NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown, alongside Hutt South MP Chris Bishop, today officially opened the new premises of the Lower Hutt After Hours Medical Centre on Connolly Street.

“This new facility marks a significant step forward for urgent healthcare in Lower Hutt,” Mr Brown said.

“Urgent care and after-hours services help ease pressure on hospital emergency departments by providing better local options and faster access to essential treatments like diagnostics and urgent medicines.

“Lower Hutt is currently the only metropolitan area in New Zealand without a daytime urgent care service. That’s why the Government identified it as a priority location under the urgent care expansion announced in May.”

The new facility replaces the former High Street site, which did not have the capacity to support future growth. By taking over Health New Zealand’s lease of the former Te Awakairangi Birthing Unit, which closed in 2021, the medical centre has ensured the ongoing use of a valuable health asset and enabled the delivery of expanded urgent care services for the community.

“With seven consulting rooms, two triage rooms, a plaster and phlebotomy room, a carer’s room, and a much larger waiting area, this centre is purpose-built to meet the needs of a growing community. Co-location with radiology services means patients can get timely imaging and treatment for injuries like fractures, offering a practical alternative to the emergency department. Convenient access to pharmacy services also means urgent medicines can be supplied on the spot.

“This new location enables the staged rollout of a dedicated daytime urgent care service, starting from December 2025.”

Once fully operational, the new daytime service will build on the existing after-hours care, providing seven-day-a-week access to urgent care for the Hutt community.

“This means people in the Hutt will be able to access timely care day and night, closer to home, without needing to wait or travel further for non-emergency care.

“This is about making healthcare more accessible and responsive for the people of the Hutt, delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time. It’s a clear example of the Government delivering on its promise to improve health services right across the country,” Mr Brown said.

Source: New Zealand Police

A 51-year-old Invercargill man has been arrested and charged after pre-packaged methamphetamine, LSD, cannabis, morphine, and drug paraphernalia were all found inside a campervan.

“Police will continue to disrupt the supply of harmful substances into our communities and hold offenders to account,” says Inspector Mike Bowman, Area Commander Southland.

“This arrest is the result of significant and complex work by officers from all over the southern policing district.

“Every time we can take drug dealers, who trade on people’s suffering, off the streets, it makes our communities safer.

“Drug dealing and the downstream effects, such as drug-related crime, causes harm that we all feel.

“Southern Police will continue to stamp out drug dealing wherever we see it.”

A significant amount of cash and multiple mobile devices were also found, while an ammunition belt containing 13 12-gauge shotgun rounds was also located at an address of interest.

Police are in the process of restraining, and hopefully forfeiting the campervan, which is estimated to be worth over $200,000.

“The operation to shut this down was a whole-of-district, multi-team effort, with outstanding contributions across the board,” says Inspector Bowman. 

A 51-year-old man is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine for supply, obstructing Police, supplying methamphetamine, possession of morphine, possession of LSD, and unlawfully possessing ammunition.

The man is due to reappear in the Dunedin District Court on 21 August.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

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.

ENDS

Issued by the 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

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.

ENDS

Issued by 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

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