Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood, West Coast Search and Rescue:

The search for a person reportedly swept out to sea in Greymouth is set to continue today.

Search efforts yesterday included aerial searches of the shoreline between Charleston and Ross, and were hampered by rough sea conditions.

At this stage, the person is yet to be located.

Enquiries to identify the person, and whether the kayak is linked to them, remain ongoing.

A rāhui is in place along the coastline, between Charleston and Ross until further notice.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Canterbury Police remind motorists that drink driving is never worth the risk.

If you’re heading out to enjoy an event, a gathering, or a night with friends, plan a sober ride home for your safety, and for everyone else on the road.

Over the weekend, several well‑attended events were held across rural Canterbury, including at the Lincoln Domain on Saturday evening and in Waipara on Sunday.

Senior Sergeant Rachel Walker says Police were pleased that the events were largely trouble‑free, but that it was disappointing to see that some drivers still chose to consume alcohol and then get behind the wheel.

“These decisions put themselves, their passengers and other road users at serious risk.”

Police commend the many motorists who made the right call by arranging safe transport and driving responsibly but have seen enough when it comes to impaired driving.

“The consequences of crashes caused by alcohol or drugs are devastating,” says Senior Sergeant Walker.

“For whānau, communities and for the emergency responders who attend them.

“Our staff will continue to maintain a strong presence on the roads to educate drivers and prevent harm.

“We see the damage so we’re unapologetic about prevention.”

With several major events coming up, including Supercars, Super Rugby fixtures and two busy long weekends with Easter and ANZAC Day, Police urge everyone to plan before heading out.

“If you’re drinking or using drugs, legal or illegal, don’t drive.

“Choose a sober driver. Call a taxi. Use public transport. Stay the night.

“One decision can save a life.” 

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown:

Police have today summonsed a 35-year-old woman in relation to the death of four-year-old Timothy Rolleston, following a dog attack in Katakati in March 2025.

The woman faces a charge of owning a dog that causes death to a person.

She is due to appear in the New Plymouth District Court on Monday 16 March.

Timothy’s family have been notified of this outcome.

Our thoughts remain with them, and we continue to offer them the necessary support.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

All lanes have now reopened following an earlier crash on the Waikato Expressway.

One person was transported to hospital in a serious condition following the single vehicle crash on State Highway 1, Mercer.

Three other people sustained minor to moderate injuries.

Police would like to thank motorists for their patience and understanding while the scene was cleared.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Minister of Health Casey Costello has today announced Ms Erin James’ appointment as Aged Care Commissioner. 

The Aged Care Commissioner sits within the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner, and advocates for quality health and disability services, and ensures the health system responds to the needs of older people.

“The appointment of Ms James as Aged Care Commissioner comes at a time when we are doing work across the aged care system to improve how care is designed and delivered”, Ms Costello says.  

“We need a system that provides the right care at the right time and place, that allows for better transitions between types of care, and that is sustainable”.

Ms James is currently the Director of Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) team at the Office of the Ombudsman.

She has been appointed for a five-year term, beginning on 7 April 2026.  

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Tararua Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Carey Williamson: 

Manawatū Police are appealing for information following a burglary in Dannevirke last week.

On Friday 6 March, around 11.40pm, Police were called with a report that a burglary was in progress at a store on High Street.

Officers responded immediately, however the offenders had already fled the scene – taking with them a large amount of alcohol and cigarettes, as well as an amount of cash.

A scene guard was in place overnight and a scene examination was carried out early Saturday morning.

Enquiries are ongoing, however, Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the High Street area, between 11pm and midnight last Friday, and may have witnessed the incident, or any suspicious behaviour.

Additionally, anyone travelling in that area, around the same time, with dashcam footage is urged to get in touch so that we may be able to review that footage.

Information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, referencing file number 260307/3053.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 – referencing the same file number.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Motorists are being advised to expect delays following a serious crash on the Waikato Expressway.

Emergency services are responding to a single vehicle crash on State Highway 1, Mercer, which was reported to Police just before 2pm.

Early indications suggest one person has received serious injuries and three others have sustained minor to moderate injuries.

Two northbound lanes are currently blocked and one remains open.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area or expect delays.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

12 minutes ago

International students at Eastern Institute of Technology were officially welcomed to Hawke’s Bay at the region’s annual Mayoral Welcome ceremony.

More than 40 EIT students attended the event at Toitoi in Hastings on February 27, part of a cohort of new international students enrolled at the Hawke’s Bay campus, alongside newly arrived international students from secondary schools across the region.

EIT Master of Nursing Science student Anne Margarette Zausa Nacar, who is originally from the Philippines, was among the student speakers.

“Coming to New Zealand has been a dream of mine. Hawke’s Bay has given me opportunities not only to grow academically, but also personally and professionally.”

The 31-year-old moved to New Zealand in July last year with her husband, and says she has experienced supportive lecturers, diverse classmates and a learning environment that values both knowledge and compassion.

“As a current postgraduate student, I’ve personally experienced how supportive and encouraging our academic environment is.”

Cultural performances from EIT students and family members included Punjabi Bhangra by Jasmine Kaur and Muskanpreet Kaur, Tai Chi by Jack Wu, and Sri Lankan Kandyan Ves dance by Lakshitha Wijekoon and Imasha Kariyawasam.

Philippa Jones, EIT Executive Director International, says: “Ensuring our students feel warmly welcomed and supported is important as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.

“For many, this journey is more than a move to a new place of study – it’s an introduction to a new culture, a new environment, and a new way of living. Fostering meaningful engagement, building deeper connections, and creating a lasting sense of belonging can help ease the transition for new international students and positively impact communities throughout the region.”

Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said having international students across Hawke’s Bay secondary schools and EIT is great for the region.

“International students bring outside perspectives that help us grow. It also benefits our local students and allows them to see the world without needing a passport.”

Napier City Councillor Sally Crown, who attended on behalf of Napier City Council, said it was a privilege to welcome the students.

“It is really humbling to think that so many people choose Hawke’s Bay. Having EIT here is crucial in attracting international students and then it is the community infrastructure that wraps around that as well. But it is so important economically, socially to have international students coming into our region.”

Source: New Zealand Police

A group of alleged burglars on the hunt for booze instead ended up in custody in Clarks Beach on Monday morning.

Senior Sergeant Jeremy Steedman, Counties Manukau South Response Manager, says at about 1.30am Police received a report of an attempted break in at a liquor store on Seaway Road.

“A group of four males tried to enter the store by kicking the front door and hitting the glass with a hammer,” he says.

“However they were unsuccessful in gaining entry and fled the area after drawing attention from neighbouring properties with all the noise.”

The group left in a vehicle and headed onto the motorway, passing a Police unit on the way.

“Due to the manner of driving Police did not follow the vehicle as it sped north towards Takanini,” Senior Sergeant Steedman says.

“Eagle was quickly in the air and was able to monitor from a distance.”

The vehicle exited at Takanini and one alleged offender got out, before the car sped off again back onto the motorway.

“The vehicle continued on to East Tāmaki where it was dumped at a bus stop in the Ōtara town centre,” Senior Sergeant Steedman says.

“Three occupants ran into the township where they were quickly located by the dog unit, Delta and taken into custody.”

Senior Sergeant Steedman says subsequent enquiries discovered the vehicle had been stolen from Flat Bush the night before.

“We are pleased we have apprehended these alleged offenders and that they will answer for their actions,” he says.

“Police have zero tolerance for this type of offending.”

Four males aged between 15 and 17 have been referred to Youth Aid.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood, West Coast Search and Rescue:

Police’s search in Greymouth continues after a report of a person who had been swept out to sea this weekend.

At around 6pm Saturday, Police were notified the person had been swept to sea.

The search resumed this morning where Police, with the assistance of Precision Helicopters, conducted aerial searches of the shoreline between Ross and Charleston.

At this stage, the person has not yet been located, with rough sea conditions and white caps making the search difficult.

Police continue to make enquiries to identify the person swept out to sea, and if the kayak is linked to the person.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre