Category: Crime

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District Court Judges appointed

Source: New Zealand Government

Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges.  

The appointees, who will take up their roles in March at the Kaikohe, Manukau and Napier Courts, are:  

Rohan Cochrane 

Mr Cochrane was admitted in 1999 and has been a director of the law firm Family Law Specialists Ltd in Porirua since 2010, having formerly been a partner of the firm Catriona Doyle and Rohan Cochrane Law Office.

Mr Cochrane’s experience includes acting in cases under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, and appointment as Lawyer for the Child, Lawyer for the Subject Person and Lawyer to Assist the Court. Since 2015, he has been a member of the Legal Services Advisory Board. He is a former convenor and member of New Zealand Law Society Standards Committees in the Wellington and central regions. 

Judge Cochrane will be based at the Napier District Court and will be sworn in on 11 March.

Lynn Hughes

Ms Hughes is presently a barrister operating out of Sentinel Chambers in Auckland where she specialises in criminal law. Following admission to the bar in 1999, her early career began with a period as Research Counsel at the Wellington District Court before practising in New Plymouth as a litigation solicitor. She then commenced work with the Public Defence Service in Manukau in 2004, where she became Public Defender and led the operation of the Manukau office until 2021.  

She is active in a range of professional bodies including The Law Association and the New Zealand Law Society Criminal Law Committee. Ms Hughes has been the co-chair of the Legal Aid Performance Review Committee since 2023 and a committee member of the Legal Aid Provider Selection Committee since 2022. She has been a faculty member of the NZLS Litigation Skills program, faculty member of the inaugural Pacific Litigation Skills Programme in 2025 and is a NZLS Standards Committee member.

Judge Hughes will be based at the Manukau District Court and will be sworn in on 27 March.

Derek Whitehead

Mr Whitehead was admitted in 1995 and commenced practice in Morrinsville at Allen Needham & Co. He then worked at Le Pine & Co in Taupo for a number of years where he was head of the family law team, before returning north to Henderson Reeves in Whangarei.

He has been based in Whangarei since 2001 running his own practice, focusing on all aspects of family law. Mr Whitehead has been Senior Lawyer for Children, Lawyer to Assist, Lawyer for the Subject Person as well as a member of the appointment and review panels for those roles in recent years. He has been a Youth Advocate since 2002, regularly appearing in Cross Over Court and Koti Tai Tamariki. 

He has been a member of the Te Hau Awhiowhio Otangarei Trust Board since 2005, which provides social services to Māori communities in Te Tai Tokerau.

Judge Whitehead will be based at the Kaikohe District Court and will be sworn in on 18 March.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/06/district-court-judges-appointed/

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Community effort brings one to court, Fielding

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested and charged a 23-year-old man following a reported burglary at the Feilding Library.

On Sunday March 1, Police were notified of a burglary believed to have occurred overnight, with initial estimates placing the value of alleged stolen items at more than $20,000.

Sergeant Mike Linton says thanks to vigilance from members of the public and strong community knowledge, Police were able to identify the alleged offender immediately.

“As a result, Police located a 23-year-old man, where he was arrested and charged with burglary.

“This quick result highlights the strength of the local community working alongside Police.

“This is another example of our community banding together and remaining vigilant by reporting suspicious behaviour,”  says Sergeant Linton.

“This is a great result, quickly apprehending someone who thought it was acceptable to steal items that benefit our community. It reinforces the work our staff are doing to target offending and hold offenders accountable in our area.”

Police would like to thank the members of the public who came forward with information and continue to encourage anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it.

The 23-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in court at a later date.

If you see any suspicious or unlawful activity, please contact Police immediately on 111 with as much information as you can safely gather.

Information can be provided in non-emergencies through 105 online or by phone, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/06/community-effort-brings-one-to-court-fielding/

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Two before the courts, drugs and cash located, Cromwell

Source: New Zealand Police

Two people are before the courts, following the execution of a search warrant at a Cromwell address.

After receiving information through a Crime Stoppers report, Cromwell Police conducted an investigation into the supply of cannabis within the community.

As a result, Police executed a search warrant at a local residential address where $8,000 cash and around two kilograms of cannabis were located.

A man and woman, both aged 50, were taken into custody without incident.

Otago Lakes Central Area Commander Inspector Paula Enoka, says the result of this search warrant is a great result, not only for the officers involved, but for the wider Cromwell community.

“We will always work hard to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs within our communities, however we cannot do this alone.”

Cromwell Police would like to thank whoever provided information anonymously through Crime Stoppers, as this assisted us in getting this result.

“With this result, a lot of harm has been removed from the streets to keep our communities safe,” says Inspector Enoka.

“We will continue to target those who supply illicit drugs, and urge anyone with information relating to illicit drugs within the community to please contact Police.”

Information can be provided through 105 online or by phone, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

The 50-year-old man and woman are due to appear in Alexandra District Court on 12 March, charged with possessing cannabis for supply.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/06/two-before-the-courts-drugs-and-cash-located-cromwell/

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Arrest following serious assault, Mātangi

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have this morning arrested and charged a man following a serious assault in Marychurch Road, Mātangi over the weekend.

Inspector Andrea McBeth, Hamilton City Area Commander says a 24-year-old patched Black Power member has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow.

“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will ensure that in any case, offenders will be held accountable.

“We understand the frustration of residents where we are seeing anti-social road user behaviour, and for these people to go one step further and attack people trying to speak with them, is unacceptable.

“We are extremely lucky that we are not dealing with more serious consequences here. There is zero tolerance for this violent offending.”

Police continue to investigate this attack which left two people with serious injuries.

“Further arrests are likely,” says McBeth.

If you have any information that could assist Police, you can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online, referencing file number 260301/0526.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/arrest-following-serious-assault-matangi/

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Two arrests following Papakura shooting

Source: New Zealand Police

Two people have been arrested and a firearm recovered following a shooting in Papakura on Saturday morning.

Police were conducting patrols in the Clevedon Road area at the time heard what they believed to be gun shots, and a short time later came across a man with a gunshot injury.

The man was transported to hospital in a moderate condition and has since been discharged.

Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor, Counties Manukau CIB, says a 23-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been charged jointly with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and unlawful possession of a restricted weapon.

“The male has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Papakura District Court on 26 March and the female will reappear on 16 March.

“Enquiries are ongoing and we ask that anyone with information which may assist our investigation contact us via 105, quoting file number 260228/8498.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says initial indications are that the victim and the offenders are known to each other and there is no risk to the wider community.

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

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/two-arrests-following-papakura-shooting/

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Fatal fire, Ōtāhuhu

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward, Counties Manukau West CIB:

At around 9pm last night reports were received that a property on Tamaki Ave, Ōtāhuhu was on fire.

Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand attended the scene with an investigation now underway.

At this stage we can advise that one person was located deceased inside the property.

Police are working to establish what has occurred and will remain on scene.

Anyone with information can contact Police online or call 105 using the reference number 260305/4989.

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

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/fatal-fire-otahuhu/

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Retailer charged for selling nitrous oxide

Source: New Zealand Police

Last week Police said we’d be taking action on the illegal sale of nitrous oxide in our communities and this week we are seeing results.

“Many districts, including Eastern, Counties Manukau, Waikato, Central, and Bay of Plenty had already begun working with retailers to ensure they knew the laws around the sale of nitrous oxide,” says Assistant Commissioner Tusha Penny.

“One retailer has shown complete disregard for the law and has persisted in selling this substance for recreational use. That retailer has now been charged under the Psychoactive Substances Act.”

District Commander Superintendent Will Loughrin said this result will be great for the Rotorua community.

“We took a planned prevention approach and this shows if retailers ignore us, we will follow through with enforcement action.

“We have taken more than 300 cannisters out of circulation. That will mean reduced harm for our young people, and also less danger on the road because of it.

“Our beat team had engaged with the retailer several times, yet he refused to heed our warnings. So now he will face the consequences, which is a criminal charge of selling or suppling a non-approved psychoactive product which carries a fine of up to $500,000 or a maximum term of two year’s imprisonment,” says Superintendent Loughrin.

The man will appear in the Rotorua District Court tomorrow.

“This is the first prosecution of a retailer in our district and I hope that any other retailer selling nitrous oxide for recreational use will note this and think again.”

Assistant Commissioner Tusha Penny says she is disappointed some retailers are choosing to snub the law despite engagement by Police.

“However, I am pleased to see this great effort by our staff and this demonstrates that we will use enforcement if people break the law.”

Police urge anybody who is aware of a retailer selling nitrous oxide for recreational use to contact Police on 105 or call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 to report it.

If people see discarded cannisters in public they should contact their local council for advice about safe disposal, as these cannisters can explode if not emptied and disposed of properly as a hazardous substance.

Notes to media

Next week Police will be able to provide an update on numbers of letters delivered to retailers by Police around the country.

ENDS

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/04/retailer-charged-for-selling-nitrous-oxide/

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Two before the courts after supermarket catch in Queenstown

Source: New Zealand Police

A pitstop to curb a chocolate craving led to the arrest of two wanted shoplifters in Queenstown.

On Tuesday 24 February an officer stopping in at a supermarket in Frankton noticed two men matching the description of offenders from a previous shoplifting incident.

Upon enquiries, the officer located further evidence indicating the pair were also shoplifting at the time, and they were subsequently arrested.

Otago Lakes Central Area Commander, Inspector Paula Enoka, says this is a great catch and a further step towards Police’s crackdown on retail crime.

“I would like to commend the officer – their keen eye and attention to detail is what has led to this arrest.

“This type of offending puts a big strain on our local businesses and will not be tolerated by Police or the community.

“Police are committed to targeting retail crime and holding offenders to account, which these arrests are testament to,” says Inspector Enoka.

The two men, aged 19 and 20, are due to appear in Queenstown District Court on 23 March, charged with shoplifting.

If you witness any retail crime, or any other crime, please call 111 if it is happening now, or for historic offending, please make a report, with as much information as possible, either online or by calling 105.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/two-before-the-courts-after-supermarket-catch-in-queenstown/

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Appeal for information following damage to ambulances

Source: New Zealand Police

Counties Manukau Police investigating the wilful damage of a number of Hato Hone St John Ambulances are appealing for any information to assist in our enquiries.

Senior Sergeant Roelof Burger says Police believe the offenders have unlawfully entered the gated yard of St John’s Manukau Station on the corner of Plunket Avenue and Wiri Station Road on Saturday night.

“While in the yard the offenders have punctured five tyres on three vehicles using a sharp object, rendering them inoperable.”

Police are incredibly disappointed with the irresponsible behaviour shown by these individuals.

“These are destructive actions, and consequences of actions such as this can put people’s lives at risk.

“As the vehicles are inoperable for a period of time, this impacts St John’s ability to respond to those who are in need of medical attention within our community.”

Andy Everiss, Hato Hone St John, District Operations Manager – Auckland, says it’s disappointing individuals have vandalised the ambulances in an unwarranted attack.

“These ambulance vehicles are a vital part of how we continue to support and serve the local community.

“These actions show great disrespect to our people, who rely on these vehicles to do lifesaving work every day.

“Thankfully, this incident did not severely impact our emergency ambulance response, and we remain available to respond in an emergency.”

Police are conducting enquiries into the incident to identify and locate those responsible, and would like to hear from anyone who may have information in relation to the incident.

“We would also like to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage in the wider Plunket Avenue and Wiri Station Road areas,” Senior Sergeant Burger says.

Information can be provided to Police online through 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number P065611930.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/appeal-for-information-following-damage-to-ambulances/

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Operation Chrome takes the shine off dangerous driving

Source: New Zealand Police

Canterbury Police arrested drivers, impounded vehicles and issued infringement notices over the weekend as they moved to detect, deter and disrupt anti‑social road user activity.

With several large events drawing crowds to Christchurch, including Electric Avenue and a popular motorsport Chrome Expression Session for car enthusiasts, Police were prepared for the influx of visitors and acted early to keep roads and people safe.

Sergeant Ben Rutherford said the Operation Chrome team included bailiffs and was deliberately proactive. Broadly speaking his team was pleased with the weekend.

“We know unroadworthy vehicles and risky behaviour often go hand in hand with potential disruption and harm,” he said. “By taking illegally modified vehicles and dangerous behaviour off the road early we reduced the chance of trouble.” 

He said the significant number of people leaving Hagley Park after the music festival added to the road policing workload. 

“With more than forty thousand people spilling onto the streets, we worked hard to keep the city safe. 

“One example from Friday night was a guy who did a wheelie off a red light past a crowd of people. 

“Stunts can go badly wrong with disastrous consequences, especially right in the middle of a crowd. 

“That motorbike was taken off the road immediately.” 

Over the weekend Police monitored traffic circulating throughout Christchurch and ran multiple checkpoints targeting unsafe vehicles, licence breaches and alcohol‑related offending. 

On Saturday night, more than 300 cars gathered in Northwood for a pre‑planned ‘cruise’ planned by Chrome Event organisers. 

“Despite slowing traffic flow the drivers were generally well behaved and it was great to see the vehicles on display,” Sergeant Rutherford said. 

The convoy travelled to Halswell with a brief stop in Ferrymead. 

“The organisers were excellent. Their communication helped ensure everything stayed lawful and disruption was kept to a minimum.” 

However, Sergeant Rutherford said Police still had to step in at times. 

“As the weekend wore on, there were groups who needed reminding that dangerous vehicles and behaviour won’t be tolerated. We broke up gatherings, removed unsafe vehicles, issued infringements and intervened early. 

“Police frequently see how tragedies can play out so we’re equipped and trained to manage safety risks, and we try to prevent something terrible happening. 

“We don’t tolerate excessive noise, disruption, intimidation, street racing or unnecessary speed on our roads. 

“It’s simple, we just want a fun and safe weekend for Christchurch visitors and residents.”

Provisional summary from the operation: 

  • Twelve vehicles taken off our roads.
  • Six drivers gave excess breath‑alcohol readings. 
  • Vehicle compliance: eight vehicles were green‑stickered as unsafe.
  • Issued over 200 infringement notices.

Police thank all those who reported concerns and encourage anyone with information on illegal or unsafe activity to make a report through the 105 service.

If you have information you’d like to share anonymously, call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Note for media:

Additional B-roll footage is available below.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Team

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/01/operation-chrome-takes-the-shine-off-dangerous-driving/

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Information sought on serious assault, Matangi

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating a serious assault in Matangi are asking the public for help in identifying the offenders.

Two people were trying to speak to the occupants in a dark-coloured Ford Falcon last night that were doing noisy burnouts in the semi-rural area. Three occupants got out and assaulted the victims.

The victims have sustained serious injuries, requiring hospital treatment.

This was a cowardly attack, and Police urge members of the public that recognise these people to get in touch now.

If you witnessed the incident, have CCTV footage or dashcam footage of Marychurch Road around 8pm last night, then please contact Police.

Anyone that has information on the people pictured or details of a dark-coloured Ford Falcon should contact 105 either over phone or online by clicking ‘Update Report’. Please use file number 260301/0526. 

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/01/information-sought-on-serious-assault-matangi/

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Two men charged after antisocial road behaviour in Oaonui

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Taranaki Area Commander, Inspector Mark Miller:

Taranaki Police have arrested one person and summonsed another following antisocial road user behaviour in Oaonui last weekend.

On Saturday 21 February, around 1am, Police were notified of a group of antisocial road users gathering at Kina Road.

Police attended and found the group to be well established. After speaking with some of the people gathered, a tactical decision was made to move back and gather information to be used in the investigation phase following the event.

Over the last week, Police have arrested an 18-year-old man, who is due to appear in Hāwera District Court on 3 March 2026, charged with reckless driving.

Another man has been summoned to appear in Hāwera District Court on 10 March 2026, also facing reckless driving charges.

This is in addition to impounding one vehicle, and 14 infringement notices that have been issued for driver licence breaches – nine of which were issued on the night of the incident, and five during our investigation phase.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Police are appealing for any information on the whereabouts of a silver or light-coloured Toyota Estima – or its driver – that was involved in Saturday night’s activities.

Anyone who can help with the above information, or any information related to this matter, is urged to contact Police either online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or by calling 105.

Please reference file number 260221/1417.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/27/two-men-charged-after-antisocial-road-behaviour-in-oaonui/

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Fewer victims of crime, more police on the beat

Source: New Zealand Government

A tough on crime approach and a near doubling of police foot patrols have driven a huge drop in the number of victims of violent crime since this Government was elected, figures show.

The latest New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime in the year to October 2025 than two years previously.

“Since day one, we’ve been working tirelessly to restore real consequences for crime, and to place victims back at the centre of the justice system,” Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“We have reformed the sentencing regime so those who cause the most harm are imprisoned for longer, given Police effective tools to deal with gangs, stopped taxpayer funding for the proliferation of cultural reports, made stalking an illegal and jailable offence, given victims of sexual assault the power to determine if offenders are granted name suppression, restored Three Strikes, and much more.”

“A higher visibility of Police in our communities goes a long way to deterring crime and keeping criminals off our streets,” Police Minister Mark Mitchell says.

“It is no coincidence that our back-to-basics approach to policing is having a positive effect on reducing violent crime. Backing our frontline has seen more Police out on the beat, with foot patrols almost doubling since coming into Government.   

“Our investment into the frontline has seen 12 new and expanded beat teams stood up nationwide, including the launch of a beat team in Hamilton this week.

“Our beat officers do an outstanding job at keeping the public, businesses and retailers safe. 

“We know there is a lot more to do but these results show we are heading in the right direction.”

“It’s very encouraging to see we’re continuing to track ahead of our violent crime reduction target, with there now being 49,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime than when we came into Government,” Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“The latest figures show 136,000 New Zealanders were victims of violent crime in the 12 months to October 2025. This huge drop in the number of people affected by violent crime is fantastic progress but our work is far from over.

“Our Government remains committed to restoring the basics in law and order and building a future where New Zealanders can feel safe in their communities.

“This is going to be another busy year. We just announced plans to provide police with the power to issue move-on orders to deal with disorderly behaviour. Our Crimes Amendment Bill is making its way through the house, and legislation to strengthen trespass laws will soon be introduced.”

Children’s Minister Karen Chhour says Oranga Tamariki figures show there has been a 22 per cent drop in serious repeat youth offending compared with when the Government came into office.

“This is well ahead of our target of a 15 per cent drop before 2030,” she says.

“We promised to fix what matters to New Zealanders. Ram raids are down 85 per cent. Kiwis are no longer being expected to live in fear that their cars have been stolen and used by young offenders in a ram raid of our local small businesses.

“Young offenders are avoiding re-offending because they know Courts, Oranga Tamariki and Police are working together more closely. They know now that their actions will have consequences.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/fewer-victims-of-crime-more-police-on-the-beat/

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Gecko repatriation closes curious trans-national case

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  26 February 2026

Jewelled geckos are native to the southeast of the South Island and are generally a striking bright green with diamond-shaped patches or stripes although in some populations the males are grey or brown. Their bodies grow up to 8 cm in length, but their tail doubles their length. Their New Zealand threat classification is “At Risk, Declining”. If you’re out naturing in forests or shrublands in places like Canterbury, Otago or Southland, you might be fortunate to see one.

DOC’s Wildlife Crime Team Leader Dylan Swain says a group of 14 jewelled geckos were discovered by Dutch wildlife authorities as part of Operation Thunder in 2023. Operation Thunder is an international operation, involving several government organisations and Interpol, which focusses on the illegal trade in protected wildlife.

“Jewelled geckos have never legally been exported from New Zealand,” Dylan says.

“It’s likely the geckos found by our Dutch counterparts were in fact smuggled out of New Zealand or are the offspring of such animals.”

Dutch authorities are continuing investigations into the person who was found with the geckos.

The six geckos returned to New Zealand comprise two males and four females.  

They were returned to New Zealand in International Air Travel Association‑compliant individual containers with small ventilation holes and kept at a consistent temperature throughout their journey.

All geckos will receive close care and attention, and the entire group will spend a minimum of 60 days in quarantine as part of their return process.

Although some of the original group of animals have since died, DOC has worked closely with at The Netherlands NVWA (Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority), United for Wildlife (part of the Royal Foundation) and Korean Air to safely return the geckos all the way from Netherlands to New Zealand via Korea.

A Dutch inspector accompanied the geckos on their repatriation journey.

“We are delighted to be able to bring a small group of six of the geckos back to New Zealand,” Dylan says. “They’ll spend a quarantine period at Wellington Zoo before they’re shifted to a new permanent home.”

NVWA spokesperson Lex Benden says: “We are pleased our investigation has contributed to the geckos now being back where they belong.”

Dutch authorities are collaborating with DOC to share information on this matter and the wider trade in geckos across Europe.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/gecko-repatriation-closes-curious-trans-national-case/

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Van owner arrested after crashing down a bank

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested the owner of a van following a burglary in Christchurch that ended with a trailer detaching and the van crashing down a bank near Amberley.

Sergeant Nathan Wilson, of Canterbury Police, says the incident unfolded after a member of the public discovered a sign‑written trailer abandoned on the outskirts of Amberley.

“The caller phoned the number written on the trailer, and the owner then contacted Police,” Sergeant Wilson says.

The trailer had been stolen overnight from a Cole Porter Avenue address in Mairehau, Christchurch.

Police arrived at the scene finding the van’s owner back up with the trailer. A van was also found nearby, having crashed down a bank after the tow ball ripped free and remained lodged inside the trailer’s coupling.

“The driver was extremely lucky to walk away from this,” Sergeant Wilson says.

The van’s owner was arrested at the scene. He has been charged with burglary, two counts of theft relating to petrol drive-offs and possessing drug utensils. Further charges are likely pending testing of a substance found among his belongings.

Police are also investigating other offending committed in the Mairehau area overnight.

Police encourage anyone in Cole Porter Avenue, or the wider Mairehau area, who believes they may have information regarding offending, to contact us.

“This is also a great example of the public stepping up to help us,” Sergeant Wilson says. “A quick call from a member of the community helped us recover stolen property, identify the offender, and keep North Canterbury that little bit safer.”

If you have information please update us online now or call 105.

Please use reference number 260220/8839.

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

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/van-owner-arrested-after-crashing-down-a-bank/

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Further appeal in Omahu homicide

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Kris Payne: 

Hawke’s Bay Police investigating the homicide of Sharlene Smith are releasing further information and appealing for public assistance.

On Tuesday, 3 February 2026, Police were called to a worksite on Taihape Road, Omahu, after Sharlene’s body was located on the property.

Through ongoing enquiries, Police have identified a likely route taken by a vehicle of interest. We know this vehicle was used on the day Sharlene’s body was left at the worksite, and officers have carried out extensive work to locate and review CCTV footage from the relevant timeframe.

Police are appealing for sightings of a white 2005 Mazda 3 sports hatchback between 8am and approximately midday on Sunday 1 February 2026, travelling from the Awatoto area, through Taihape Road/Omahu Road and the Fernhill area, and into Marewa, Napier. [see pictured map]

We are asking anyone who saw this vehicle, or who has home, business, or dashcam CCTV footage from those areas during that time, to please contact Police if not already spoken to.

Police are also seeking two items, belonging to Sharlene, that are believed to have been discarded along the same route:

  • a handbag [pictured], and
  • a Samsung Galaxy A06 mobile phone.

Anyone with information is urged to get in touch through 105, either online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, or by calling 105, and referencing file number 260203/9739.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/further-appeal-in-omahu-homicide/

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Statement following sentencing of Nathan Boulter

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons, Christchurch Metro Crime:

Police acknowledge the sentence handed down to Nathan Boulter for the murder of Chantal McDonald in the High Court at Christchurch. The 37-year-old will now serve a minimum of 17 years in prison without parole.

Today’s sentence will never bring Chantal back, or end the devastating sense of loss inflicted on her loving family.

There is no prison term that will ever make up for what happened to Chantal or the profound sense of loss her loved ones have had to endure.

However, today brings a small comfort in knowing the community will be protected from a violent, controlling and pathetic gutless coward who so needlessly took Chantal’s life.

It is extremely disappointing that he made the decision to not physically appear in Court today and face Chantal’s family.

Chantal was a much-loved and devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was regarded as a vibrant and special person to all who knew her, which makes her loss even harder to bear for those who were lucky enough to know her.

We are continuing to provide support for Chantal’s family as they navigate life without her.

Her family have been extremely dignified throughout this entire process and I commend them for that.

They are appreciative of the support they have received, but request privacy. They ask that media do not attempt to contact them.

I want to thank all of the Police investigators, staff, and the Crown prosecutor who dedicated themselves to getting justice for Chantal.

They have worked relentlessly to bring this case to court and hold Chantal’s killer accountable for his horrendous crime.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/statement-following-sentencing-of-nathan-boulter/

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Recidivist shoplifter before courts, Thames

Source: New Zealand Police

Numerous hours of scouring video footage has led to the arrest of a woman in relation to retail crimes in Thames.

Yesterday, Police arrested and charged a 52-year-old woman following multiple shoplifting incidents dating back over the past month.

“This type of offending, especially at this large scale, has a big negative impact on our local businesses and I’m pleased with this outcome,” says Inspector Mike Henwood, Eastern Waikato Area Commander.

The woman was due to appear in Thames District Court today, charged with 20 counts of wilful trespass, and two counts of speaking threateningly.

“I commend the tenacious work of local Police staff to pull these, and other investigations, together to prosecute offenders.

“Recidivist retail thieves are not tolerated – by business owners, their honest customers, or Police – and this highlights Police’s commitment to target and hold these offenders to account,” Inspector Henwood says.

If you witness any retail crime, or any other crime, please call 111 if it is happening now or for historic offending, please make a report, with as much information as possible, either online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or by calling 105.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/recidivist-shoplifter-before-courts-thames/

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Appeal for information following reported assault, Greymouth

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to West Coast Area Investigations Manager, Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Brent Lyford: 

Police are appealing for information following an unprovoked assault at an address in Greymouth on the weekend.

On Saturday 21 February, around 11.15pm, Police received a report that man had entered an address on Reid Street, Blaketown and assaulted one of the occupants, before being confronted by another occupant and leaving.

The assault victim sustained minor injuries, and the pair are understandably very shaken by the incident.

Police have conducted initial enquiries, including assessing available CCTV footage, but have been unable to identify the offender and are now seeking the public’s assistance.

The man is described to be in his 40s, Caucasian, and of medium build. He was reported to be wearing a black short sleeved rugby-type top and long pants. He has dark short hair, and his face appeared to be dirty.

The home occupants also describe the man to be disoriented and seemed under the influence.

Police are asking for anyone that has seen a man matching this description, or any suspicious behaviour, in the Reid Street or immediate areas on Saturday 21 February. Alternatively, if this was you, please get in touch.

Information can be provided by going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 and clicking “update report”, or by calling 105.

Please quote file number 260222/4632.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/23/appeal-for-information-following-reported-assault-greymouth/

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Wanted to arrest: John Joseph Paparoa

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are seeking the public’s assistance to locate John Joseph Paparoa, who is wanted in relation to dishonesty, assault and firearm-related offending.

The 52-year-old is believed to be actively avoiding arrest, but Police are also concerned for his welfare.

Anyone who sees Paparoa, or knows where he may be hiding, is asked to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 250131/8937.

Information can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/22/wanted-to-arrest-john-joseph-paparoa/