NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

Two people will appear in court charged with aggravated assault after a shoplifting attempt at a North Shore mall on Friday.

At around 1.30pm Police were called to Glenfield Mall after receiving reports security guards had been assaulted after attempting to stop two alleged shoplifters leaving a store.

Acting Senior Sergeant Alex Waworis, Relieving Waitematā East Communities Manager says Police responded immediately and were at the mall within minutes.

“When our staff arrived, they quickly established two females had violently assaulted three people who were trying to stop them from leaving the mall,” she says.

“Two security guards and a member of the public had been assaulted, with two of the victims needing to be transported to hospital for medical treatment.”

The attending officers were able to track the alleged offenders and found them not far from the mall, where they were taken into custody.

“We are pleased to have apprehended these alleged offenders and hold them to account for their actions,” Acting Senior Sergeant Waworis says.

“This type of offending is unacceptable, and Police will not tolerate it in our community.”

The items allegedly shoplifted were returned to the store.

The two alleged offenders will appear in court later this week charged with a range of offences.

ENDS. 

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, Auckland Central Area Investigations Manager:

Police are now able to advise the body found in Pukekohe on 22 November has been formally identified as Te Anihana Pomana.

As always, our thoughts and sympathies are with Te Anihana’s whanau and friends at this difficult time.

Te Anihana’s death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  01 December 2025

Instead of people sleeping on every surface when too many people arrive, visitors will know they have a secured bed for the night after a day naturing in the national park.

Bookings will also ensure the right fees are paid, helping DOC maintain huts for their continued use.

Tongariro Principal Ranger Heritage and Visitors Stu Smith says the change will bring certainty for visitors.

“Some people love a last-minute mission into Tongariro National Park, but it’s never fun if you end up with 30 other people stacked in like sardines, or you’re forced to sleep outside in the rain without a tent.

“With booking, you can still be spontaneous and book last-minute, but booking in advance will ensure you don’t miss out altogether.

“Your booking is adjustable, and it also means we can contact you if changes in track or weather conditions might affect your plans,” Stu says.

Backcountry huts are always unlocked and available as emergency shelter to those who need it.

Any huts currently in the Backcountry Hut Pass will continue to be included, with users able to make a booking online with the relevant pass.

Bookings for these facilities open on 2 December for stays beginning from Friday 5 December.

Bookable huts in Tongariro National Park:

• Blyth Hut
• Mangaehuehu Hut
• Mangaturuturu Hut
• Rangipo Hut
• Whakapapaiti Hut
• Waihohonu Hut
• Mangatepopo Hut

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

A man allegedly responsible for breaking into a number of vehicles and businesses and helping himself to the contents has landed in Court.

Police have been making enquiries following a number of thefts across Auckland.

Detective Sergeant Mike Mead, Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit, says the first incident happened on 23 August 2023, when a member of the public reported the theft of his laptop, headphones and tools after his vehicle was broken into in Sunnyvale.

“The second incident was on 6 October, when a Mount Eden premises was broken into and about $45,000 worth of electronics were taken.”

He says Police then received a report in relation to two vehicles being broken into on 9 November in a city car park.

“Tools, electronic and personal items, including shoes and a debit card were stolen.

“Officers have been making enquiries in the past few weeks and on Wednesday executed a search warrant at a Kumeū address where a man was taken into custody.”

Detective Sergeant Mead says methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and some of the stolen property was located.

“This arrest sends a clear message; if you target any member of our community with theft, we will hold you to account.

“We continue to encourage anyone with information about suspicious or illicit activity to contact Police immediately with as much information as they can safely gather.”

He says Police are now in the process of returning the stolen goods to their rightful owners.

A 40-year-old man will reappear in Waitākere District Court on 2 March facing multiple charges including theft from a vehicle, receiving property, possession of methamphetamine and taking documents  for pecuniary advantage.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

A man has been charged with theft after using stolen credit card details to purchase more than $1000 worth of petrol across Auckland.

Waitematā East Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams, says between 1 and 26 September a manager of a petrol company began receiving notifications of the petrol thefts.

“Together Police and the petrol company were able to match the timings of the purchases up with CCTV and identify the same individual each time,” he says.

“This person wore the same clothing to every alleged theft, filing up various vehicles with petrol, or walking on to the forecourt and filling up jerry cans.”

After identifying a suspect Police conducted a search warrant at an address in Torbay in November.

“At that address we located items from the thefts,” Detective Senior Sergeant Williams says.

“These offences were carried out at nine different petrol stations over the four-week time period, and we are pleased to have put a stop to it.”

Enquiries are ongoing into how the alleged offender obtained the credit card details.

A 30-year-old man will appear in the North Shore District Court on 9 December charged with theft.

With the festive season approaching Police are urging people to use caution with their credit card details.

“If anyone suspects they have been the victim of credit card fraud they should contact their bank immediately and get the card cancelled or locked,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Williams.

“Then call Police, as the earlier we can look into it the best chance there is of catching the offender and helping you recover your losses.

“Police take fraud seriously and we will continue to hold offenders who participate in these activities to account.”

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Following a crash on State Highway 5, Tapapa this morning, trucks and heavy vehicles heading north between Rotorua and Tīrau will not be able to go past the intersection of Harwoods Road and State Highway 5.

A diversion for trucks and heavy vehicles is in place and drivers should follow the directions of emergency services staff.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on State Highway 5, Tapapa.

Police were advised at 10.45am that a car had collided with a tree, between Harwoods Road and Tapapa Road.

The car caught on fire following the crash and the fire is reported to have spread to nearby vegetation.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and should take alternative routes where possible.

At this stage there is no confirmed information regarding injuries.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.