NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

Auckland Police have charged a driver with multiple offences after he was caught speeding at nearly twice the legal speed limit in the city early this morning.

Officers spotted two cars speeding on the Auckland motorway around 4am today, and while one driver stopped when signalled by Police, the other sped off.

After increasing speed along the highway and several near misses, the driver exited into a residential area, where he failed to stop again.

Police used the Eagle Helicopter to monitor the car, as the driver continued to drive in an incredibly dangerous way.

In Panmure a short time later, the driver and a passenger abandoned the car and fled on foot. They were arrested shortly after.

An 18-year-old man will appear in the Auckland District Court charged with driving at dangerous speed, failing to stop, reckless driving, and possession of cannabis for supply after the drug was found in the car. He also received a 28-day driver licence suspension, and his car was impounded for six months.

“There’s no limit to what can go wrong if you’re an impaired and speeding driver,” says Acting Sergeant Angus McKenzie from Auckland Motorway Patrol. “When we see dangerous driving on the road, we’ll hold the driver to account.”

We encourage anyone who sees unsafe driving behaviour on the road to contact us as soon as possible. Call Police, either via 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 if it’s after the fact.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a motorcycle crash north of Palmerston in Waitaki District this afternoon.

Police were alerted to the crash at the intersection of Horse Range Road and Trotters Gorge Road at 2.50pm.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Mangakahia Road, State Highway 15, just outside of Kaikohe has now reopened for traffic following a serious single-vehicle crash around 2.40pm today.
One person that received serious injuries has been taken to hospital.
Police thanks drivers for their patience.
ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

An electric scooter rider has been critically injured after a collision with a car in central Auckland this afternoon.

Police were notified of the collision at the intersection of Mount Street and Symonds Street at 4.05pm today.

Motorists and pedestrians are asked to follow the directions of emergency services staff at the scene.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Mangakahia Road, State Highway 15, just outside of Kaikohe is closed following a serious crash.

Emergency services received report of a single-vehicle crash around 2.40pm.

One person is reported to have serious injuries, and ambulance services are responding.

The Serious Crash Unit are assessing the scene. 

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Source: New Zealand Government

The first step towards building a new hospital in South Auckland has been taken, with the procurement process underway from today to secure land in Drury for a major new health precinct, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Health New Zealand will today begin the procurement process to secure land in Drury for a new hospital, calling for expressions of interest from landowners for a health precinct. This marks a major milestone in expanding health infrastructure to meet the needs of Auckland’s growing population,” Mr Brown says.

“Across the Auckland region, hospitals are experiencing increasing demand and acute pressure on bed capacity. That pressure will only intensify as the city continues to grow, particularly in South Auckland.

“A new site in South Auckland has been identified as essential to meeting future demand in Auckland. South Auckland is one of our fastest-growing communities, with significant health challenges, including higher rates of infectious diseases and long-term conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory disease.

“Both Middlemore and Auckland City hospitals are under significant strain as they work to meet these needs. A new hospital in the south will add much-needed beds, modern operating theatres, and expanded emergency services, easing that pressure and improving access to care.

“This will create an opportunity to develop a world-class health precinct to serve South Auckland.

“We are focused on building the infrastructure our growing communities need. Access to major transport links – including our Roads of Regional Significance, such as Waihoehoe Road and SH1 Papakura to Drury, and public transport – will be a key factor in choosing the new hospital site. This will make it easy for patients, staff, and visitors to get to the new hospital.”                  

Mr Brown says investing in modern health facilities is a key part of the Government’s plan to improve services and outcomes.

“Kiwis deserve timely, quality healthcare. This investment is about putting patients first and ensuring our health system can meet future demand.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are continuing the search for missing Rotorua man Jayleb-Che, but have serious concerns for his welfare.

The 36-year-old has been missing since Tuesday 30 September, and Police have been combing the area where he was last known to be.

“We’ve had good tips from the public, but sadly nothing that has led us to Jayleb-Che,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Van Kempen, Investigations Manager, Rotorua Police.

“It’s very unusual for him to be out of contact for so long, and we have serious concerns and want to find him.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Van Kempen says Police have been searching around the “hot and cold” pools on Waiotapu Loop Road, which runs off SH5 between Rotorua and Taupō, about 30km from Rotorua.

“We are aware that there were other members of the public at the pools on the Tuesday night when Jayleb-Che was there, who may have seen him and or spoken to him.  We are asking for those people to make contact with Police, as any information they have may assist in the search.

“We are also keen to talk to any persons who may have been at the Waiotapu Mud Pools a short distance away from the Hot n Cold pools on the morning of Wednesday 1 October between 10.00am and 3.00pm.

“Even if you saw nothing, you are helping us to create a timeline.”

Police and Search and Rescue personnel have been involved in the search for Jayleb-Che, including dog teams, drones, and ground crews.

Extensive ground and air searches have continued today in the search area, which is a combination of dense bush, waterways and farmland.

Police will be reviewing the areas searched and other pieces of information received over the coming days.

“We are committed to finding Jayleb-Che and are making sure we investigate every avenue and location where he may have gone.

“I want to thank those members of the public who have contacted us so far, and encourage anyone who has credible information that could assist us to please get in touch.”

Much of the search area terrain is unsafe for public to search, so Police advise public and family members who wish to assist to confine their search to the roads in the area.

Anyone with any information is asked to please contact Police via 105, referencing file number 251003/5935.

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Issued by Police Media Centre. 
 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested a man for the robbery of a Hamilton restaurant on Father’s Day.

Staff at Smith & McKenzie Steak House restaurant in Chartwell were preparing for a busy day ahead when three people arrived in a stolen vehicle at around 11.20am on 7 September.

Two heavily disguised offenders went inside the restaurant, presented a firearm at staff and stole a small amount of money. They all fled the scene.

A short time later, Police located the vehicle nearby.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Lee says a search warrant was conducted in Enderley early this morning with the assistance of the Armed Offenders Squad.

“A 41-year-old man, a gang associate, was arrested.

“We also located ammunition, drugs, multiple stolen vehicles and stolen property.

“Also, two women were arrested after walking out with children – we found cash and a large quantity of methamphetamine in a handbag concealed under a young child’s blanket.”

One woman, age 24, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and utensils and has been bailed to reappear at the Hamilton District Court on 16 October.

The other woman, age 41, had bail opposed and was charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine and possession of LSD and Ecstacy. She will appear in Hamilton District Court tomorrow morning.

The man, aged 41, appeared in Hamilton District Court today charged with aggravated robbery, taking a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of ammunition. He was remanded in custody to reappear on 31 October.

The investigation is ongoing and Police have not ruled out further arrests. 

Staff at the restaurant are pleased with the outcome.

Says Detective Sergeant Lee, “I would like to reassure the community that police are working exceptionally hard to ensure public and business owners are safe and feel safe in our communities.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The New Zealand-Singapore trade relationship has been bolstered with the launch of a Strategic Food Partnership and the conclusion of Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies, Minister of Agriculture, and Trade and Investment, Todd McClay announced today.

“New Zealand is a trusted and reliable partner for Singapore,” Mr McClay says.

“The Strategic Food Partnership will help facilitate greater agrifood trade, speed up the movement of New Zealand’s high-quality, safe food across borders and encourage more investment, research, and innovation in the primary and food production sectors.”

It creates a structured, work programme to collaborate on food production and trade issues, further streamline bilateral trade and strengthen resilience.

Annual meetings of New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries with Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Singapore Food Agency – alongside industry and researchers – will set priorities and tackle barriers to trade.

The Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES) ensures goods like food and fuel continue to flow during times of crisis.

The AOTES includes a crisis-response arrangement where both countries will refrain from export curbs during times of supply chain disruptions.

“The partnership and agreement will strengthen supply chain resilience, support exporters, and keep essential goods moving,” Mr McClay says.

“Both reflect the depth of the new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the strength of 60 years of New Zealand–Singapore ties.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are in attendance at a serious crash in Clover Park this afternoon.

Just before 3pm, Police were called to a report of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian on Dawson Road.

One person has been transported to hospital in a critical condition.

Motorists are being advised of road closures in the area.

A section of Dawson Road, between Chapel Road and Te Irirangi Drive, has been closed and motorists are being advised to expect delays.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police