NZ Engine

Source: Tairawhiti District Health

New Zealand Police, in partnership with Z Energy (Z), New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and ACC, are urging drivers to be safe on our roads and not to risk their lives or others.

This Easter weekend, increased activity on our roads is likely, with many people all over the country expected to capitalise on the two long weekends and school holidays.

Inspector Peter McKennie of the National Road Policing Centre says this partnership with Z is aimed at reminding people travelling to keep road safety top of mind.

“So far in 2025, we’ve seen far too many people lose their lives on our roads. This ongoing initiative is another means of reminding drivers and riders of the everyday dangers you face on your journey and how your behaviour can influence the safest outcome.

“Road safety is simply something we all have to take a greater responsibility for if we’re genuinely serious about reducing harm on our roads.

Police can’t control the actions of every driver 24/7. Our staff can’t be beside you in the car telling you to slow down, or to put your seatbelt on.”

It’s a responsibility Z, with a network of over 180 retail sites across New Zealand, has taken on board. That’s why they’re sharing road safety messages in-store and on the forecourts.

“At Z we believe when you are part of a community, you look out for it. And as we have the privilege to be part of many communities across Aotearoa, this partnership allows us to help remind our customers of the great safety messages Police, NZTA and ACC have developed,” says Z’s GM Corporate Affairs, Haley Mortimer.

“As the majority of our customers visit us by car, it just makes good sense for us to provide them with a timely reminder of a road safety message right before they get back on the road,” continues Haley.

Inspector McKennie says initiatives like this can only be positive and hopes many road users can rethink their behaviour on the road when they do stop to refuel or recharge.

“We are all working together in an effort to ensure everyone on the road is safe. Although we want to be clear, if road users are detected to be displaying unsafe behaviours, they will be ticketed.

You can expect to see Police anywhere, anytime on the road to deter any dangerous behaviour that impacts the safety of road users.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Tairawhiti District Health

Commissioner Richard Chambers, members of the police executive and wing patron Don Mann congratulated the 76 graduating constables from Wing 383 today.  Also attending and presenting a prize in absence of the Minister of Police was Mayor of Porirua Anita Baker.

Families and friends celebrated the newly attested police officers at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua this afternoon to acknowledge the successful completion of their initial training course.

There are some likeminded individuals in the wing with 19 of the graduates having family members currently working in police. Five officers worked for police in non-constabulary roles before choosing to become police officers.

Twenty two of them were born in other countries, with 15 of them speaking more than just English.

Many of the officers are top sports players and one of them was awarded the Minister’s prize for top of wing. Constable Casey Hales is a former New Zealand representative for White-water Canoe Slalom. She’s also a current member of the Paddle Ferns – the New Zealand Women’s Canoe Polo Team and has won several international titles. She is a current world champion, having won the 2024 World Championships just three weeks before beginning her police college journey last November. She will be competing in the upcoming World Games in China later this year.

“I have spent the better part of ten years dedicated to my sporting passion. It is a privilege to be a member of the Paddle Ferns – the New Zealand Women’s Canoe Polo team and represent New Zealand at multiple international competitions. After winning the 2024 World Championships it felt like the right time to put my paddle down for a bit and shift my energy to starting a career I have always dreamed of. “It’s an honour to be recognised as top of wing, and I had no idea I was capable of it, but I’ve been lucky enough to go through this journey supported by an amazing group of people,” says Casey.

Casey will be based in Eastern District alongside her sister and mentor Constable Tayla Hales.

Leadership Award winner Ethan Semple has also followed a sibling into the police service. Ethan’s brother inspired him to join police. “I was very proud of my brother when he joined the police a few years ago. I’d always felt called to join police myself but felt like I wasn’t ready. I was going from job to job for a few years, working with youth in Oranga Tamariki, security, and a few tradie jobs. I was never satisfied with what I was doing, always feeling like it wasn’t where I was meant to be. Last year the recruiter tapped me on the shoulder so I put my name forward. As I did so, I’d never felt so sure about any job I’d applied for, and coming into college I knew I was where I am meant to be.”

Ethan is deployed to Bay of Plenty District.

Ten officers will head to Southern District, while nine will head to Northland District, a large number at either end of the country.

The Northland-bound recruits is one of the biggest cohorts to head there in a long time. Regional recruiter Sergeant Joe Te Ao says it’s about making connections in the community and reaching out to people who you think may be a good fit to join police.
“I spotted a rugby referee who also worked as an instructor at the gym. I knew he would be great in the job. I approached him and suggested he give it a go, met him at the station, had a good chat and he applied the following week. I supported him throughout the whole process and he is now at police college on Wing 386. There’s also someone graduating today who was our plumber and it’s great to watch him graduate. These are just two of many excellent people who I’ve sought out and encouraged them to join,” says Joe. 

District Commander Northland, Superintendent Matt Srhoj says having the new officers join them in a week will be great. “We’re really excited having the extra people coming on board.  We’ve worked really hard to recruit them, and it’s good that we have filled a few gaps. Our staff up in Northland are very excited about this new team coming back.

Southern District’s ten new officers will be deployed throughout the region to Invercargill, Queenstown, Gore and Dunedin stations.

The rest of the wing are dispersed as follows:

Deployment:
Northland 9, Tāmaki Makaurau a total of 25 and broken down as follows: Auckland City – 9, Waitematā – 7, Counties Manukau – 9, Waikato – 5, Bay of Plenty – 6, Eastern – 3, Central – 3, Wellington – 7, Tasman – 3, Canterbury – 5, Southern – 10.

The new constables will start their first week of duty in their Police districts from Monday 28 April 2025 and will continue their training on the job as probationary constables.

All Awards:
Minister’s Award recognising top student: Constable Casey Hales, posted to Eastern District. 
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership: Constable Ethan Semple, posted to Bay of Plenty District.
Patron’s Award for second in wing recognising second top student: Constable Kayla Massey-Borman, posted to Auckland City District.
Firearms Award: Constable Ricardo Lewis, posted to Waitematā District.
Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award: Constable Jared Curtis posted to Bay of Plenty District.
Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Jenna Dodd, posted to Counties Manukau District.

Demographics:

31.6 percent are female, 68.4 percent are male. New Zealand European make up 64.5 percent of the wing, with Māori 13.2 percent, Pasifika 6.6 percent, Asian 11.8 percent, LAAM 2.6 percent. 

383 Wing Patron: Don Mann
Don Mann (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe and Tongan descent) is a highly regarded leader who has served in the public and private sectors, and was a New Zealand police officer for 13 years.
Don is the CEO of Pacific Media Network, a public service multimedia entity that serves a global Pacific audience, revitalising 10 Pacific languages while promoting Pacific culture and identity.
Before that role, Don was CEO of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation where he led indigenous economic development partnerships across the Pacific region. In 2014, Don established a corporate partnerships team at Auckland Council, playing a pivotal role in supporting Auckland’s economic development strategy. 
As a former general manager of the New Zealand Warriors franchise Don helped lead the club to seven National Rugby League (NRL) finals series including two NRL grand finals. He is a previous winner of the Pacific Sport Administrator the Year award and was twice recognised at the Aotearoa Māori Sport Awards.
Don joined the New Zealand Police in 1984 and was awarded first prize for general excellence in Wing 92. During his 13 years of Police service he spent seven of those as a detective in Auckland CIB specialising in homicide investigation, sexual abuse and criminal intelligence. 
He holds a Bachelor of Business from Massey University where he won awards for business leadership and market research. He is a member of the Institute of Directors and currently serves on the Boards of Literacy Aotearoa (as Co-chair), SkyCity Auckland Community Trust, and The Rising Foundation. Don is married to Louise, a former police officer of 17 years and a current Police employee.

Watch out for our Ten One story coming soon with more images and stories.
If you’re interested in joining police check out newcops.govt.nz

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Tairawhiti District Health

MEDIA ADVISORY

What:    Graduation of the New Zealand Police Don Mann 383 Recruit Wing.

Who:     For families and friends to celebrate with the newly attested police officers.

Why:     Completion and graduation from their initial training course.

Where:  Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua.

When:   Thursday 17 April at 2pm – media will need to be in place by 1.45pm.

How:     RSVP the Police Media Centre if you’re attending: media@police.govt.nz

Commissioner Richard Chambers will be attending the ceremony along with members of the Police executive, Associate Minister for Police Hon Casey Costello and Wing Patron, Don Mann.

Notably there are nine staff heading to Northland District, where District Recruitment Lead Sergeant Joe Te Ao is responsible for some of the recruitment into the region. “I’m pleased to see so many of the staff I approached myself, working towards their graduation day.  We have several people waiting in the wings to become recruits, including three from my local gym and another three from a local coffee shop that I have encouraged to apply.  Some are currently going through the application process and one is graduating on Thursday. There are some people of excellent quality coming through in the next few wings, especially for Northland, which is great for our region,” he says.

The 383 Wing Patron:
Starting in Wing 92 in 1984 and graduating top of the wing, Don spent 13 years in Police, much of that time as a detective. Don has also been a marketing manager at New Zealand Rugby League, a general manager for the New Zealand Warriors and CEO of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation, where he led indigenous economic development partnerships across the Pacific region. He is currently CEO of Pacific Media Network, a public service multimedia entity that serves a global Pacific audience. He is also on the Boards of Literacy Aotearoa, SkyCity Auckland Community Trust, and The Rising Foundation. Don has Māori and Tongan ancestry and reflects on how his ancestors and their forward thinking have shaped his values and world view.

Wing 383’s prize-winners are spread across six police districts, namely Auckland City, Counties Manukau, Waitematā, Bay of Plenty, Eastern and Wellington.

More details about statistics, prize winners and other recruits will be shared after graduation on Thursday.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

Source: Tairawhiti District Health

The Police Media Centre will close at 6pm on Saturday 12 April due to staffing constraints.

Prior to that time, we will be operating with reduced staff numbers and prioritising urgent/serious incidents.

After 6pm, information on any significant public safety issues will be released proactively.

The centre will reopen at the usual time of 7am on Sunday 13 April.

We appreciate our media colleagues’ continued patience and understanding.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Tairawhiti District Health

The last of the Comanchero Motorcycle Gang leadership group not facing charges, is now facing court over two major investigations into drug importations.

Police have charged the National Vice President in relation to offences linked to the importation of methamphetamine and cocaine into the country.

Assistant Commissioner: Investigations Paul Basham says every member of the gang’s leadership is now facing serious charges.

“This is a significant milestone and represents years of relentless investigative work to disrupt and hold the Comancheros to account for criminal activity.

“There is no doubt that this sustained enforcement activity has had considerable impact on the gang’s ability to conduct their offending.”

The 36-year-old man was arrested in Howick yesterday.

Assistant Commissioner Basham says members of the National Organised Crime Group were there to make the arrest.

“This man has been charged over the investigation into the importation of methamphetamine at the Port of Tauranga in December last year,” he says.

“He has also been charged over offending linked to the importation of cocaine into New Zealand earlier this year.

“It will be alleged that this man played a significant role in working across transnational organised criminal groups with these importations.”

This week’s arrest comes off the back of three major investigations which culminated at the end of 2024 with nearly every Comanchero member facing criminal charges.

Assistant Commissioner Basham says: “This is tenacious investigative work and I’d like to acknowledge the investigation staff based in Auckland and the Bay of Plenty.

“We have not wavered in enforcing the law with gangs and organised criminal groups who are causing a high level of harm in communities right across this country.”

The 36-year-old man will appear in the Auckland District Court today charged with importing methamphetamine, attempted possession of cocaine for supply and participating in an organised criminal group.

• Background notes for editors:

– Operations Avon, Scuba and Embargo targeted the Comancheros over a three year period
– Those investigations resulted in 137 charges laid against the gang’s members and associates
– Operation Bridle saw four arrests over the alleged importation through the Port of Tauranga
– Three men are before the Auckland District Court over the importation of cocaine earlier this year

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: Tairawhiti District Health

Police and Health NZ have completed Phase One of the Mental Health Response Change Programme and are preparing to begin Phase Two.

Phase One of the joint agency approach commenced on 4 November 2024, and Phase Two was initially set to start on 31 March 2025.

With Phase One complete, Phase Two will now start from 14 April with both agencies agreeing to a staged implementation across districts.

Each district has been assessed for their readiness to implement the next phase, and as a result, districts will have varying starting points for the rollout.

Moving the start of this phase by two weeks was recommended by the Mental Health Response Change Programme Governance Group (including Police, Ministry of Health, Health NZ, and Ambulance agencies), to allow districts to be ready.

Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson says one of the challenges agencies faced was discrepancies in the way section 109 of the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 was interpreted with regard to handovers of detained person in emergency departments.

“We now have Crown Law advice which provides the much-needed clarity on section 109 for Phase Two to commence.”

The Police districts that will commence with Phase Two on 14 April are: Waitematā, Counties Manukau, Waikato, and Tasman (excluding Kaikoura). This corresponds to Health NZ’s Waitematā, Counties Manukau, Waikato (excluding Tokoroa and Taumarunui), Nelson-Marlborough, and West Coast districts.

Police and Health NZ will be working closely with these teams and districts to support their preparation for the changes, and will continue work with other districts to get them ready to start Phase Two.

“The safety of police and healthcare staff, and those in our community impacted by these changes, is a priority for us as we move forward,” Assistant Commissioner Johnson says.

“Police will always respond when there is an offence or an immediate risk to life or safety and this will not change.”

Health NZ Director of Specialist Mental Health and Addiction Karla Bergquist says Police and Health NZ, along with the Ministry of Health, Hato Hone St John, and Wellington Free Ambulance, have been working closely together on how agencies respond to mental health.

“At the heart of these changes is ensuring people receive the right mental health care at the right time, and their safety and that of kaimahi delivering that care is paramount,” Ms Bergquist says.

“This is why agencies have committed to safely phasing in these changes and working together to make adjustments to implementation timeframes when necessary.”

The Phase Two changes remain the same and include:

• 60-minute handover detained persons in EDs – Police who have detained a person under the MH Act and transported them for an assessment will remain in the ED for a maximum one hour before departing, unless they consider there is an immediate risk to life or safety.
• Changes to mental health assessments in custody – If someone is placed under the MH Act while in a Police custody suite, they will need to be taken to a health facility within 30 minutes. Custody rules will ensure people in distress are assessed appropriately, preferably in a health setting.

“We are committed to working together towards a system that supports everyone’s mental wellbeing, so people are supported to stay well, and have access to help that works for them.”

Note: NZ Police and Health NZ districts are not the same (Police has 12, Health has 20), so there are some parts of a Police district which are not included in the comparable Health NZ district or vice versa.

ENDS 

Police media contact: media@police.govt.nz
Health NZ media contact: hnzmedia@health.govt.nz

Source: Tairawhiti District Health

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers welcomed six new patrol dog teams after their graduation today at the Police Dog Training Centre at Trentham, Upper Hutt. 

Alongside them also graduating were three personnel from 2nd Engineer Regiment, 2 Field Squadron Unit with three newly trained Explosive Detector Dogs (EDD).

The teams celebrated the occasion in front of whānau and friends, the Commissioner of Police with members of the police executive, and Lieutenant Colonel Joe Totoro Commanding Officer, 2nd Engineer Regiment, New Zealand Army.

Commissioner Chambers congratulated them all on their achievements.

“All our patrol dog teams play a crucial role in frontline policing, deploying to some of the most dynamic and challenging situations. We couldn’t police the way we do without them.

“That’s why I’m thrilled to see six newly trained dog teams graduate today. They will be welcomed into Eastern, Central, Waikato, Wellington, and Auckland police districts very soon.”

Graduating from the police patrol dog course is one new and five experienced handlers with their dogs. 

Wellington-bound Constable Nick Press with Police Dog ‘Oskar’ says, “It feels different this time around being my second operational dog after working ‘Ink’ for the past six years. It’s exciting to get back on the street with a new young dog who is very different to ‘Ink’ and has taught me a lot and given me more skills as a handler.”

Constable Pete Smits is heading back to the Waikato. “I got Ozark at the start of November last year, and I’ve enjoyed training him and getting him as ready as possible for the reality of what police delta teams do. I’d like to acknowledge the Waikato Dog Section for helping me get to this point in my career.”

Inspector Todd Southall, National Coordinator Police Dogs, says “It’s a proud day for all teams, both experienced and new.  This ceremony marks the end of a demanding few weeks training to become an operational team and well done on completing all the tests which replicate your day-to-day work.

Patrol dog work is one of the most physically demanding roles in Police – you’re at the pointy end of frontline policing and a pivotal component in our Tactical Response Model. We are grateful for all your work, and this graduation signals the next step toward frontline duties” says Todd.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Watch out for our Ten One story coming soon with more images and stories about the police dog teams from this graduation.