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Local insight and fast action leads to recovery of stolen goods

Source: New Zealand Police

Quick thinking and local knowledge by Hamilton Police have helped recover more than $1700 worth of stolen groceries in the city this morning.

Members of the Hamilton Retail Crime Team were conducting enquiries at commerical premises when a call came in regarding a shoplifting incident at another commercial premises.

Staff were verbally abused when they tried to prevent a woman from stealing a large trolley of groceries.

Members of the Retail Crime Team and a Police Dog Team were fast on the scene, but the offender had already taken off in her vehicle with all the groceries.

With details from the public, the team used local knowledge and gut instinct to head to a Pukete address where they found a vehicle parked at an address still full of the stolen groceries. The offender was found in the house.

A 29-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with shoplifting and will appear in court in early January.

The groceries were returned to a very grateful team.

Detective Inspector Stephen Ambler says this was great work by the retail crime team who continue to act with urgency around shoplifting events across Hamilton and the Waikato.

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Liam Lawson tests out Australian Supercar

Source: Radio New Zealand

Shane van Gisbergen and co driver Richie Stanaway win the 2023 Repco Bathurst 1000. Mark Horsburgh/EDGE Photographics / PHOTOSPORT

Formula 1 star Liam Lawson got to try out the car of another New Zealand champion driver over the Christmas period.

Lawson got to drive Shane van Gisbergen’s Bathurst-winning Supercar at Highlands Motorsport Park.

It was part of a series of drives Lawson took part in at the Central Otago circuit.

Liam Lawson drivers an Australian Supercar, 2025. supplied / Instagram

Lawson drives Formula 1 for Racing Bulls, which has the same sponsor as van Gisbergen’s former Supercars team.

That car, which won the 2023 race at Mount Panorama, is now based in New Zealand with Tony Quinn, who owns Highlands Motorsport Park and is part owner of Triple Eight Racing.

Lawson drove the Supercar in Red Bull Ampol Racing’s 2025 livery.

The car was also driven in New Zealand by Lawson’s incoming F1 teammate Arvid Lindblad, who won this year’s Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship in New Zealand.

Lawson spoke about the drive in a Highlands social media post.

“It’s such a fun car to drive,” he said.

“I loved it. It’s the most raw car to drive, with the big sequential shifter and you’ve got three pedals. No assists. It’s just very raw, very loud.”

Lawson took passengers for rides on a day that saw over $50,000 raised for charity.

New Zealand will host two Supercars rounds for the first time in 2026, at Taupō and Christchurch’s Ruapuna.

The 2026 Supercars Championship commences in Sydney on February 20-22.

Shane van Gisbergen now races in NASCAR.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Four youths apprehended following burglary

Source: New Zealand Police

Dunedin Police are thanking members of the public for their assistance leading to four youths being apprehended for a burglary in Dunedin Central today.

At around 12:50pm, Police were called after a Stuart Street resident heard a window smashing at an unoccupied property down the road.

Police in the area responded immediately, as four people ran from the address towards Cargill Street.

The four youths were located by Police within a matter of minutes, and taken home following some words of advice from Police.

The four have been referred to Youth Aid.

Police are offering a reminder to parents, to where possible, have an idea of where your children are over the holiday period.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Police still seeking witnesses after mass brawl on Auckland’s K Road

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police have set up a dedicated portal for witnesses of a mass brawl in Auckland to upload any footage they might have.

The brawl happened on Karangahape Road in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police estimate more than 50 people were present and say there were three serious assaults. In each case, someone was hospitalised with serious injuries.

One person has been arrested but police are seeking footage to identify others.

The incidents were:

  • About 4.15am, a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street. A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised. The offender is still unknown.
  • About 4.30am, a serious assault on Cobden Steet, just off Karangahape Road. A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised. The offender is still unknown.
  • About 5am, a serious assault at the Mobil Service Station at the corner or Karangahape and Ponsonby roads. A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised. A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and bailed to reappear in court on 16 January.

    • The portal can be found here at the NZ Police website.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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State Highway 2 closed after crash

Source: Radio New Zealand

State Highway 2 near Tangoio in Hawke’s Bay is closed following a single vehicle crash.

The crash north of Tangoio Settlement Road was reported to police just after 11:40am.

Initial indications include serious injuries, while the number of people injured cannot be confirmed.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays, detours are in place.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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‘I hate losing more than I love winning’ – Phoenix coach

Source: Radio New Zealand

Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT

After a historic victory the Wellington Phoenix women’s coach Bev Priestman will take a win any way it comes.

The Phoenix got to enjoy their short Christmas break with the sweet taste of success after scoring a 7-0 victory over Sydney FC.

On Tuesday they take on Western Sydney Wanderers across the tasman with the coach wanting to keep their standards high.

The side hit their straps under their new coach scoring their biggest ever A-League win with that victory against Sydney.

Priestman now wants that intensity to continue.

“For us now it is about backing up that performance and result,” Preistman said.

“I do always feel off the back of a big result it is now our job to keep the standards really high.

“It is now about backing that up and not making it a one off performance and to achieve that they need to keep improving.”

Wellington Phoenix players celebrate a goal during their 7-0 win over Sydney FC in a A-League women’s match at Porirua Park, 2025. Photosport

The Phoenix sit ninth on the A-League women’s table with two wins, two draws and two losses.

Despite a couple of season-ending injuries to key players Priestman appears to be moulding together a good side.

“It is about us and if we do us as well as we can do then any opponent we are going to give them a tough game.”

That next game is now the Wanderers, who sit at the bottom of the table with just one win from their seven games so far.

“I don’t think it will be seven (goals), but really I’m just after the three points and then move on.”

Priestman said while the goals came in the last game, their defence has been strong all season.

“We’ve done very well defensively and we are getting rewarded for that. We didn’t give up defending in order to score goals,” Preistman said.

“A new group, new playing style, new systems, new formations, it does take time and I hope now this is the catalyst to really push us on.”

Priestman said she had challenged the group this week.

“We held ourselves to a level this week and I’m really pleased with that.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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State Highway 2, Tangoio closed following crash

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 2, Tangoio is closed following a crash.

The single vehicle crash north of Tangoio Settlement Road was reported just after 11:40am.

Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays, detours are in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Idris Elba, former All Blacks coach recognised in UK honours list

Source: Radio New Zealand

English actor Idris Elba attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 12, 2023. AFP/SUPPLIED

Actor Idris Elba, a former All Blacks coach and members of England’s triumphant Women’s Euro 2025 football team were among famous Britons recognised in the country’s traditional New Year Honours on Monday.

Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell has been appointed an OBE for services to rugby after guiding England to the women’s Rugby World Cup title this year. He coached the All Blacks between 2001 and 2003 and has been England women’s coach since 2023.

Ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, and players from England’s victorious Women’s Rugby World Cup-winning squad were also honoured, according to the list.

Elba, known for his roles in hit TV series The Wire and Luther, was knighted for services to young people, having founded an international charity that helps support disadvantaged youngsters.

“I hope we can do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people and to the responsibility we all share to help them find an alternative to violence,” said Elba, who becomes a sir.

Torvill and Dean, who won Olympic gold at the 1984 Winter Games in Sarajevo and clinched multiple world and European titles, were knighted for their contribution to ice skating.

The pair said becoming a dame and a sir respectively was “wonderful and humbling at the same time”.

Figure skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean from Great Britain are waiting for the music to start their free dance program 14 February 1984 in Sarajevo during the Winter Olympic Games. AFP/SUPPLIED

More than 1,150 people received gongs in the latest list, which is decided by an honours committee.

King Charles III and other leading members of the royal family hand out the awards at ceremonies during the year.

England’s “Lionesses” featured heavily on the list after their Euros win in the summer, with captain Leah Williamson made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone, who were all part of the side that beat Spain on penalties in the final in Basel, Switzerland, in July, each received the title of MBE.

England’s defender #06 Leah Williamson (CL) and England’s midfielder #04 Keira Walsh (CR) lift the trophy as England celebrate winning the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final football match between England and Spain at the St. AFP/SUPPLIED

The team’s Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman, who has won the Euros twice with England and once with the Netherlands, was awarded an honorary damehood, the government said.

Elsewhere, Marlie Packer and Zoe Aldcroft of England’s successful 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup squad become OBEs, with several MBEs going to their teammates.

-AFP w/RNZ

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Police Eagle takes flight to stop dangerous road behaviour

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are sending a clear message ahead of New Year’s Eve: reckless and anti-social behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated. Officers will be out in force across Gisborne and the wider Eastern District to keep communities safe and hold dangerous drivers to account.

Eastern District Commander Superintendent Jeanette Park says Police are aware of planned gatherings by groups linked to anti-social road behaviour in the Gisborne area.

“Anti-social road user behaviour is reckless and wreaks havoc on our communities. We won’t stand for it.”

To support heavily resourced ground operations, the Police Eagle helicopter will be deployed to Gisborne from 30 December, providing aerial support and rapid response capability across the region.

“The Eagle helicopter gives us eyes over the district, helping us respond quickly and effectively to any dangerous activity.”

Anyone intending to cause disruption or operate a vehicle in a dangerous or unsafe manner can expect a stern response from Police who have zero tolerance for dangerous driving.

“If you plan to disrupt other road users or drive dangerously, expect consequences. We will be impounding vehicles, issuing infringement notices and bringing charges in appropriate circumstances.”

Police will be out in force actively checking for:

  • Driver impairment
  • Speeding
  • Licence breaches
  • Any behaviour that puts others at risk.

“Spectating unlawful street racing and sustained loss of traction encourages those involved in the offending. It is also incredibly dangerous,” says Superintendent Park.

“Our priority is simple: keeping people safe. If you break the law on our roads, you will face the consequences.”

Police urge the public to help keep our roads safe by reporting any unlawful or dangerous driving immediately:

  • Call 111 if it’s happening now
  • Use 105 for non-urgent reports
  • Provide information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Where we see signs of anti-social road user behaviour, we will act,” says Superintendent Park.

“Together, we can make sure everyone gets home safely so we all have a happy new year.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Former All Blacks coach named in UK honours

Source: Radio New Zealand

England’s Head Coach John Mitchell celebrates after the women’s Rugby World Cup final victory, 2025. ©INPHO/Billy Stickland / PHOTOSPORT

Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell has been recognised in the British New Years Honours.

Mitchell has been appointed an OBE for services to rugby after guiding England to the women’s Rugby World Cup title this year.

He coached the All Blacks between 2001 and 2003 and has been England women’s coach since 2023.

Captain Zoe Stratford (formerly Aldcroft), was also appointed an OBE, while vice-captains Marlie Packer and Megan Jones are appointed an OBE and MBE respectively, with Sadia Kabeya and Ellie Kildunne both becoming MBEs.

Ice skating duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who won gold at the 1984 Winter Olympics, have received a damehood and knighthood respectively.

England women’s football manager Sarina Wiegman has been made an honorary dame as she is Dutch.

She led England to successive European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025.

Several members of the Lionesses squad are also recognised, including captain Leah Williamson who is appointed a CBE.

Welsh rugby great Jonathon Davies was awarded a CBE for his charity work.

Former marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe becomes an OBE for services to sport.

Other honorees included actor Idris Elba and others.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand