NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

Four people have been charged after Police locate methamphetamine, clan lab equipment and firearms in searches at properties in Mangawhai Heads, Massey, and Kumeu today.

Waitematā Police, including the Armed Offenders Squad, executed two warrants simultaneously in Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai Heads and Birdwood Road, Massey during the early hours of this morning.

During the search at Mangawhai Heads, Police located two kilograms of ephedrine, along with ingredients and equipment used for manufacturing methamphetamine. Two people were arrested.

Enquiries at the Massey location led Police to a third location in Kumeu, where Police found equipment sufficient for a clan lab,  as well as a loaded double-barrel shotgun, a loaded glock, and an unloaded rifle.

Following the Kumeu warrant, several people were detained nearby. Two of these people face charges.

Detective Sergeant Misilei Fa’aofo says today’s outcome was great, thanks to staff involved.

“The planning, preparation, and quick actions of staff is what ensured the success of these warrants being executed this morning.

“I am very pleased that we were able to intercept the some of the production and supply of illicit drugs entering our community, as well as take some firearms off the streets.

“The amount of social harm this could have caused, had it not been intercepted, would be astronomical and I’m glad these offenders can now be held to account,” he says.

Details of the charges faced by those arrested are:

• A 41-year-old man is due to appear in Auckland District Court on 12 December with multiple charges of possessing equipment with intent to manufacture, unlawfully possessing firearms, possession of equipment to cultivate cannabis, and possession of equipment for cultivating cannabis.
• A 46-year-old man is due in North Shore District Court on 15 October charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, and two counts of possessing equipment with intent to manufacture.
• A 32-year-old man is due in Waitakere District Court on 15 October charged with possessing methamphetamine for supply.
• A 45-year-old woman is due to appear in North Shore District Court on 15 October charged with manufacturing methamphetamine.

Police urge the public to report any and all crimes immediately by calling 111 if it is happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact.

You can also make a report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

4 minutes ago

EIT Tairāwhiti will open its doors this week for its annual Information and Enrolment Day, giving people across the region a chance to explore study options and connect with staff before the 2026 academic year.

The event will take place on Thursday, October 16, from 9am to 6pm at the EIT Tairāwhiti Campus in Gisborne, with additional sessions at the Wairoa and Ruatoria Learning Centres from 10am to 2pm.

EIT Tairāwhiti Executive Director Tracey Tangihaere says the day is about opening doors for people to study, train and build their future right here in Tairāwhiti.

“We are proud to offer pathways that allow people to study close to home, surrounded by whānau and community,” Tracey says. “It’s about providing opportunities for local people to gain qualifications that help build careers and lead to employment.”

She says the Information and Enrolment Day is also a great opportunity for people to meet staff, ask questions and see what campus life is like.

“Our team will be available throughout the day to help with course advice, support services and enrolment. Whether you’re leaving school, returning to study or looking for a new direction, we’re here to help you take that next step. Nau mai, haere mai”

EIT offers a wide range of qualifications, from certificates and diplomas to degrees and postgraduate programmes, with flexible full-time, part-time and online options.

“We have programmes that are already filling fast for next year, so we encourage people to come along, explore their options and enrol early to secure a place,” Tracey says.

For more information, visit the EIT website or follow EIT Tairāwhiti on Facebook and Instagram.

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a crash south of Ward, Marlborough this afternoon.

Police were called to the scene at around 2.50pm today.

The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.

The road is expected to re-open in the next few hours.

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Issued by Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Inspector Craig Sheridan, Central District Manager – Criminal Investigations:

Police have arrested a man and charged him with murder in relation to the death of a six-month-old baby in Foxton Beach earlier this year.

Emergency services were called to a Seabury Avenue property on 29 June after the baby was found with critical injuries.

They were airlifted to Starship Hospital in Auckland, however they sadly died on 5 July.

Today, Police have arrested a 25-year-old man in Tauranga, and he is due to appear tomorrow in Tauranga District Court charged with murder.

Police will continue to support the baby’s family through this incredibly distressing time.

Police have undertaken a thorough and diligent investigation, and we are pleased to put someone before the courts to be held to account for this tragic death.

As the matter is now before the Court, Police are limited in what further comment can be provided.

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Note to media: A reminder that the Coroner has issued a non-publication order in respect of this victim. This remains in place.

Source: New Zealand Police

A 55-year-old man has been charged with drug and firearms offences following a search warrant in Russell last week.

Police executed the search at the property around 9am on Friday 10 October after the man, who was wanted to interview and required to arrest, self-presented to the Russell Police Station.

During the search Police located a .22 calibre sawn-off rifle which was loaded with three .22 calibre ammunition rounds, two cannabis grow tents with a small amount of cannabis inside, and other illicit drug paraphernalia and equipment used for cultivating and selling cannabis.

Russell Police Sole Charge Senior Constable Michael Gorrie says the arrest will help keep the small community safe. 

“This was a great catch and I’m glad the offender can now be held to account.

“The planning and execution of this warrant ensured the team’s success.

“Staff efforts on Friday have not gone unnoticed, and I’d like to thank those involved. The Police mission is to make our communities as safe as possible, and this result really speaks to that mission,” Senior Constable Gorrie says.

The arrested man is due to appear in Kaikohe District Court on 28 October, charged with unlawfully possessing a pistol/restricted weapon, possessing cannabis for supply, assault on a person in family relationship, and threatening to kill.

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Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 1, south of Ward, Marlborough is currently closed in both directions following a serious three-vehicle crash.

Police were called to the scene around 2.50pm today.

Initial indications are that one person received critical injuries, and two others received minor/moderate injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit will attend the scene to carry out enquiries.

Motorists are advised to adjust their plans as the road is expected to be closed for some time.

Police thank drivers for their patience.

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Source: New Zealand Government

Advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays will soon be scrapped as legislation passes third reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“We need to level the playing field by ensuring local media companies are not disadvantaged by restricted advertising times which don’t apply to digital streaming platforms.

“This change could help a sector facing intense competition, with industry estimates showing this could generate approximately $6 million annually.

“These restrictions have become increasingly redundant as a growing share of audiences turn to streaming services for their news and entertainment. New Zealand on Air data shows YouTube was the most popular platform in the country last year, reaching 43 per cent of the population daily.

“New Zealand’s media sector has been calling for this change for a long time, and this Government has done it.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are at the scene of a vehicle stuck in flood waters just north of Tokoroa, on Old Taupō Road between Wiltsdown and Matanuku Roads.

The vehicle’s occupants are safely out of the vehicle.

Due to the high flood waters motorists are advised to avoid the area.

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government, through its procuring company Ferry Holdings Limited has secured Guangzhou Shipyard International as the builder of two new ferries, Rail Minister Winston Peters confirmed today.

“GSI is the largest modern integrated shipbuilding enterprise in Southern China, founded in 1954 and is listed on the Hong Kong and Shanghai stock exchanges,” Mr Peters says.

“We want the best deal possible for New Zealand taxpayers and a shipbuilder of the competence, capability and capacity of GSI underscores the high degree of confidence in our no-nonsense ferry replacement programme.

“Ferry Holdings and GSI are still in negotiations, and details will not be disclosed until these negotiations are completed along with the port agreements with CentrePort Limited and Port Marlborough New Zealand Limited.

“As we said in early September, we have secured major components including a fixed price, completion in 2029, and full delivery of our ship specifications for 200-metre-long ferries with road and rail decks, and room for 1,500 passengers each.

“We intend to make an announcement before the end of this year detailing our agreements and how we have saved the taxpayer billions by cancelling project iReX and returning to the no-nonsense solution we started in May 2020,” Mr Peters says.

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

29 seconds ago

EIT Hawke’s Bay will host its annual Information and Enrolment Day this week, giving prospective students a chance to explore local study options across its campuses and learning centres.

The event runs from 9am to 6pm at the EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale, with additional sessions held from 10am to 2pm at the Maraenui, Hastings, and Central Hawke’s Bay Learning Centres.

EIT Executive Director of Operations Glen Harkness says the ability to study close to home is becoming increasingly important for students and families.

“EIT allows people to gain qualifications locally while staying connected to whānau and community. Whether you’re looking to upskill, change careers, or explore new study options, our friendly team will be ready to help you find the right path.”

Glen says the Information and Enrolment Day is a chance for people to visit the campus, ask questions, and get a feel for the learning environment.

“It’s a great time to showcase our new purpose-built facilities, which have a strong focus on student wellbeing and success.”

The event also ties into EIT’s Live here, Study here, Work here campaign, which features local actress Kristyl Neho, delivering the message at familiar locations around Hawke’s Bay.

EIT offers a wide range of qualifications, from certificates and diplomas to degrees and postgraduate programmes, with flexible full-time, part-time and online options.

“Many of our programmes are filling fast, so we encourage people to enrol early to secure their place.”

For more information, check out the EIT website or EIT Hawke’s Bay on Facebook and Instagram.