NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

Whangārei Police are urging the public to be alert to fraudsters targeting trusting members of the community for their money.

An investigation is in the early stages after an elderly couple had tens of thousands of dollars taken from accounts over the weekend.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei Area Investigations Manager, says the couple were contacted about replacing their banking cards.

“The fraudster has managed to convince them into providing pin numbers and leaving their eftpos cards in the mailbox for collection,” he says.

“Sadly, over the weekend tens of thousands of dollars has been taken out of their accounts.”

Police received a report on Monday, which is now under investigation.

Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer is calling on the community to be extremely vigilant.

“It’s appalling behaviour where trusting members of the community have been deceived to the point their hard-earned money is being taken.

“The last thing we need right now is other people in the community falling victim to this offending.

“I’m asking families and neighbours to check in on each other, please be aware that this happening.”

Police advise anyone who is contacted in these circumstances by potential scammers to not engage.

Hang up and never hand over personal or banking details, Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.

“The authorities and banks will never call you asking to hand over banking details.

“If you’re contacted, hang up immediately and instead contact the bank yourself.”

Police would also like to hear from anyone who may have been contacted in these circumstances, or who has handed over bank cards in these circumstances.

You can make a report online or call 105.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today joined MATES in Construction and ASB for World Suicide Prevention Day for the launch of the Construction Industry Wellbeing Survey.

“The theme of today is ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’ this means reducing stigma, reinforcing that it’s okay to not be okay, and encouraging people to ask for help. A simple check-in with a mate can make a real difference,” Mr Doocey says.

“New Zealand continues to face stubbornly high suicide rates. Last year, 617 people died by suspected suicide. Behind that number are grieving families, friends, colleagues, and communities.

“In June, we launched a new Suicide Prevention Action Plan with an increased investment of $16 million per year, bringing the total to $36 million.

“The plan has 21 new health actions and 13 new cross-agency actions to improve access to suicide prevention and postvention supports, grow a workforce that is able to support those at risk of, or affected by suicide, and strengthen our focus on prevention and early intervention.

“We’ve launched Top Up a new wellbeing promotion campaign, begun rollout of crisis recovery cafes and funded peer support workers in emergency departments. 

“Whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member, reaching out for support, this Government is committed to ensuring support is there.

“Everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention. New Zealand has come a long way in becoming more open to talking about mental health, and we are backing this up by putting more money into suicide prevention than ever before so Kiwis can be met with timely support.”

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now advise one person has died following a crash on Marine Drive in Eastbourne tonight.

The crash was reported to Police just after 6.50pm.

The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene.

We would like to thank all those impacted by the road closure for their cooperation and patience as this work is undertaken. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Central Otago locals are set to benefit from boosts to mental health services in Wānaka and Queenstown, including more staff and expanded services, Mental Health and Rural Health Minister Matt Doocey announced today.

“The Government is committed to faster access to mental health support, more frontline mental health workers and a better mental health crisis response,” Mr Doocey says.

“Recently I visited Wānaka as part of the nationwide Rural Health Roadshow, where I had the opportunity to meet with over 300 locals at a community meeting. While there I held a dedicated session with Health Action Wānaka, a local group advocating for improved health services in the region.

“The turnout in Wānaka was the largest of the roadshow so far. Hearing directly from residents and frontline health workers, including their concerns, reinforced why this Government is working hard to improve the health system.

“I am pleased to see progress being made to address some of the challenges there, in the form of:

•    Two additional mental health nurses have joined the Queenstown-based community mental health team, providing increased in-person support across the region.
•    Expanded psychiatric services for children and adolescents, including a new psychiatrist registrar based in Central Otago.
•    Telehealth psychiatric consultations, now available for residents in the Upper Clutha region, offering timely support without the need for long travel.
•    The contract for a new child and youth mental health service in Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago has been awarded to ADL Supporting Young People.

“These changes will help deliver better child and youth services together with  adult crisis support, clinical care, and therapy closer to home – something we heard loud and clear was needed during our Wānaka visit,” Mr Doocey says.

“Our mental health plan is working. We’re turning the corner on reducing wait times and increasing the mental health workforce. Recent data shows the frontline Health NZ mental health workforce has grown around 10 percent since we came into Government, and over 80% of people are being seen within three weeks for specialist services.

“I am very clear that when someone is making the brave step of reaching out to get support, workforce should never be a barrier. Whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member, reaching out for support, this Government is committed to ensuring support is there.”
 

Source: New Zealand Police

Canterbury Police conducted a targeted operation across Rangiora and Kaiapoi last weekend, aimed at reducing harm and improving road safety.

More than 800 breath screening tests were carried out, resulting in nine drivers being processed for driving over the legal alcohol limit.

Of particular concern, three of these drivers had come directly from a local bar. Police are currently looking into this matter further.

“This behaviour is disappointing. Driving under the influence of alcohol puts everyone at risk – not just the driver, but passengers, other road users and pedestrians,” says Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel.

Police remind the public that you can be stopped anywhere, at any time. Alcohol checkpoints are a regular part of our prevention strategy, and impaired drivers will be held accountable.

Canterbury Police urge all drivers to:

Plan ahead if you’re drinking — arrange a sober driver, taxi, or rideshare.

Look after your mates — don’t let friends drive if they’ve been drinking.

Understand your limits — even small amounts of alcohol can impair your ability to drive safely.

Be responsible — your decisions behind the wheel can save lives.

Let’s work together to keep our roads safe.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Marine Drive, Eastbourne is closed near Taumaru Ave following a crash.

The single-vehicle crash was reported just after 6:50pm.

Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

Motorists are advised to expect significant delays as the road will be closed for several hours, preventing access to Eastbourne.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested a 44-year-old man in relation to the theft of a significant bronze sculpture from the Mt Pleasant Community Centre.

The man will appear in Christchurch District Court on 16 September on a charge of theft.

“The theft of the sculpture has deeply upset the community, and Police have worked hard to locate the artwork and identify the person responsible” says Acting Detective Sergeant Steph Trengrove.

The artwork, titled Flight, was created by renowned Christchurch sculptor Llew Summers in 2018 and is valued at $95,000. Weighing 2.2 tonnes and measuring 2.2 metres in length, the sculpture depicts a large bird in flight, inspired by the nearby estuary. It was the final major bronze work completed by Summers before his passing in 2019.

Police became aware of the theft on 6 June 2025.

“Unfortunately, our investigation indicates that the sculpture has been destroyed and much of it sold as scrap metal, with only small pieces being recovered.”

“While we are pleased to have apprehended the offender, Police acknowledge the devastation the residents feel in losing such significant artwork.

We would like to warmly thank key community members who assisted officers with information and support throughout the investigation, including those from the scrap metal industry.”

If you see any unlawful or suspicious activity, please contact Police on 111 immediately. To report after the fact or in non-emergencies please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Inspector Paul Reeves, Response Manager:

A woman has been taken into police custody following a house fire in Epsom Road, Sockburn this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the address at 3.10pm today.

The woman was the sole occupant of the house and refused to leave when emergency services arrived.

While there was no risk to the wider community, cordons were put in place around the house to enable emergency services to work safely at the scene.

Police officers spent some time engaging with the woman and she was safely taken into custody at 4.55pm.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Recovery works are stepping up a gear on State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill this week, with nighttime road closures planned this week.

The route will be closed to all traffic on Thursday and Friday nights this week (11 and 12 September), between 8 pm and 5:30 am.

There is also potential for the road to be closed on Saturday night (13 September) if extra time is needed to complete the planned work.

Rob Service, System Manager Nelson/Tasman, says understanding the slip’s geology is essential for developing a proper repair. 

“Our contractors will be using a large drill rig to drill into an overslip at Goodall’s Straight. The drilling will provide information that is critical for understanding the geology of the slip and will also allow us to install drains to dewater and remove stress on the slip failure plane.”

View larger map [PDF, 614 KB]

Because of the size of the drilling rig and the work involved, Mr Service says a road closure is unavoidable.

“The drilling rig to be used is a big piece of equipment and will take up the entire road. Once it starts drilling, it cannot be paused or moved to let traffic through. This means traffic will not be able to get past it while it is working.”

“We realise the impact this will have on traffic, which is why the drilling will be done at night. Traffic volumes are much lower on the Tākaka Hill at night, so these night closures will inconvenience fewer people,” Mr Service says.

Regular users of the route are urged to plan ahead and be ready for the closures. While access will be available for emergency services, the route will be closed to all other road users.

Work schedule:

• Thursday and Friday nights (11 and 12 September), 8 pm – 5:30 am (Closure possible for the night of  Saturday, 13 September, if required)
• SH60 Tākaka Hill CLOSED between Aaron Creek Road and Riwaka Valley Road.
• Access will be maintained for residents on each side of the worksite, but residents will not be able to travel through the worksite during work hours.
• Access will be available for emergency services.