Name release: Ōtara homicide

Source: New Zealand Police

Police conducting a homicide investigation following the death of a man in Ōtara on Friday evening can now release his name.

He was Greig Kelvin Temarama-Abela, 19, of Auckland.

Police extend our thoughts to his whānau and friends at this difficult time.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Vaaelua, Counties Manukau CIB, says a 19-year-man has been remanded in custody charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in relation to a second victim from the altercation.

“The investigation team is continuing to assess every line of enquiry available to us.

“We would like to thank the members of the community who have assisted with this investigation so far, and encourage anyone who is yet to speak with us to please come forward.”

If you can help, please call 105 and quote reference number 250802/7178.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Update: Kaiwaka incident

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can provide a short update in an investigation into a child being located in a suitcase in a bus luggage compartment in Kaiwaka on 3 August.

Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, of Waitematā CIB, says the child is medically well and we are working with whānau and our partner agencies to ensure the child is cared for.

A 27-year-old woman has been charged with ill-treatment/neglect of a child and will appear in North Shore District Court today.

“We appreciate there is high public interest with what has happened,” acting Detective Inspector Harrison says.

“However given the circumstances concerning the child, and the matter being before the Court, we are unable to provide further comment.

“Our focus is on ensuring the child is well-supported and we are working with Oranga Tamariki in relation to this matter.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Arrest made, car seized after Stokes Valley shooting

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have charged a 25-year-old Taitā man and seized a vehicle after yesterday’s shooting in Stokes Valley.

Emergency services were called to Hanson Grove about 9am on Sunday after a report of a firearm being discharged. A man was found with life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Wellington Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit.

Detective Sergeant Martin Todd said a suspect was arrested last night and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and unlawful possession of a firearm. He appeared in court today and was remanded in custody, to reappear in the Hutt Valley District Court on 14 August.

“We have also located and seized a vehicle of interest, a maroon-coloured Toyota MarkX station wagon with the registration KMW290, which will be forensically examined.

“While we have made an arrest, we still need the public’s help and would like to hear from anyone who saw this maroon station wagon on Sunday morning.

“We ask that anyone in or around the Hanson Grove area in Stokes Valley, the Sladden St area in Naenae, as well as Poole St in Taitā, between 7am and 10am on Sunday 3 August, review any CCTV or dashcam footage they have.

“Please get in touch with us if you filmed this station wagon.”

Anyone with relevant information should contact police on 105 and quote file number 250803/0624 or make an anonymous report via Crimestoppers on 0800 0555 111.

Police have a visible presence in the Stokes Valley area that will continue over the coming days, Detective Sergeant Todd said.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Can you help? Police seek further information, Tyreece Te Pairi homicide investigation

Source: New Zealand Police

Waikato Police are asking for the public’s help as the investigation into the murder of 20-year-old Tyreece Te Pairi last month in Hamilton continues.

Emergency services were called to Alexandra Street shortly before midnight on 20 July after an altercation between two groups.

Tyreece was transported to hospital, where he sadly died a short time later.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kristine Clarke says Police are following strong lines of enquiry, and are grateful to the public for their help so far.

“We are now working to gather information around a few specific points, which we’re hoping the public can also help with.

“We would like to hear from anyone who attended a hip-hop event at Cloud 9 Bar on Hood Street, Hamilton, on the evening of 19 July 2025, and has photos or video recorded from the event.

“Police would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen the pictured vehicles in the Hamilton CBD area between 10pm on 19 July and 12.30am on 20 July.

“These are a 2024 blue Mitsubishi Outlander, a 2005 grey Nissan Teana and a 2004 gold Toyota Prius.

“It is believed the vehicles travelled to the Cloud 9 Bar event and the occupants may have information that could greatly help our investigation.”

Waikato Police continue to urge anyone with information relating to the death of Tyreece to make contact with us.

If you can help, please use our 105 service, quoting file number 250720/2896.

You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Note: Images of the vehicles are attached as files for download. 

Update – search for Roy Arbon

Source: New Zealand Police

The search for missing 75-year-old Roy Arbon has moved into a review phase after 10 days of intensive searching, after he left for a walk and did not return.

Mr Arbon left on 23 July, leaving a handwritten note, and his concerned neighbour reported him missing the following day.

Since that time, Police and Search and Rescue teams – aided by a host of volunteers and specialist crews – have been relentless in their mission to find Roy.

About 1700 search hours have been carried out, with three qualified Search and Rescue managers running the operation.

However, much to their disappointment, he is yet to be found.

Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood says a large push was made on Saturday 1 August, deploying every available resource that could be mustered into the area.

“Seventy-nine people deployed out into the Mt Davy area where his phone last pinged, which is notoriously difficult terrain.

“It’s riddled with mineshafts, cliffs, steep drop-offs, trenches, and West Coast bush.

“On Saturday we deployed Police, Land Search and Rescue, Cave Search and Rescue, Mines Rescue, Alpine Cliff Rescue, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Coastguard, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand, and search dogs. Over the search we have used drones, helicopters, Recco detecting equipment, thermal imaging, any technology that was available to us.”

Police had received numerous calls from the public, many of which led to further points of interest. Any viable leads have been followed up, says Senior Sergeant Kirkwood.

“Tomorrow we intend to send in a dog team and searchers to a further area of interest that we have identified, and we continue to assess any new information received that might lead to Roy’s location.

“It’s very disappointing not to have found Roy to date, and we know how gutting it is, not just for his family, but the wider community.”

Senior Sergeant Kirkwood says searchers are grateful for the way the public has rallied around them.

“We’ve received so many offers of help. On Saturday, for example, coffee cart business MASH bus catering went to the staging area and fed people and provided coffees for free – awesome stuff.

“To anyone who has come out and helped us search, brought supplies, or sent messages of support, thank you.”

The search will be reviewed locally prior to being independently reviewed.

Any information regarding Roy or his whereabouts should be reported via our 105 service, referencing file number 250725/2139.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Missing Auckland man located

Source: New Zealand Police


Location:

Auckland City

Police can advise a 75-year-old man reported missing yesterday in the Epsom area has been located safe and well.

We would like to thank those members of the public who provided information.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Information sought following Dargaville aggravated robbery

Source: New Zealand Police

Dargaville Police are appealing to the public for information following an aggravated robbery in Aratapu earlier this month.

Investigations are continuing after a person was injured and a vehicle stolen from a property on Pouto Road on 18 July.

Detective Constable Wendy McDermott, Dargaville CIB, says Police received a report at about 1.45am of three males assaulting a person at the address before stealing a gold Toyota Landcruiser.

“We are appealing to anyone who witnessed anything in the area at the time to please contact Police.”

Detective Constable McDermott says the vehicle, registration WJ8310, was later located on fire on Ngapipito Road between Moerewa and Kaikohe and was later removed from that scene.

“Police would like any information about any sightings of this vehicle on that day or since then and are also interested in any CCTV footage or cell phone footage.”

Anyone that has information to assist Police can update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250718/6582.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Name release, fatal crash, SH30

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now name the woman who died following a fatal crash on SH30 on 25 July.

She was 53-year-old, Joni Tuhakaraina from Tokoroa.

Police extend our condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

PM Luxon to visit Papua New Guinea

Source: New Zealand Government

In the 50th year of Papua New Guinea’s independence, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to Port Moresby this week to celebrate the enduring friendship between our two nations. 

“I look forward to seeing my friend Prime Minister Marape. New Zealand was among the first countries to welcome Papua New Guinea into the community of nations in 1975. We’ve been close partners ever since, with Prime Minister Marape and I committed to building our partnership for the next 50 years,” Mr Luxon says.  

“New Zealand and Papua New Guinea are more than neighbours – we are partners in shaping the future of our home region, the Pacific. 

“As the largest and most populated Pacific Island country, Papua New Guinea is an important player in the Pacific family.”

Mr Luxon will depart for Port Moresby on 4 August, returning on 6 August.

New training launched for New Zealand’s silent harm, asbestos

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

WorkSafe has joined forces with Site Safe, a leading construction health and safety organisation, to deliver new training for asbestos awareness.

WorkSafe has joined forces with Site Safe, a leading construction health and safety organisation, to deliver new training for asbestos awareness.  

As health and safety regulator, WorkSafe provided technical and specialist asbestos knowledge.

The course provides people with the knowledge they need to identify, and manage, the risks associated with exposure to asbestos fibres.

Rob Birse, Principal Asbestos Specialist at WorkSafe, says this is the most effective way to reduce the harm.

“It’s important that businesses and workers do all that they can to identify and reduce the risks that come with asbestos dust. Learning to spot those risks is the first, crucial step to keeping yourself, and your workmates, healthy and safe.”

Materials that contain asbestos, that are in a good condition and left untouched, don’t need to be removed, and are unlikely to cause harm.

“If asbestos is disturbed, it can release fibres into the air. These fibres can get stuck in the lungs and cause disease,” Rob explains.

“Around 220 people die from asbestos-related illness every year. Just because we’ve stopped using asbestos, does not mean the problem went away. There are specific regulations for working with asbestos for a reason.”

The course is beneficial to people across a wide range of industries, particularly those in the construction industry, including young workers, apprentices, and migrant workers.

It’s also a valuable tool for people outside of construction, such as trades and maintenance workers (electricians, plumbers, painters, and flooring workers), facility and property managers, healthcare and education staff, emergency responders, demolition and renovation crews, and even those in shipyard, maritime, aerospace, and automotive industries. 

“Asbestos remains a silent danger in many environments, and it is imperative that workers understand how to identify it and what procedures to follow to remain safe. This course provides practical, actionable knowledge, ensuring that our people can return home safely at the end of each day,” says Brett Murray, Site Safe Chief Executive.  

“We are particularly pleased to collaborate with WorkSafe on this initiative, amplifying our shared dedication to a safer New Zealand.” 

The training is aligned with Unit Standard 2138, “Demonstrate knowledge of asbestos and safety procedures,” resulting in 1 credit at Level 2. Those who complete the course will receive a Site Safety Card.

Registrations are now open. For more information, visit www.sitesafe.org.nz/training(external link)