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Information sought in relation to Queens Park fire, Invercargill

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant John Kean, from the Invercargill Criminal Investigations Team:

Police are investigating a fire early this morning in Queens Park, Windsor, around 12.20am.

It appears four vehicles were deliberately set alight.

Thankfully, no one was injured.

Police would like to speak with anyone who may have seen anything unusual in the area last night or early this morning.

Information can be provided through 105, referencing case number 251203/6122.

You can also make a report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Team

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St Johns homicide: ‘Significant development’ as Police lay second murder charge

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have made a further arrest in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Kyle Whorrall earlier this year.

Operation Aberfeldy continues to investigate those who were present at the time the 33-year-old US national, was senselessly murdered at a bus stop in St Johns on 19 April 2025.

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, of Auckland City CIB, says the investigation team renewed its focus in September.

“I can confirm a 17-year-old Glen Innes male has been charged with murder and aggravated robbery,” he says.

This is the second teenager to be charged with murder in the case.

He will appear in the Auckland Youth Court tomorrow.

“We have advised Kyle’s family in California of this significant development, and we continue to remain in contact with them as our investigation progresses,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says.

The homicide investigation continues.

“Our focus will not waver in this case as we continue to ensure those who are responsible for Kyle’s death, face justice.

“Whilst this is a significant development, it is not over.”

Police encourage anyone with information to contact Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250419/9858, or Operation Aberfeldy.

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

Charges laid in Operation Aberfeldy:
– A 17-year-old male charged with Kyle’s murder and aggravated robbery.
– A 17-year-old male charged with Kyle’s murder and aggravated robbery.
– A 33-year-old woman charged with two counts of being an accessory after the fact to murder.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Police appeal for information following Wellington stabbing

Source: New Zealand Police

Wellington Police are appealing for information following the stabbing of a young man in Te Aro, Wellington, on Sunday morning.

Police were called to the serious incident about 4:10am, in a carpark between Wakefield Street and Tory Street. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds to the arm and the back.

He was taken to hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

The man remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Wellington Area Investigations Manager Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch says the man is lucky to not have died.

“The victim sustained multiple wounds in his back, any of which could have been fatal.

“This could have very easily been a homicide investigation.

“What we know is there were a significant number of people in the surrounding area when this happened – we need to hear from these people.

“If you saw any part of what unfolded we want to hear from you.”

Investigators are continuing to follow strong lines of enquiry to locate the people responsible, but Detective Senior Sergeant Leitch urged anyone with footage, or who witnessed the incident to contact Police as soon as possible.

If you have any information which may assist, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 251130/5482.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Andrew Coster breaks silence after resigning from Social Investment Agency

Source: Radio New Zealand

Andrew Coster pictured during his time as Police Commissioner. (File photo) RNZ / Nick Monro

Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has broken his silence after resigning as chief executive of the Social Investment Agency.

RNZ revealed on Wednesday Coster had resigned after the police watchdog’s damning report into police’s response to allegations of sexual offending by former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.

In a statement to RNZ, Coster said his resignation was “a result of my acceptance of full responsibility for the shortcomings” identified in the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s report.

“I regret the impact on the young woman at the centre of this matter and sincerely apologise to her for the distress caused.

“I accept that I was too ready to trust and accept at face value Deputy Commissioner McSkimming’s disclosure and explanations to me. I should have been faster and more thorough in looking into the matter.”

Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz

Coster acknowledged he should have more fully investigated the allegations when they were brought to his attention, “rather than assuming that their previous disclosure to senior Police staff a few years earlier would have resulted in an investigation if necessary”.

“It is clear that Police’s handling of the whole matter was lacking and that I was ultimately responsible for those matters. It was sobering to read of a number of missed opportunities which should have proceeded differently and more appropriately.”

Coster welcomed Sir Brian’s acknowledgement that the report made no finding of corruption or cover-up, nor did the IPCA find any evidence of any actions involving officers consciously doing the wrong thing or setting out to undermine the integrity of the organisation.

“I made decisions honestly. I acted in good faith. I sought to take all important factors into account with the information I had at the time. While it is not possible to alter past events, I am prepared to take responsibility – I got this wrong.

“I want to apologise to all members of the NZ Police. They work hard every day to keep our communities safe. I know they have been adversely affected by these events.”

Coster said it had been a “very challenging time” for his family and himself.

“The support we have received has been deeply appreciated. I have devoted my professional life to the service of others – it is my intention to do so again at some point in the future.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Intense rain, blustery wind and thunderstorms hit Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. RNZ / Jessica Hopkins

MetService is forecasting downpours across the North Island on Wednesday, with possible thunderstorms in some places, and a number of watches and warnings in place.

A heavy rain warning is in place from 11am until 11pm on Wednesday for Bay of Plenty and Gisborne/Tai Rāwhiti north of Ruatoria and the inland ranges, thunderstorms and downpours are also possible in these areas.

MetService a severe thunderstorm warning for the areas of Rodney, Gulf and Albany.

Just after 1pm, the MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near Warkworth, Puhoi, Kaukapakapa, Kaipara Flats and Ahuroa.

These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast, and are expected to lie near Orewa, Whangaparaoa and Silverdale at 1.37pm and near Auckland and Inner Hauraki Gulf at 2.07pm.

The agency says these thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain.

Meanwhile, there are reports that a tornado went through a motor camp in rural Manawatū and overturned a caravan.

Emergency services were called at 12.36pm and Fire and Emergency has confirmed that there is at least one person is injured.

Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said the most notable warning was for Bay of Plenty, with 80 to 120 millimetres of rain set to fall before the end of the day.

“With thunderstorms in the mix we could see shorter periods of more intense rain bringing those possibilities such as flooding as well as slips and difficult driving conditions.”

Thunderstorms may also occur in Taranaki and Whanganui, she said.

MetService has issued weather warnings and watches for much of the North Island on Wednesday. Supplied / MetService

A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for a large part of the North Island including Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taupo from 1pm-6pm on Wednesday.

Some of these thunderstorms may become severe on Wednesday afternoon with localised downpours of up to 40mm/h, large hail and strong wind gusts of up to 90km/h.

MetService said there was even a slight chance of a tornado, but that thunderstorm activity was expected to ease by Wednesday evening.

Northerly winds are forecast to turn southwesterly with gusts of up to 90km/h forecast.

Heavy rain watches are in place for a number of places throughout the day including Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula, Taranaki, Wairarapa, the eastern hills and ranges in Wellington, and central North Island areas including Waikato and inland Whanganui.

There are also strong wind watches in place later on Wednesday for Northland, Auckland, Taranaki, Horowhenua to Wellington, parts of the Tararua and Hawke’s Bay districts and Wairarapa.

In the South Island heavy rain watches are in place for the Kaikōura Coast and the Chatham Islands, where a strong wind watch is also in place.

There may also be thunderstorms in Central Otago on Wednesday afternoon or evening.

Wind watches are also in place for Marlborough and parts of the Nelson region from 5pm Wednesday until 3am Thursday.

Makgabutlane said things were set to improve from Thursday onwards.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Whangamatā man presented with District Commander’s Commendation Award

Source: New Zealand Police

A long time Whangamatā community member who helped locate a missing kayaker in trouble in strong winds during a multi-agency offshore rescue last year has been recognised by Waikato Police for his efforts.

On October 12, 2024 a group of three kayakers and a paddleborder had set off from Whangamatā Beach on a short trip to explore the inshore islands.

But the group soon struck trouble in strong winds that began to push them further out to sea. The paddleboarder managed to make it to shore and the alarm was raised.

As Police, Coast Guard, Surf Life Saving and Ambulance staff responded, Bryan Black, a life member of the Whangamatā Surf Lifesaving Club Inc also became aware of the rescue situation, offered to assist.

A recreational helicopter pilot, Bryan mobilised his helicopter from nearby and assisted in the search. Taking to the air, he was able to soon locate one of the missing kayakers about 6.2 nautical miles offshore.

He relayed the coordinates of the kayaker to rescue services, who were able to swiftly locate and assist the missing kayaker.

Knowing the coordinates also allowed rescue services to track to the location of the other kayakers who had been picked up by a private vessel on the water by coincidence.

On Saturday 29 November Bryan was recognised with a District Commander’s Commendation Award for his efforts on the day in offering his services at no cost to ensure the swift location of the missing kayakers.

Without Bryan’s quick actions on the day, the result may have been different, Whangamatā Police Sergeant Will Hamilton said.

“The ocean can be both beautiful and unforgiving, and in that moment, every second mattered,” Will said.

“He spotted what others could have so easily missed — the faint outline of the stranded kayaker. Because of his courage and expertise, that person was brought home safely to their family.”

Bryan was presented with the award by Acting District Commander Acting Superintendent Will Loughrin in front of family and friends.

He was also commended on his contribution to the community and support to rebuild the local surf lifesaving club.

ENDS
 

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

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Lewis Clareburt leaving NZ to chase LA 2028 Olympics swimming medal

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lewis Clareburt during the Men’s 400m Individual Medley Heats at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Photosport

Two-time Olympian Lewis Clareburt is leaving New Zealand to chase his dream of a swimming medal at the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

The 2024 400m Individual Medley World Champion has announced he’s moving from Auckland to Melbourne where he’ll join Nunawading Swim Club in January 2026.

Clareburt will be coached by internationally renowned coach Jolyon Finck, and will train with Olympic athletes who also specialise in the medley disciplines.

The double Commonwealth Games swimming champion was forced to relocate to Auckland at the end of 2023 when he struggled to get lane space at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre, which was shared by other sports and the public.

Clareburt won gold in the 400 medley and the 200 butterfly at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and made the 400 medley final at the Tokyo Olympics.

“We’re looking to create a really strong medley training group in Melbourne,” Clareburt said.

“At the moment there’s a really successful medley training group in the US and they’re winning all the medals internationally. If medley swimmers from Australia and New Zealand want to be on the podium we need to have a similar group in the southern hemisphere and that’s what we’re looking to set up.

“Being surrounded by this group day-in day-out is going to allow me to keep developing my swimming and pushing myself. I’m also 26 and have lived in New Zealand all my life, so this is an exciting opportunity for me and my partner to live in another country and experience a different culture.”

The 26-year-old paid tribute to the team which has supported him in Auckland.

“I can’t speak highly enough of my time in Auckland. Mitch Nairn has been an amazing coach and my physios and strength and conditioning team have been awesome,” he said.

“I’ll still be racing for New Zealand and I’ll be back home quite often for competitions and camps so it’s going to be a great mix for me and I’m excited for a new challenge which should help me reach my goals.”

Swimming New Zealand head of high performance Graeme Maw said the organisation was looking forward to supporting Clareburt as he builds toward LA2028.

“We’re excited to see Lewis continue to develop and chase his goal of a podium finish in LA,” Maw said.

“Swimming New Zealand has a strong and supportive relationship with Lewis and with his new coach in Melbourne, and he will remain fully supported by SNZ as he builds toward upcoming pinnacle events.”

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Tornado reportedly tears through Manawatū motor camp

Source: Radio New Zealand

File picture. Connor Diver

Fire crews have rushed to a motor camp in rural Manawatū after reports a tornado went through and overturned a caravan.

Emergency services were called to Dudding Lake at 12.36pm.

FENZ shift manager Murray Dunbar said a fire truck was at the scene alongside ambulance staff who were assessing four patients.

Dunbar confirmed at least one person had injuries.

St John said a patient has been taken to Whanganui Hospital in a moderate condition.

Rangtikei District Council said it had been informed of a tornado and asked people to avoid the area until otherwise advised.

The council said its staff was assessing damage and would keep people updated as more information came to hand.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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First live show for new Christchurch stadium revealed

Source: Radio New Zealand

Six60 and Synthony will perform in Christchurch on 16 May, the first live music set at the city’s brand new One New Zealand Stadium.

The Once in a Liftetime event will culminate in a collaboration between the twin headliners performing Six60’s biggest hits, event organisers confirmed on Wednesday.

The long-awaited 30,000 multi-use arena in the central city is due to open in April.

Six60, the Dunedin set which has become one of the biggest New Zealand bands of all time, said it was a “real honour” to play the first ever show at the venue.

“Christchurch has backed us from day one, it was the first ever city to book us for a live gig, so being able to open a venue built for its future is really special. We can’t wait to put on a night that Christchurch deserves.”

Synthony, the music and light extravaganza centred around orchestral reworkings of dance and electronic tracks, has become an international phenomenon.

Duco Events promoter David Higgins said it was a privilege to for the New-Zealand-born project to be part of the historic night.

“This show is a landmark moment for live entertainment in Aotearoa, a new world-class venue, and an all-NZ bill. It’s the kind of night that will define what’s possible here,” he said.

Fresh off selling out the Christchurch Town Hall last month, the lineup also includes local country singer-songwriter Kaylee Bell. Christchurch up-and-comers Cassie Henderson and Castaway are also slated to perform.

Wednesday’s announcement coincided with details unveiled by the government around its $70 million major event fund.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the Six60 and Synthony double-header would receive funding through its Events Boost fund.

“Today’s acts and events are just the start, offering something for hundreds of thousands of fans and visitors, along with a big boost to New Zealand’s economy,” Upston said.

Events in 2026 including the Auckland concert of American nu-metal icons Linkin Park and the electronic music festival Ultra Music Festival in Wellington would also be supported through the fund.

“From music to sports fans to art enthusiasts, we’re investing in an exciting and diverse line-up because major events don’t just attract visitors – they inject life and energy to cities and town, creating vibrant communities and unforgettable experiences,” she said.

“The economic benefits are huge – hotels fill up, restaurants and cafes thrive, tills ring in our shops, and local businesses see a surge in customers.”

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Police yet to recover pendant allegedly swallowed at Auckland jewellery store

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police say the pendant has not yet been recovered. SCREENSHOT

Police have not yet recovered a Fabergé egg pendant after it was allegedly eaten during a theft at an Auckland jewellery store.

A 32-year-old man is before the courts, accused of swallowing the necklace worth more than $33,500.

Inspector Grae Anderson told RNZ the man underwent a medical assessment at the time of his arrest and an officer had been assigned to constantly monitor him.

“Given this man is in police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred,” he said.

Anderson said, at this stage, the pendant had not been recovered.

An online listing for the locket said it had been crafted from 18ct yellow gold and set with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires.

A golden octopus inside the locket was set with two black diamonds for eyes.

The man was expected to appear in Auckland District Court next week charged with theft.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand