NZ Engine

Source:

A firearm and ammunition have been seized after a vehicle was detected travelling through Manurewa with false plates.

A van had been travelling along Rowandale Avenue at around midnight.

Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager Inspector Warrick Adkin says the vehicle raised suspicions of frontline staff.

“Their suspicions were raised further as the van’s registration details were not stored in the database,” he says.

“A traffic stop was carried out and it was quickly established the vehicle was bearing false plates and was actually stolen from Takanini last week.”

The driver and passenger were both placed under arrest.

“Further information was provided to the staff that there was ammunition in the vehicle, and a further search was invoked,” Inspector Adkin says.

Officers located shotgun cartridges as well as a cutdown shotgun concealed inside, which were seized.

The 38-year-old driver has been charged with unlawful possession of a shotgun, unlawful possession of ammunition and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

He is appearing in the Manukau District Court today.

“It’s a great result from our staff who remain vigilant and continue to work to make our community a safer place,” Inspector Adkin says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source:

Police acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) over the use of force on a male prisoner.

In November 2023, Police staff received a 19-year-old man into custody at the Manukau District Custody Unit.

Mr X began banging his head against a wall after being placed into a holding cell.

Custody staff began to engage with Mr X to get him to stop, which was unsuccessful, and Custody Officer A entered the cell, using force in an attempt to restrain him.

Mr X was removed from the holding cell after additional custody officers entered and removed him.

While Mr X was being removed, Custody Officer A punched him to the face after believing he was about to spit on him.

The IPCA’s investigation found that Custody Officer A should not have intervened by himself, and the use of force was unjustified to restrain Mr X.

It also found that the use of force to stop the man spitting was justified, however the punching to the face was excessive.

Police acknowledge these findings.

Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Shanan Gray says Police have a general duty of care to all people in custody, of which 120,000 are managed across the country every year.

“That day the staff felt they needed to act with urgency after the detainee had hit his head against the wall multiple times with escalating intensity,” he says.

“We accept the staff present could have had better coordination around a plan for a safer approach to the unfolding situation.”

Police carried out an investigation into the actions of Custody Officer A.

Superintendent Gray says: “While there was insufficient evidence to lay criminal charges, our investigation found that the actions of punching Mr X to the face with a closed fist was unreasonable and unnecessary given the circumstances.

“A disciplinary process has since been carried out, the details of which remain confidential.

“However, I can confirm Custody Officer A remains employed by New Zealand Police.”

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source:

Another set of eyes and ears are on patrol, with the launch of the much anticipated Takanini Community Patrol this week.

The patrol launches after an 18-month joint effort between Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ) and NZ Police, with support from the Supreme Sikh Society. The new service includes two new community patrol vehicles to help prevent crime and reduce harm in the local area.

Counties Manukau District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray, says community patrols are invaluable to Police, keeping an eye on neighbourhoods and providing valuable intelligence to Police who cannot be everywhere at once.

“Police are aware of community concerns around some of the behaviour in the Takanini area, and have been working hard to make ensure our locals continue to feel safe.

“Our patrols have also focused on engaging with our community, but the issues aren’t something that Police alone can solve.

“We are continuing to work with both the community and our partner agencies to address any concerns and these volunteers are our eyes and ears and are part of the Police family.”

CPNZ chairman Chris Lawton says community patrols are made up of volunteers working with Police in their own community to help deliver a safer environment for everyone to live in.

“We would really like to thank Police staff at Counties Manukau South for their great work in helping to get this up and running, they are so invested in their community and it shows.

“Also of course a special thanks to Mahindra for the two vehicles, having access to these to continue to keep Takanini a safe place to live and work is vital.”

Mr Lawton says the official launch was also an opportunity to highlight the Pathways to Police program, which combines community patrol with active Police work.

“This dual role allows you to undergo comprehensive training while actively participating in Police operations, fostering a hands-on experience in law enforcement.”

For more information, go to www.cpnz.org.nz  

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Attributable to Detective Inspector Karen Bright:

Police have filed an assault charge in relation to the homicide of a woman found in a car in Waiuku on Friday.

A post-mortem has been conducted today.

A 50-year-old man police have been speaking with is due to appear in Pukekohe District Court on Monday, charged with male assaults female.

Police cannot rule out further charges.

Scene examinations at two locations in the area are ongoing as part of our enquiries.

Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the woman’s death.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source:

Attributable to Detective Inspector Karen Bright:

Counties Manukau Police have launched a homicide enquiry following the discovery of a woman’s body in a vehicle in Waiuku yesterday.

Police were called to the area around 5:40pm on Friday 11 April.

A scene examination is underway, and a post-mortem will be conducted tomorrow.

A 50-year-old man has been taken into custody and is assisting Police with our enquiries.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

Source:

Attributable to Inspector Jason Homan:

Emergency services are in attendance at a fire in a building on Grassways Avenue, Pakuranga, reported at around 12.45pm.

One person reported to be in a critical condition has been transported to Middlemore Hospital.

There are cordons in place, please avoid the area while emergency services attend.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source:

Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Blake Potene-Walsh, 30, who has a Warrant to Arrest and is wanted by Police.

He is wanted for escaping custody and Police believe someone may have information on his whereabouts.

Anyone with information is urged not to approach him and instead to call 111 immediately and quote file number 241128/7964.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source:

Police acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) in relation to a fatal fleeing driver incident in June 2024.

The fatal crash occurred on Lambie Drive, Manukau on 17 June after a stolen vehicle was signalled to stop, but failed to do so and ended up crashing into a tree.

The driver died at the scene and the passenger was seriously injured.

Officers had earlier stopped the vehicle in Manukau after noticing the number plates had been reported stolen and spoke to the driver before he drove off at speed.

Another Police unit signalled for the vehicle to stop however it continued on.

Two other officers were alerted to the fleeing driver and positioned themselves to deploy road spikes in an attempt to stop the vehicle, however when the driver saw the officer step out from behind a sign he swerved and lost control, crashing into a tree.

The investigation found that the vehicle and plates were stolen and that the driver had methamphetamine in his system, was breaching a court-imposed curfew, and was driving dangerously.

Police agree with the Authority’s findings that two officers breached policy concerning the planned use of road spikes by not informing the Emergency Communications Centre (ECC) of their position and intention to use them.

Police note the Authority’s other findings around the incident.

Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Shanan Gray says Police actions should be considered in the context of all the circumstances surrounding this event.

“Footage shows our staff had seconds to make a decision around whether or not to lay road spikes, and in this timeframe were unable to advise ECC of their plan due to other radio traffic.

“Staff who attend these incidents need to make decisions based on the threat and circumstances as they present, and without the benefit of hindsight.”

The staff involved were subject to a confidential employment process and remain employed with New Zealand Police.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source:

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson:

A 42-year-old Palmerston North man has been arrested and charged in relation to a serious assault in Cloverlea last month.

A man was found at a Cecil Place address with critical injuries on 1 March 2025 and continues to recover in hospital.

The 42-year-old has been charged with Wounding with Intent to Cause Grievous Bodily Harm and will appear in court today.

He was arrested at 2pm yesterday in the Roslyn area.

Over the past few weeks, a huge effort has gone into locating this man with several addresses searched. 

It is great that yesterday’s coordinated response and arrest means we can put him before the courts.  

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

Source:

Police can now release the name of the woman who died in a crash on State Highway 1, Marton on 26 March.

She was 24-year-old My Marie Harder Clemensen, from Khandallah, Wellington.

Police send our condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre