Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Six members of the Mataura Mongrel Mob have today been found guilty for a number of serious assaults and kidnapping in Southland in 2022.

Operation Pakari was a complex, detailed investigation by Southland Police into violent offending across several months.

Inspector Mike Bowman says the first incident, in late January 2022, spurred further offences in the form of drive-by shootings, and violent assaults which left people with critical injuries.

The termination of the operation in June 2023 resulted in 21 people being put before the courts on a range of charges.

Due to a number of factors, six defendants went on trial in Christchurch on 1 July 2025 on a total of 12 charges, including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, kidnapping, and injuring with intent to injure.

“I’m incredibly pleased that the thorough investigation by our staff has resulted in convictions in court, meaning those responsible for this offending will be held to account.”

“The victims of these assaults were members of the Mongrel Mob, and in most cases were uncooperative with Police,” Inspector Bowman says.

“This was a very complex, difficult investigation and the prosecution of this group has been one of the more challenging cases for Southland Police in recent times.

“This investigation is testament to the fact that everyone can expect to be held to account for violent offending, no matter who you are or who the victims are.”

Inspector Bowman says Southland Police are also very proud of the work done within the community before, during, and after this investigation.

“Our role at the time of these arrests was to help ensure that Whanau and household members directly impacted by the arrests were well-supported,” he says.

“This involved working alongside our partner agencies to provide them the ongoing support they needed, and to help ensure any further harm and offending was minimised.”

This work is still ongoing, in the form of the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) programme, which was launched in Southland in 2023.

It brings together a range of agencies such as mana whenua, NGO providers, community representatives, Police, and those with lived experience of harm from organised crime.

Other matters in relation to this operation are still before the courts.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Southland Police are encouraging fans heading to the Southland Stags vs Otago rugby clash on Saturday, 2 August, to enjoy the evening responsibly and look after one another.

With a strong turnout expected at Rugby Park, Police will be actively patrolling both the stadium and surrounding areas throughout the evening. Our goal is to support a safe, fun, and family-friendly environment for all attendees.

“We want everyone to have a great time and support our team on Stags Day,” says Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Melanie Robertson. “That means keeping alcohol consumption within reason, having a plan to get home safely, and looking out for your mates.”

Police remind attendees to:

• Drink responsibly – know your limits and pace yourself.
• Have a transport plan – arrange a sober driver, use public transport, or book a taxi.
• Look after your mates – stay together and check in on each other.
• Be respectful – to other fans, staff, and emergency services.

Disorderly behaviour won’t be tolerated, and Police will be on hand to ensure everyone can enjoy the game in a safe and positive atmosphere.

Let’s make it a night to remember for all the right reasons. Go the Stags!

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Inspector Craig Brown, Southern District Road Policing Manager:

Southern Police are urging drivers to take extra care on the roads over the next few days.

We have had a number of frosts in consecutive days across the south, and more icy conditions are expected in the coming days.

There are several areas where black ice has formed, and we are asking people to be cautious so that they reach their destination safely.

Surface conditions are dangerous, especially in shaded areas and on bridge decks/surfaces.

Icy roads are unforgiving, especially here in the South where we deal with some of the most intense winter conditions in the country.

Make sure you check weather conditions, and the NZTA Journey Planner, before you set out, and plan extra time for your travel.

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Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Regan Boucher:

Police are investigating a reported burglary and wilful damage in Queenstown and are appealing for information from the public.

The burglary is thought to have occurred between 8pm Friday 18 July and 8am Saturday 19 July.

It is believed the offender has entered a number of properties on Omeara Street, Frankton and caused significant damage to the properties.

Initial indications suggest there has been in excess of $750,000 worth of damage during the incident.

Police are making enquiries to identify and locate those responsible.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage in the Omeara Street area.

If you have any information that may assist in our enquiries, please contact Police on 105.

Please use the reference number 250719/1583.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a two-vehicle crash today, south of Waitahuna.

Emergency services were called to the crash on Manuka Gorge Highway, about 4:50pm.

Sadly, one person died at the scene, while another person sustained serious injuries.

Police are providing support to the next of kin.

The Serious Crash Unit has carried out a scene examination and enquiries into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the person who was located deceased on a boat on Lake Manapouri on Sunday night (20 July).

He was 60-year-old Richard Charles Murrell, from Invercargill.

Our thoughts remain with his loved ones at this difficult time.

Police are continuing to make enquiries into the circumstances of the death, on behalf of the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Inspector Mike Bowman, Southland Area Commander:

Police are investigating after a boating fatality on Lake Manapouri overnight.

Police were advised around 7:20pm on Sunday night that two experienced fishers had failed to return from a fishing trip on the lake, and had also failed to check in on the radio.

Marine radios were utilised and area enquiries were made, and a local helicopter was utilised to search for the boat.

The helicopter located the boat around 12:30am in Safe Cove, and the two men were on board.

One was deceased, and the other was in serious condition and treated at hospital where he is recovering well.

Police are investigating the series of events before the pair was discovered.

Enquiries will be made by Police on behalf of the Coroner in relation to the deceased, and Police’s sincere condolences go out to their family and loved ones.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Following their noses at a bail check led to Invercargill Police sniffing out three arrests, drugs and drug paraphernalia, and thousands of dollars in cash.

Officers were conducting a routine bail check at an Invercargill address shortly after midnight, and when an occupant of the address opened the door, officers were met with a strong smell of cannabis.

A warrantless search was then initiated under the Search and Surveillance Act 2012.

As a result of the search Police located drug utensils, a knuckleduster, small quantities of cannabis and methamphetamine, and around $12,000 in cash.

Inspector Mike Bowman, Southland Area Commander, says this was excellent work by his staff and proves the value of routine police work like bail checks.

“This started as a routine visit to a property for a bail check, but resulted in the arrest of two gang members and a gang prospect.

“To recover the drugs and other items as well is a real bonus, and a reminder to those who commit offences that Police will hold you to account.”

The three men – aged 28, 29 and 45 years old – have been arrested on driving, weapons, and drug charges. Further enquiries are continuing.

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Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who died after a crash on State Highway 8 on 4 July.

He was Yung Oon Chong, 31, from Singapore.

Police offer our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Hawke’s Bay Area Commander Detective Inspector Martin James:

A woman is before the courts following an incident resulting in a hospital and nearby schools to be put into lockdown in Hastings.

Police were called to Hawke’s Bay Hospital at 1.20pm on Wednesday 23 July, after a report of a person possibly in possession of a firearm.

The hospital and nearby schools were put into lockdown as a precaution while Police made enquiries.

Incidents like this are taken seriously by Police, and no firearm was located in this matter.

Regardless, incidents like this cause major disruption to the health system and cause anxiety to many members of the public.

A 21-year-old woman is due to reappear in Hastings District Court on 4 August, charged with threats of harm to people or property.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre