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One person has died following the earlier crash this afternoon on SH7, near Culverden.
Another person has sustained moderate injuries.
The road remains closed, with diversions in place, while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene.
Motorists should continue to avoid the area if possible.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
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Please attribute to Relieving Central District Commander Inspector Ross Grantham:
Police accepts the findings by the Independent Police Conduct Authority which investigated complaints against three officers involved in the investigation and trial regarding the murder of Palmiro MacDonald.
Mr MacDonald went missing in March 2016 and his remains were found several months later in Horowhenua. Police began a homicide investigation and three people were charged with his murder. However, charges against all parties were eventually dropped or dismissed in court.
We accept and agree with the findings by the IPCA that there were issues with disclosure of information but that these were not intentional or deliberate acts.
Since this incident, the Solicitor-General has issued guidelines for the use of inmate admissions evidence, and Police now require senior detective supervisors to review inmate admissions evidence against these guidelines in homicide investigations.
Police were also involved in the development of the High Court ‘Criminal Disclosure in High Court Trials’ practice note which was implemented in 2023. That practice note requires specific consideration of ‘inmate witnesses’ or ‘incentivised witnesses’ in terms of ensuring disclosure obligations are addressed.
Police are confident that these two significant changes to the process will avert as best as possible any future mistakes being made.
The IPCA recommended Police prescribe in policy that it be standard practice that all prison informant interviews being undertaken for the purpose of taking statements should be video or audio recorded.
Police do not agree with the recommendation, but will engage with the Authority in an effort to resolve the issue.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
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Police can now release the name of the man who died following a single-vehicle crash on SH5 near Mamaku on Tuesday 22 April.
He was Paul John Coleman, 51, of Hamilton.
Police extend their condolences to his family and friends.
His death has been referred to the Coroner.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
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Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Owhata overnight.
The two-vehicle crash on the corner of Te Ngae Road and Tennyson Drive was reported at about 9:10pm.
One person died at the scene. A second person received serious injuries.
Police would like to speak with anybody who witnessed the crash. This includes any dashcam or CCTV footage around the area.
If you have any information, please contact Police via 105, either online or over the phone.
Please reference file number 250426/9296.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
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Police are seeking photos of a Russian stuntman who went missing in 2002, in the hope the image can help identify partial remains located at Motutere earlier this year.
Artour Melikov was 36 when he was reported missing on 10 September 2002. Turangi Police located his vehicle at the Jellicoe Reserve, 400 metres north of Bulli Point at Lake Taupo. The car key was left inside the vehicle, along with Artour’s throwing knives, clothing, passport and other important documentation.
Despite extensive search efforts, there was no sign of Artour and Police established he hadn’t been seen since he left Auckland two days prior.
On 9 January this year, Police were called to a holiday park at Motutere, where several bones were located near a walking track.
Senior Constable Barry Shepherd QSM, of the Taupo Area Search and Rescue Squad, said Police believed the remains were those of Artour, but extensive enquiries have been unable to lead to a positive identification.
“We’ve been unable to contact his next of kin, so hope there is a colleague or friend who may be able to help us.
“Artour was a stuntman for the likes of Xena: Warrior Princess during his time in New Zealand, and we hope there is someone who worked with him who may have high-quality photos of his face, and especially his teeth.”
Artour had gold teeth in his upper jaw, that would have been distinctive, Senior Constable Shepherd said.
“We know 22 years is a long time, but I urge anyone who may have worked with Artour, to please review any images you may have and contact us if you can help.”
If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please make a report via 105, using the reference number 250110/2158.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
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Police can confirm one person has died following a crash on State Highway 5, Mamaku.
The single vehicle crash was reported at about 3:50pm.
The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.
State Highway 5 remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
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Attributable to Sergeant Anna Plowman:
Police are urging the public to prepare for the worst before heading outdoors this long holiday period following two land rescues in the Kaimai Ranges.
The first call for help came around 3.30pm on Friday 18 April, when Police were notified of two people having not returned from their hike.
The pair were located at around 7pm near a river that had flooded and blocked their exit.
Police kept in contact with the pair overnight before Search and Rescue, and Swift Water Rescue teams assisted them in getting back home safe the next day.
On Monday 21 April at around 6.45pm, Police were called to an area near Rataroa Stream where a hiker got stuck while walking a four hour hike. The person was located around two hours later.
Although we are pleased to have provided a swift response in both these incidents and help the three people return home safe, these incidents are a reminder to the public to prepare for any situation that may arise.
New Zealand’s environment and weather can be unpredictable, and with the recent wet weather, our rivers and streams are flooded, fast flowing, and high. It will take a few days for the rivers to return back to normal levels once the rain has completely stopped.
Your safety is your responsibility in the outdoors, by preparing for the worst-case scenario, you can enjoy your trip knowing you will be okay if anything goes wrong.
Even the most experienced people can get caught up in situations where they need assistance, and any day trip has the potential to turn into an overnight situation.
If you are going outdoors, no matter if it is hiking, hunting, or climbing, please follow the five simple steps of the Land Safety Code,
Distress beacons can be hired for as little as $10 from many Department of Conservation Visitor Centres, and outdoor tramping and hunting stores.
If you have purchased a beacon, make sure to register it at www.beacons.org.nz.
For more information on outdoor safety, helpful free resources and videos, head to Know Before You Go – AdventureSmart – NZ Search & Rescue Council | AdventureSmart.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source:
Police can confirm one person has died following a crash on Waipapa Road, Mangakino earlier today.
The two-vehicle crash was reported just after 4pm.
One person died at the scene, two others have been seriously injured.
The road remains closed, motorists are advised to avoid the area.
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Issued by Police Media Centre
Source:
A person has died in an incident involving a farm vehicle on a property near Taupo.
Emergency services were called to the address on State Highway 5 at Wairakei shortly after 3:30pm yesterday (Saturday).
On arrival, they sadly located one person deceased.
WorkSafe was to be notified.
The death will be referred to the Coroner.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre
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Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager:
A third person has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of 52-year-old Michael Tokona in Kawerau on 26 February.
A 15-year-old male is appearing in Whakatane Youth Court this afternoon.
This comes as a second 15-year-old male, and a 21-year-old male, are also before the courts for murder, after being arrested in recent weeks.
We are pleased to have been able to progress this matter and hold people to account.
The trio are expected to reappear in the High Court at Tauranga on 30 April.
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Issued by the Police Media Centre