NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

Statement from Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill

After considering staff and community feedback, it has been decided that Canterbury Police will not proceed with our proposed district review.

Throughout this process it has been important to challenge ourselves to think outside the square, and to innovate how we service the needs of our communities.  The proposal was a genuine attempt to offer what I believed would be a better service to the district, including a 24-7 response in rural areas.

Much of the feedback from staff and the community has been supportive. The reality is that the proposal was not acceptable to many of the communities affected, and in my view their buy-in was a critical element in the proposal’s success. We could not proceed without that support.

In reaching this decision, I listened carefully to the concerns and considered feedback from the community and other interested parties, as well as those of Police staff.

There were those who did support the changes and I acknowledge some may be disappointed.

I have discussed this with the Commissioner of Police, and he has assured me I have his support for this decision today.

Some of what we aimed to do can be achieved without the wider restructure and we will now work carefully through the options to decide what is possible.

Every district has its own priorities and demands and those can often be met through deployment decisions.

Canterbury District’s Gang Disruption Unit, Beat Teams and a Retail Crime Team in Christchurch were not contingent on the restructure and will still go ahead. They are priorities for Police in all districts.

Road policing will also remain a priority. It is one of the areas of highest demand in the district.

This has been a long process and I want to thank all those who took time to consider the proposal and discuss it with me. I also wanted to thank those who have put a considerable amount of work into the process, which is very much appreciated.

Lastly, I want to say it has been heartening to see the strong backing our staff working in the rural communities have from the public they serve. Our staff are very dedicated and I can assure you we are committed to serving the people and businesses of Canterbury.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said he supported the District Commander’s decision.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work that was put into the review by District Commander Tony Hill and his leadership team.

“Our staff are exceptional and I am confident Canterbury police will continue to offer an outstanding service across the district.

“While the review proposals had merit, including the proposed 24-7 response model, I have long believed in the value of visible and engaged police who know their communities and the people in them. That is effective both for prevention and law enforcement, in both cities and rural areas.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A man has been charged with murder following a homicide in New Lynn yesterday.

Emergency services were called to a property in Kaponga Crescent at about 11.52am on Monday following a report a person had been injured.

Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, of Waitematā CIB, says despite the best efforts from first responders, the man sadly died at the scene.

“A 28-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has subsequently been charged with murder.

Acting Detective Inspector Harrison says Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.

“A scene examination is continuing and a post mortem examination and formal identification of the victim will be carried out today.

“Police will likely be able to release more details about the man after these processes have been completed.

“Police and Victim Support Services are providing support to the victims whānau during this difficult time.”

He says a Police presence will remain in the area as the investigation continues.

“We are pleased to have been able to charge someone in relation to this tragic incident.”

The man appeared in Waitākere District Court today and was remanded in custody to appear in the Auckland High Court on 22 October.

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

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Six Mongrel Mob members and associates are before the courts after a Palmerston North fight that led to the Gang Conflict Warrant in August, with one man due to first appear this week.

About midnight on Saturday 8 August, Police were called to Main Street after receiving multiple reports of a mass brawl at a hotel.

Earlier that evening, an R18 event was held at the premises and was attended by a large number of Mongrel Mob members and associates from areas nearby including Palmerston North and Hawke’s Bay.

Police believe a disagreement over alleged missing property between a member of the public and a gang member occurred.

This altercation shortly escalated to another gang member assaulting the member of the public, initiating a mass brawl.

A series of Mongrel Mob members were involved in assaulting members of the public, and in some instances, bottles, bar stools, and other weapons of opportunity are believed to have been used.

Multiple people received minor injuries and received medical attention at the scene, then later at Palmerston North Hospital.

Police’s enquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage, quickly identified multiple people believed to be responsible for the incident.

Following the brawl, and other serious gang related incidents, a Gang Conflict Warrant was issued in the Manawatū area.

The warrant broadened Police’s power under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act, giving Police special powers to search vehicles and occupants of vehicles of suspected gang members, and seize firearms, weapons, and vehicles.

As a result of the investigation, a number of search warrants were conducted in relation to the brawl, resulting in the arrest of seven Mongrel Mob members.

Acting Detective Sergeant Richard How says this violence stemmed from people not being able to accept no as an answer.

“Clearly the use of violence by these gang members to get their own way is not going to be tolerated.

“These arrests are pleasing and show the community our determination to ensure each person is held accountable for their behaviour and actions in this incident.”

A 37-year-old man is due to appear in Palmerston North District Court on 9 October, facing charges of common assault, male assaults female, and assault with intent to injure.

A 37-year-old Napier man appeared in Napier District Court on 24 September and pled guilty to two counts of common assault.

A 43-year-old Palmerston North man appeared in Palmerston North District Court on 23 September on a charge of common assault.

A 38-year-old Palmerston North man appeared in Palmerston North District Court on 17 September, charged with common assault, assault with intent to injure, and two counts of male assaults female.

A 31-year-old and 26-year-old appeared in Palmerston North District Court on 23 September on a charged of common assault and assaulting a person with a blunt instrument.

A 27-year-old man was warned for possession of an offensive weapon.

While the investigation into the brawl continues, Police cannot rule out further arrests or charges.

The court processes remain ongoing, and Police are unable to comment further.

ENDS

Isued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has confirmed the appointment of the permanent Aviation Council, which will strengthen sector leadership and help shape the industry’s future. 

Associate Transport Minister James Meager confirmed the 14-person forum, while speaking at the NZ Airports Hui in Blenheim this morning. 

“This is another significant step towards strengthening and growing the aviation sector. The permanent Council will help us seize future opportunities to support economic growth and enhance aviation safety and efficiency,” Mr Meager says. 

“The Council’s strategic leadership is key to a strong and resilient aviation industry which supports our economy, connectivity and emergency response capability.”

The Aviation Council’s permanent establishment was confirmed in the recent Aviation Action Plan, which outlined 25 actions to grow and future-proof the sector. 

Members include government agencies, regulators, industry associations, and nationally significant aviation businesses like Air New Zealand and Auckland Airport.

“The Council’s work will be instrumental in delivering the actions outlined in the Action Plan, such as workforce pipeline issues, regulatory bottlenecks and infrastructure needs,” Mr Meager says. 

“They will report annually on the Action Plan’s progress, ensuring it stays relevant by updating it at least every three years. 

“The permanent membership includes formal representation for smaller airlines to ensure we remain focused on supporting regional connectivity. It also includes industry voices through the Aviation Federation and the Aviation Industry Association to help prioritise workforce development.

“The advanced aviation sector is also represented through Kea Aerospace who will provide the insight we need to grow our $2.5 billion advanced aviation and space industry.

“I thank the Interim Aviation Council for their contribution over the past two years, particularly Air Ruatoria’s Māhanga Maru, who advocated for regional airlines while long-term representation was formalised.

“I look forward to working with the permanent appointments as industry and government navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead”.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating the death of a man in North Dunedin believe motorists or pedestrians may have evidence that can assist in our investigation.

The 36-year-old victim was located deceased at a North Dunedin property on Great King Street at around 2pm on Friday 3 October.

Southern District Criminal Investigations Manager Detective Inspector Shona Low says a 25-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Dunedin District Court on 21 October.

“During this time of day Great King Street, known to many as ‘the one way north’, is busy with cars and pedestrians, and we believe there is critical information that was recorded on dashcams, CCTV, or general photos and videos.

“We are appealing to anyone who was on Great King Street, between Union Street West and St. David Street between 5am and 2.30pm on Friday, with a specific focus around 11am.

“We believe there is crucial information on any dascham, CCTV, or general photos and videos that were taken in this area, and we would like to hear from the public as soon as possible.”

Police have created a dedicated web portal where people can upload photos or footage that was taken between 5am and 2.30pm on Friday 3 October in the Great King Street area. 

Footage can be uploaded here: https://tex.nc3.govt.nz/.

Information can also be provided online through 105 online or via phone, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please use the reference number 251003/5165.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Press Release Service

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Source: New Zealand Police

Police have located a body in the Manapouri area.

A search was commenced on Monday evening for a man who had not returned after going hunting off Supply Bay Road near Lake Manapouri.

Police were notified when the man failed to return at 2pm as intended.

A body, believed to be the hunter, was located by a Search and Rescue team at around 6:15pm on Monday.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. They are being offered support.

Police would like to thank the Fiordland Land Search and Rescue volunteers and the various members of the public who assisted with search efforts to locate the hunter.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Road users can expect to see plenty of activity on the state highways in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes districts over the next few months, as the summer road maintenance season moves into full swing.

More people working on the roads means an increased risk of accidents and injuries, so motorists are being asked to take extra care around worksites during the summer construction season.

“We understand people can get stressed travelling on busy highways, especially in warmer conditions,” says Peter Standring, Maintenance Contract Manager with New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, across the two Central Otago districts.

“But just like we want travellers to get where they are going safely, we want our roading team from Aspiring Highways to get home safely to their families. A bit of patience behind the wheel goes a long way. Where we see dangerous driving behaviour, police will be contacted.”

“We will be resealing about 67 lane kilometres* of carriageway this season. Road users should be prepared for temporary speed limit reductions and delays up to 10 minutes.”

Resealing programme

• SH8 Raes Junction to Dairy Creek (just north of Clyde) – November 2025.
• SH 8 Cromwell to Blue Gums/Tarras – December 2025.
• SH85 Omakau to Kyeburn – December 2025.
• SH8A Luggate-Tarras Road – January 2026.
• SH6 Albert Town to Queenstown – January 2026.
• SH6 Queenstown to Kingston – February 2026.

“In addition to the resealing programme, we will also be carrying out important work at a number of sites to reconstruct roads and build up resilience,” Mr Standring says.

Significant works

• SH6 Scrubby Gully resilience works, Cromwell side of the Kawarau Gorge – August-October 2025.
• SH8 Bendigo Terrace road reconstruction, north of Cromwell heading toward the Lindis Pass – August-December 2025.
• SH6 Nevis Bluff spring scaling – October-November 2025.
• SH8 Stableburn road reconstruction, near Millers Flat – November 2025-March 2026.
• SH8 Dip Creek culvert replacement, in the Lindis Pass – January-March 2026.
• SH8/8B Deadman’s Point thin asphalt construction, intersection at the Cromwell Bridge – February 2026.
• SH8A Luggate Bridge general maintenance – timing to be determined.

“The impacts of this work on traffic will vary from full temporary road closures to traffic management that results in delays, depending on the nature of the work,” Mr Standring says.

“We’ll be doing our best to minimise that impact on road users. We thank everybody for their patience over the spring and summer months as we carry out the work to provide better, safer roading and infrastructure for everyone across Central Otago”.

Weekly updates on the maintenance work underway on Otago state highways can be found here, with an option to subscribe:

Otago state highway maintenance programme

*Lane kilometres are used to show the full scale of work being completed, and is more accurate than lineal metres, as some sections of road being renewed will have passing lanes or dual carriageway eg 1 kilometre of road that has dual carriageway in both directions equates to 4 lane kilometres.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

This season, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is investing in a significant road rebuild programme across the Waikato, alongside many resealing and resurfacing sites throughout the region.

This work is in addition to our regular summer maintenance, which ensures the network remains safe, reliable, and fit for purpose.

This significant investment will mean you see a lot more activity out on the roads, especially during the peak summer. This investment aligns with the Government Policy Statement land transport (GPS 2024) by demonstrating improved network condition, preventing further deterioration, reducing costs, and minimising disruptions.

Waikato System Manager at NZTA Andrew Oakley says that from now through to the end of March 2026 people will see increased activity on the roads as crews carry out vital summer renewal work.

“This summer, we’re targeting the renewal of approximately 112 lane kilometres across the Waikato, excluding the State Highway 1 Tīrau to Waiouru project.

“This work is essential to maintain the quality and safety of our state highways and to ensure all road users have a smoother and safer journey on the network.”

At least 10 road rebuilds are in the planning phase, alongside widespread asphalt resurfacing across all corridors.

“Last year, we rebuilt around 49km of SH1 between Tīrau and Waiouru and by the end of the project in 2026, we’ll have rebuilt 66km of SH1 in total. This work is lifting the road to a much higher standard, meaning less disruptions and less maintenance needed in the future.

“We’re also tackling the Coromandel Peninsula, including the Coromandel Recovery Programme and repairs to the SH25 Boundary Creek Bridge. Given the upcoming peak summer season, we’re taking a careful and considered approach to this programme to minimise disruption.

“We know that any closures on the state highway network are inconvenient, however it’s important that we’re able to get essential rebuild work done when it needs to in the warmer weather, so that we can complete the work faster, ensuring a resilient network that continues to provide those all-important connections.”

On top of this work, crews are renewing roads through the State Highway Pothole Prevention Fund.

This funding has been set aside specifically for resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance works, helping us to tackle the issues that keep roads from being in good condition for the long term within 24 hours. 

“The goal for this fund is simple: get our state highways and local roads up to the safe and reliable standard that Kiwis expect so road users can spend less time worrying about potholes and more time enjoying the ride.

“In the Waikato, we’ve repaired 9312 potholes and more than 97% of these were fixed within 24 hours. That’s a great result” says Mr Oakley.

NZTA is reminding motorists to: 

• Slow down and follow signposted temporary speed limits, especially on newly sealed roads where loose chips can damage vehicles. 

• Stay alert and follow traffic management instructions at work sites. 

• Be patient with crews setting up and packing down sites and avoid overtaking working vehicles.

“Our crews will be working long hours, day and night, while many are enjoying their summer road trips. Slowing down through work zones helps keep everyone safe” says Mr Oakley.

To stay informed about the upcoming maintenance season:

Source: New Zealand Police

Hamilton Police have confirmed the identity of a woman found in the Whanganui River on 5 October.

She was Tina Gray, 56, of Taumarunui.

Taumarunui Police had been investigating the disappearance of Tina who was last seen in Taumarunui beside the Whanganui River on 25 September.

Police extend their sympathies to her whānau and friends at this difficult time.

ENDS