers must take care, especially at night.

“This week has also seen work start on the retaining wall at the 40m high Waikura under slip. It’s important we make this site more resilient, and the retaining wall will be an important part of that work.

“I extend my thanks to the community for their continued patience while we continue work on this important state highway.”

Source: New Zealand Government

A Bill is being introduced today to reform alcohol laws as part of the Government’s work to unleash New Zealanders and businesses from the stranglehold of red tape and support economic growth, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee and Regulation Minister David Seymour say.

“Alcohol is a legal product that the vast majority of New Zealanders consume responsibly. But over time the law regulating it has become increasingly complex, bureaucratic, and disconnected from the harms it is supposed to address,” says Mrs McKee.

“The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill is a necessary correction to make the licensing process fairer, make it easier to host events, and cut a heap of other red tape affecting everything from hairdressers to major concerts. 

“Allowing licensed premises to remain open to televise significant events outside their normal licensed hours is a good example of how these changes will give people more freedom to enjoy their lives and provide significant benefits to the hospitality sector.

“What previously required campaigns by David Seymour for law changes in 2015, 2019, and 2023 for the Rugby World Cup will soon be able to be done by the Governor-General following a recommendation from the responsible Minister, without the need for any legislative change.”

Regulation Minister David Seymour says the changes make substantial improvements to the law that will later be complemented by the Ministry for Regulation’s review into the hospitality sector. 

“The hospitality sector supports tens of thousands of jobs and contributes billions of dollars to our economy across hospitality, tourism, retail, manufacturing, and events,” says Seymour.

“The Ministry for Regulation is currently engaging with the sector on how we can make life easier for businesses. Already we’re seeing opportunities for practical improvements that reduce unnecessary compliance, improve consistency, and make the system easier to understand and operate within.

“In a free society adults should be trusted to make their own choices. The role of the law is to target harm, not to micromanage responsible behaviour.

“Among many great changes, I’m pleased to see this Bill adopts the recommendation of the Hairdressing and Barbering Regulatory Review to allow those businesses to serve their customers a drink without having to go through an excessive licensing process.

“We know there are additional changes the hospitality sector would like to see and many of these will be recommended following the Ministry for Regulation’s review.”

The sector will also have an opportunity to propose additional changes during the select committee process.

Key changes in the Bill include:

• Limiting objections to licence applications or renewals to only those living or working in the same council area, or within 1 kilometre of the proposed licensed premises.
• Giving licence applicants a right of reply to licensing objections to ensure a fairer process.
• Preventing licence renewals from being declined solely because a local alcohol policy has changed.
• Allowing clubs to apply for on-licences if they wish to serve the wider public.
• Allowing certain restaurants with on-site retail areas to sell alcohol for customers to take home.
• Streamlining special licence requirements to make it easier to host events.
• Creating a permanent mechanism allowing licensed premises to open and serve alcohol outside licensed hours to televise major events such as the Rugby World Cup.
• Exempting hairdressers and barbers from needing an on-licence to supply their customers a limited amount of alcohol such as a beer, glass of wine, or gin and tonic.
• Extending cellar door tasting provisions beyond wineries so other producers such as breweries and distilleries can charge for tastings without needing an on-licence.
• Allowing licensed premises to meet their legal obligations by stocking either low-alcohol or zero-alcohol drinks.
• Clarifying responsibilities for rapid alcohol delivery services to ensure alcohol is not delivered to underage or intoxicated persons.

Notes to editor:

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill is expected to be available on Parliament’s website later today.

A detailed explainer of the key policy changes is attached.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police Organised Crime Detectives from Marlborough and Canterbury have arrested two people after executing search warrants in relation to the sale and supply of methamphetamine.

Detective Sergeant Dean Schroder from the Tasman Organised Crime Unit said the search warrants were undertaken at properties in Riverlands near Blenheim and Belfast in Christchurch.

“We had the Armed Offenders Squad supporting us in the execution of the search warrants, with staff coming in from both Marlborough and Canterbury Police districts,” said Detective Sergeant Schroder.

Police located packaged methamphetamine, cash, and utensils for consuming the class A drug.

Two men, aged 34 and 57, have been jointly charged with conspiracy to supply and supplying methamphetamine.

The 34-year-old was already on bail for methamphetamine charges and now faces new charges including possession of methamphetamine for supply, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of cannabis and possession of equipment for consuming methamphetamine and cannabis.

The 57-year-old will be appearing in Christchurch District Court today, with the 34-year-old remaining in Police custody to appear in the Blenheim District Court tomorrow.

“The investigation was a success and we’re pleased with the dedication and commitment of the staff involved in Marlborough and Canterbury for holding the men to account.

“We’ll continue to investigate drug supply and distribution in the South Island and will work to track down other offenders.

“If you have information on how drugs are made and distributed in Marlborough and Canterbury, you’re urged to contact Police.

“Call 111 if it’s happening now, or 105 if it’s after the fact. You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111,” said Detective Sergeant Schroder.

Police are not ruling out further charges and enquiries are ongoing in relation to the investigation.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Gisborne Police have charged two men in relation to the murder of Bill Maangi late last year.

Mr Maangi died in hospital after being shot in the early hours of 29 September 2025, at an address on Ormond Road. Between 9 December and 11 December 2025, Police arrested four people in relation to the homicide.

Police have now laid further charges against two of those people. A 25-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Mr Maangi, and a 28-year-old man has been charged with party to murder.

Eastern District Criminal Investigations Manager Detective Inspector Marty James extends his appreciation to all those involved in the investigation.

“I commend the team for all their hard work throughout this investigation and would also like to thank the public who responded to our appeals and assisted with necessary information.

“While this does not change the devastating loss that Mr Maangi’s family are coping with, I hope that holding these people to account will bring them some sort of closure,” Detective Inspector James says.

Both men are due to appear in Gisborne District Court on 27 March. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  16 March 2026

The juvenile dolphin was reported to DOC by a member of the public on Thursday 26 February and taken to Massey University for a necropsy to try and understand what happened to it.

The dolphin was gifted the name Māui Pōtiki from mana whenua, derived from the karakia Pai Mārire. The remains have been returned to Ngaa Iwi o Te Puaha o Waikato and were buried over the weekend. Mana whenua invited DOC to take part in the burial proceedings alongside multiple whaanau from Ngaa iwi o Te Puaha o Waikato.

DOC senior marine technical advisor Anton van Helden says unfortunately, the remains were severely decomposed which meant the necropsy could not definitively determine a cause of death.

“As well as a physical examination, tissue samples were examined under the microscope to try and see whether there was any evidence of disease. The severe decomposition meant this was inconclusive.”

An initial assessment had noted some criss-cross patterned cut marks on the dolphin’s body. International experts were consulted and did not think they were caused by a fishing net. They suggested a possible cause could be from the dolphin washing back and forth over shellfish beds.

Anton says, “we know there’s been speculation these marks were caused by entanglement, however international experts reviewed the marks, and agreed they did not look like they were caused by a net.

“Experts noted the shape, depth and irregular distances between cuts, absence of visible knot marks – which are normally present after entanglement – and the angle which the cuts crossed at.

“There are many reasons this dolphin may have died, including toxoplasmosis or other disease and separation from its mother. Unfortunately, due to the severe decomposition, we don’t know in this case.”

Results from genetic testing is still pending. The two sub-species of dolphin (Māui and Hector’s) look so similar they can’t be identified without a genetic test – but based on the location it’s likely to be a critically endangered Māui dolphin. At the last survey there were just an estimated 48 to 64 individuals left.

Anton says every dolphin counts and DOC tries to find the cause of death for any deceased Māui or Hector’s dolphin that’s found, to learn more about the threats facing the species.

“Given how rare these small dolphins are, we need to try and learn anything we can, to better understand the threats facing these iconic dolphins, which are found only here in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Spokesperson says anyone out naturing on our coasts who sees a dead dolphin is asked to call it in to DOC as soon as possible, with an accurate location, so we can collect it quicky.

“The sooner we can get to the animal, the better condition it will be in for necropsy which means we will learn more from it. Every hour is critical.”

People out naturing on the water can also help by reporting any sightings using the SeaSpotter app or through DOC’s online: Marine mammal sighting form. Māui and Hector’s dolphins can be identified by their distinctive rounded dorsal fin, which looks a bit like one of Mickey Mouse’s ears.

“If you see a rounded fin, please call it in. Sightings from the public, especially off the west coast of the North Island from Maunganui Bluff to Whanganui, help us learn more about the Māui dolphin.”

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

A stolen vehicle spotted travelling at speed through Papakura last night caught the eye of Police.

At about 11.45pm, officers noticed a Subaru travelling an excessive speed on Beach Road towards Chichester Drive.

Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says a Police Camera Operator became aware of the job and observed the vehicle as it continued on State Highway 1 near Ramarama.

“The vehicle has then exited at Razorback Road where the Police helicopter has been able to monitor its movements to Tuakau Bridge where it parked outside a rural address.

“Officers quickly took four people at the address into custody and the vehicle was recovered.”

Inspector Hoyes says this was great work by officers who persevered when losing sight of the stolen vehicle.

“We would also like to remind people to remain vigilant and make sure their vehicles and property are kept safe and secure.

“Any suspicious or concerning activity should be reported to Police immediately on 111.”

An 18-year-old has been charged with burglary and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and will appear in Pukekohe District Court at a later date.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police is seeking information on the whereabouts of Nigel Edwards who is wanted to arrest.

The 41-year-old man is wanted in connection with a firearms incident in Papakura on 8 March 2026.

Police have made a number of enquiries to locate Edwards in the past week.

Edwards is actively avoiding Police, and the public should consider him dangerous. Do not approach him.

If you sight Edwards, call Police on 111.

Information on his whereabouts can also be provided to Police via 105 using the reference number 260308/7975.

You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police