NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Ross Hunt, 38, who has a warrant for his arrest.

Police believe someone may have information on his whereabouts.

Hunt is known to have connections in the Canterbury region.

Anyone with information is urged not to approach him and instead to call 111 immediately and quote file number 250929/0542.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Waikato Police are already noticing significant congestion on roads across the district as people head away for the long weekend, prompting a reminder to people to be extra patient.

“We’re already seeing southbound traffic building up south of Cambridge as people get away for the long weekend,” says Senior Sergeant Andrew O’Reilly.

“Traffic though Waitakaruru and up to the Kopu bridge is also likely to become heavily congested.

“If you’re considering travelling this afternoon, please consider that roads are already very busy, and travel times will be longer,” he says.

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Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested and charged a man following an aggravated robbery at a park in Glen Eden earlier this week.

At about 1.45pm on 21 October, Police responded to a report of a person being assaulted and threatened with a knife at Ceramco Park.

The two alleged offenders have then taken the victim’s personal items before fleeing in a vehicle.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, Waitematā CIB, says Police yesterday executed a search warrant at a Glen Eden property.

“An 18-year-old man was located and arrested.

“Officers have also located a pistol, ammunition and cannabis at the address.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says the victim’s backpack and shoes were also recovered and returned.

“This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim and we’re pleased to put someone before the court.

“Police take this sort of offending very seriously and will continue to hold offenders to account.”

The man will appear in Waitākere District Court today charged with aggravated robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of cannabis.

Police are not ruling out further arrests or charges.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have today arrested and charged a man with two counts of murder in relation to an ongoing double homicide investigation.

A 38-year-old male will appear in the Manukau District Court today.

Counties Manukau CIB have been investigating a fatal fire on Murvale Drive, Bucklands Beach on 2 October.

Jung Sup Lee, 36, and his son Ha-il Lee, 11, both died as a result of the fire, which Police have confirmed was deliberately lit.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua says the information provided by the public and Police’s CCTV phase aided in the arrest.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the assistance provided by those members of the public whose information was vital to this investigation,” he says.

“At this stage our enquiries remain ongoing and further charges cannot be ruled out.”

Detective Inspector Va’aelua says Police remain in contact with the family of the deceased.

“As part of this, we are ensuring that they have support in place.”

Police will continue their investigation to determine if anyone else was involved or had knowledge.

“I’d also like to thank our team of detectives, who have worked tirelessly throughout this investigation to bring this case to a close.”

As the matter is now before the Court, Police are limited in providing further comment.

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Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Universities and Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti will travel to Beijing this month to promote New Zealand’s high-quality education offering at the China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE).

New Zealand is the Country of Honour at CACIE 2025, one of the largest international education events in China, drawing over 35,000 participants. Minister Reti will lead a delegation of New Zealand universities and tertiary education providers to highlight the strength of New Zealand’s education system and its close partnerships with China.

“Education is a key aspect of the New Zealand-China relationship, built on enduring partnerships that have grown over the years,” says Dr Reti. 

“I am delighted that New Zealand is the Country of Honour at this year’s CACIE. 

“This visit will build on the positive momentum of the Prime Minister’s visit in June. We’re deepening our education links through student exchanges, institutional partnerships, and joint research that benefit both countries, and I look forward to discussing what the future holds with my ministerial counterparts.”

The visit supports the Government’s Going for Growth agenda to grow the value of international education and unleash growth and innovation in New Zealand. China is New Zealand’s largest source of international students, with over 22,000 Chinese students enrolled for study in the first term of 2025. 

In the year ending June 2025, New Zealand earned $1.43 billion from Chinese students coming here to study, according to Statistics NZ. Education travel accounted for 47 per cent of all services New Zealand exported to China.

“New Zealand is committed to delivering a high-quality experience for international students,” says Dr Reti.

“We are proud that Chinese students consistently rate their time in New Zealand highly, especially the connections they make and the quality of their education experience.”

China is also New Zealand’s fourth largest partner in terms of scientific co-publications and one of our key research, science and innovation collaborators. While in China, the Minister will meet with his Chinese Science and Technology counterpart.

“This is a valuable opportunity to connect with existing partners and explore new opportunities for education and research cooperation between our countries,” Dr Reti says.

Dr Reti departs New Zealand on Monday 27 October and will return to New Zealand on Sunday 2 November.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are now in a position to release the names of the two people who were killed in a crash on State Highway 1, Brynderwyn on 17 October.

They were Vicky-May Davies, 20, and Memphis Strachan, 20.

Our thoughts are with their whanau and friends at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.

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Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey announced on the final stop of the Rural Health Roadshow that Whakatāne’s Resilience Café, the town’s local crisis recovery café, will receive a funding boost from the Government.

“Emergency departments aren’t always the best place for someone in mental distress. Crisis recovery cafés like Resilience, offer a peer-led, non-clinical space where people can go to get support and be heard,” Mr Doocey says.

The additional funding will enable the café to significantly extend its opening hours. The café was previously open Monday to Friday 7am to 3pm and will now be operating into weekday evenings 7am to 7pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. It will now also open on Saturdays 7am to 3pm.

The team will now be able to grow by at least two additional peer support specialists, meaning the café can double its capacity from seeing 15 people to 31 people at any one time.

“I’ve been calling lived experience the silent revolution, not because it’s new, but because it’s starting to gain more traction here in New Zealand. We are better utilising peer support workers in a range of settings, including emergency departments, eating disorder services, and crisis alternatives.

“I am proud that, since coming into Government, the peer support lived experience workforce has grown by almost 100%.

“The Resilience Café is a great example of a community organisation already making a difference, and this funding will help them reach even more people.

“Crisis Recovery Cafes are a part of our mental health plan for faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response.”

Whakatāne marks the thirteenth and final stop on the Rural Health Roadshow. Minister Doocey attended a public meeting today to hear from the local community and the frontline.

“These roadshows have given me the invaluable chance to hear directly from rural communities and those working in rural health about what’s working well and where barriers remain.

“I want to thank everyone who took time out of their busy days to come along, hear what this Government’s plan is to improve health and mental health outcomes, and share their own stories.

“The bottom line is that people in our rural communities deserve timely, quality health and mental health support, no matter where they live. That’s exactly what this Government is committed to delivering.”

Notes to editor:
•    The Government has committed to six new Crisis Recovery Cafes by June 2026, as well as boosting some of our existing cafes.  
 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police warn road users to be wary of the consequences should you attempt to endanger your life, those in your vehicle, or others sharing the road this Labour Weekend.

With the recent weather causing disruption around the country, it’s a reminder to everyone travelling to factor in the conditions – whether you are travelling near or far.

Over Labour Weekend in 2024, no lives were lost on our roads, and it’s a result that Police would hope to replicate again this year, says Superintendent Steve Greally, Director: Road Policing.

“It’s no secret our staff will be visible throughout the country with a focus on preventing poor driving behaviour and holding those people to account.

“If our officers observe drivers or riders making poor decisions, they will deal with you. Our officers are passionate about keeping people safe on our roads, and will do everything within their power to make that happen. Those people should not expect a warning.

“We all have a responsibility when it comes to road safety and if we’re to see no fatal crashes this long weekend it falls on all of us to play our part.”

Labour Weekend traffic is traditionally heavy on main highways, as many look to benefit from the shift to what normally is warmer weather, and head for holiday destinations.

Superintendent Greally says take the time to plan ahead, we want everyone to get to their destinations safely rather than having to deliver bad news to loved ones.

“Don’t risk receiving an infringement notice or being charged for an offence this weekend, or any other day. It’s simply not worth the risk.

“Simple behaviours like buckling up before you travel, not getting behind the wheel if you’re impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, staying fully focussed on the road without any distractions, and slowing down, are crucial in avoiding crashes and deaths.

“Although there will be some who disregard the safety advice provided, there will be no tolerance for those deemed to be putting other lives at risk,” he says.

Motorists are encouraged to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website – www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz – before they travel for real-time travel information, and updates on delays, roadworks and road closures.

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Background Information

• The official Labour Weekend holiday period begins at 4pm on Friday 24 October and ends at 6am Tuesday 28 October.
• In 2024, no lives were lost on our roads during Labour Weekend, compared to five deaths in 2023.
• Further information on holiday road toll periods can be found here: Safety — Road deaths | Ministry of Transport 

Source: New Zealand Police

A man has been arrested and charged in Wanaka in relation to a series of cellphone tower arsons in the area over the past few months.

The 41-year-old has also been charged in relation to the Lindis Pass cell tower arson in early July.

He is due to appear in Queenstown District Court today facing charges of arson and firearms offences.

Acting Detective Sergeant Julie Bowman says these arsons were not only frustrating for Police, but posed a serious risk to our community.

“The team have worked tirelessly investigating, and we are thankful that no one was hurt as a result of the actions of this individual.

“This is a good result for our community and they should feel confident we will always work to hold those to account to carry out such mindless attacks.”

Acting D.S Bowman would like to thank the Wanaka community for their assistance in these investigations.

“Police take these matters seriously, as they have – and continue to have – a significant impact on our community.”

As these matters are now before the court, Police can provide no further comment.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell declared a state of local emergency for the Southland Region at 9am this morning.

“A state of local emergency is necessary as a precautionary step due to concern about the potential impacts from power outages on other lifeline utilities in the Southland Region from the significant weather event yesterday,” Mr Mitchell says.

“I have made this declaration as the Southland Mayors have not yet been able to be sworn in following the recent local elections.

“The state of local emergency will ensure local Civil Defence have access to the emergency powers they need to respond and support emergency services during this event.

“My thoughts are with everyone in Southland and elsewhere who have been affected by this event.

“Listen to advice provided by your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group and emergency services and follow any instructions. Put safety first. Don’t take any chances.

“With further bad weather expected for some parts of the country early next week, people should stay up to date with the latest weather information from MetService,” Mr Mitchell says.

For advice on how to prepare for dangerous winds and severe weather visit getready.govt.nz.

The previous state of local emergency declared for Canterbury remains in force.

 

Notes to editors:

Under section 69 of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 the Minister can declare a state of local emergency in certain cases, including if it has not been or cannot be declared by an authorised person at a local level. This includes in times when an emergency arises following a local election but before elected representatives have been sworn in.

Only elected representatives of the members of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Group can declare a state of local emergency. Following a local election there may be no-one available to declare as members cannot act as an elected representative until they are sworn in (clause 14, Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002).