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.
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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Hawke’s Bay Police are reminding hunters to stop and think before trespassing onto private land or else face the consequences.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe on their property, and if someone walked through your backyard with a firearm you would be angry too,” says Sergeant Ray Wylie.
“When you hunt illegally you are putting your party and other legal hunters at risk.
“Lawful hunting parties are often not expecting to come across other hunters when they are operating on private property.”
The chance of a hunting-related injury, or even death, increases significantly for all involved, Sergeant Wylie said.
Police were using tools like thermal binoculars and even drones to track down illegal hunters.
“These tools give us the evidence we need to carry out actions such as search warrants, or charge people for a range of illegal activities.”
Illegal hunters can face prosecution in court, have their licences revoked, their equipment seized and firearms potentially destroyed.
“At least sixteen illegal hunters have been caught in the Hawke’s Bay region over the last six months, and we will continue to crack down on this dangerous behaviour.”
Sergeant Wylie said illegal hunting was often under-reported and could have wide-ranging impacts. “Not only is it dangerous, but it is also detrimental to businesses and individuals in the community who lose money.
“To help us build a picture of where we need to be, we urge the public to report any suspicious activity to us, including suspicious vehicles or people in your local area.”
If it is happening now, call 111 immediately with as much information as you can safely gather. If you are reporting after the fact, make a report via 105.
Information can also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Nearly seven years after 45-year-old father Eddie Peters was killed in Flaxmere, Police have charged a man with his murder.
Detective Inspector Dave de Lange said Police arrested a 29-year-old Hastings man this morning, and the accused is expected to appear in the Hastings District Court this afternoon [22 July]. The man is also charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
A 30-year-old Hastings woman has also been arrested and charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. This relates to the investigation into Mr Peters’ death.
“In the early hours of Friday 16 November 2018, Eddie was viciously beaten and left for dead on the driveway of a home on Diaz Drive in Flaxmere. He was hospitalised, but despite the best efforts and care of medical staff, he sadly died at Wellington Hospital on 24 November,” Detective Inspector de Lange said.
“Since that time, Police have continued a challenging investigation to hold whoever was responsible accountable for Eddies’s death. The investigation team has worked relentlessly to get today’s result, following leads, picking apart information and never giving up on Eddie or his family.”
Detective Inspector de Lange said Police were able to piece together the tragic events of that night thanks to the assistance from members of the Hastings community.
“What happened to Eddie was terrible, and the investigation team has remained focused on establishing exactly what happened, for Eddie’s whanau and friends.
“The arrest brings some satisfaction, but I believe there are still more people out in the community who know what happened and can further assist the investigation. I urge them to contact us and discuss what they know.”
Anyone with information can contact their nearest Police station, or make a report online via 105. Please use the reference number 181116/4372.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can confirm one person has died following a serious crash in Taradale this afternoon.
At around 1.20pm, Police were called to Neeve Road where a car collided with a fence.
Sadly, despite best efforts of emergency services, one person died at the scene.
The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a scene examination.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
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Issued by Police Media Centre