New move-on powers for Police, announced today, are a key part of the Government’s action plan to create a thriving Auckland city centre, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Move-on orders give Police an important tool to address antisocial behaviour that makes people feel unsafe. When people are intimidating others, blocking doorways, or engaging in threatening behaviour, Police need the ability to act.
“These powers build on the work already underway through our city centre action plan announced last year and will help restore confidence that Auckland’s CBD is a safe, welcoming, and vibrant place for families, workers and visitors.
“Auckland’s city centre is a vital part of New Zealand’s economy, contributing around 8 percent of our GDP and serving as the gateway to our tourism sector. Ensuring the CBD is safe and welcoming for those who live, work, and visit is essential.”
The city centre action plan is already seeing good progress in making the city centre safer and more welcoming.
146 people have been placed into housing through our Housing First initiative by the end of January – up from 33 when the plan was announced in November last year.
Crime victimisations have fallen from 1,010 in January 2024 to 638 in December 2025, with a new Police Station opened in the CBD last year and Police increasingly on the beat.
“Our approach balances support with accountability. We’re helping those who need housing and mental health services, while taking firm action against behaviour that intimidates others.
“Auckland Council has also made good progress improving city centre safety, including redesigning Pocket Park to reduce anti-social behaviour, and ensuring street lighting and cameras cross the CBD are operational to support Police.
“Our city centre has never been more important. The International Convention Centre has recently opened, the City Rail Link opens this year, and cruise ships are bringing thousands of visitors into Auckland.
“I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the progress we’ve seen so far – from frontline Police and outreach workers to council staff and community groups. While we’re heading in the right direction, there’s still more work to do to ensure Auckland’s city centre is a place where everyone feels safe and welcome.
Attribute to Western Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown:
Police have arrested and charged a man today in relation to the death of Dax Holland, after his body was found at Wharepai Domain on Saturday 14 February.
The 24-year-old has been charged with murder and is due to appear in Tauranga District Court tomorrow [21 February].
Police still want to hear from anyone who may have seen any unusual or suspicious behaviour around the Wharepai Domain before to 2pm on Saturday 14 February.
If you have information that may assist with our investigation, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260214/8937.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers, on 0800 555 111.
Attribute to Kāpiti Mana Area Commander, Inspector Renée Perkins:
Police investigating an assault in Cannons Creek this morning are seeking information from the public to assist our investigation.
Just before 7:40am, Police were called to Dido Place after reports of a firearm being discharged.
One person sustained moderate injuries, they are now stable in hospital.
Residents can expect to see an ongoing Police presence as our investigations progress.
There is not believed to be any risk to the wider public following this incident.
Police would like to hear from anybody who witnessed the incident, as well as those who were in and around Dido Place and the surrounding areas at the time of the incident.
Information can be provided to Police via 105 either over the phone or online, quoting the reference number 260220/7899.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please attribute the following to Sergeant Mike Palmer, Waikato Police:
A man’s been arrested in Hamilton in relation to a series of burglaries of tools worth more than $40,000.
The 36-year-old is due in Hamilton District Court today on three charges of burglary. Additional charges are being considered.
The burglaries, targeting tools in the industrial Te Rapa area of Hamilton, were reported on 2, 4, and 13 February.
The arrest follows investigation by the Waikato Tactical Crime Unit. The tools were valued at more than $44,000. Some of the tools were on-sold, and Police are working to recover them so we can get them back to their rightful owner.
Police recommend businesses consider crime prevention methods to reduce the risk of burglary.
Quality CCTV, alarm systems, engraving tools and accurately recording serial numbers helps Police in investigating burglaries in the unfortunate event they occur.
Tools can be expensive and hard to replace. To reunite stolen tools with their rightful owner we need to identify unique features, so we encourage businesses and tradies to take the time engraving their tools and recording serial numbers.
If you are aware of, or come across, tools that may have been stolen please let Police know via our 105 service. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-nz.org/
Napier Police investigating the water-related death of a five-year-old boy in Westshore, Napier, are asking for anyone who saw the boy on Thursday 5 February.
The boy went missing sometime between the hours of 6 and 8.30pm on the night of Thursday 5 February. He was sadly located deceased in the water, by emergency services, at 1.30am on Friday 6 February.
Police would like to thank those who have come forward with information and CCTV so far but are re-appealing for anyone who saw an unattended child on that Thursday night.
We are particularly seeking a group of four people, who were riding bikes and walking, near the corner of Fenwick Street and Fergusson Avenue at approximately 7.30pm.
If this was you, or if you have any information that could assist us in our investigation, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105, and use the reference number 260206/9567.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
A study of people living with HIV has revealed that despite advances in HIV treatment, criminalisation continues to create uncertainty and distress, with 60% of people living with HIV fearing legal consequences and many avoiding relationships altogether.
The full study and its findings will be released at a public event on27 February at3 pmat theEllen Melville Centrein Auckland, by Positive Women, Body Positive, Toitū te Ao and Burnett Foundation Aotearoa.
The study surveying 247 people living with HIV in New Zealand, highlights the urgent need for rules and practice to align with modern HIV science. Over half of participants reported anxiety about legal consequences, particularly around disclosing HIV or discussing sexual practices with healthcare service providers.
“This shows that people living with HIV want to see HIV transmission managed by Public Health authorities, and not the Police. We have one of the highest rates of HIV criminalisation per capita globally, with at least 14 prosecutions since 1993,” says Liz Gibbs CEO of Burnett Foundation Aotearoa.
“The Government’s decision to sign the U=U Call to Actionat Big Gay Out 2026 is a great first step in bringing New Zealand into line with overseas best practices on how to manage HIV.”
U = U stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). It means that a person living with HIV who is on effective treatment and maintains an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to sexual partner(s).
“Currently people living with HIV may face prosecution under the Crimes Act for HIV non-disclosure to their sexual partners (unless they are using a condom), even if they are on treatment with an undetectable viral load and therefore pose zero risk of transmission,” says Gibbs.
Attributable to Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves:
Police are following strong lines of enquiry after four people were injured at a Hoani Street address last night.
Emergency services were called to the property about 9.30pm after a report of an altercation between two parties.
Four people were injured, two of whom remain in hospital.
Police staff continue to examine the scene to gather information about the incident and those involved.
Our initial enquiries have confirmed that a firearm was discharged at the scene.
We have also established that this was a gang-related incident and was targeted towards parties at this address.
We understand that incidents like this can be unsettling for the community, and would like to reassure people that we do not believe there is a risk to the wider public.
Residents can expect to see additional patrols in the area as we carry out our enquiries.
We would still like to hear from anyone who might have information about this incident or those believed to be involved.
If you can help, please call 105 and reference 260218/3391.
You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Invercargill man Kevin Belling, 62, was last seen at his Motu Rimu farm on Friday 9 January.Supplied / NZ Police
Effluent ponds and other waterways on the farm of a missing Southland man are now being searched by the police.
Kevin Belling, 62, was last seen at his Motu Rimu farm on Friday 9 January and was reported missing on 18 January.
Search and Rescue teams have been scouring the Caesar Road property in Kapuka.
People living nearby are asked to check their properties for any sign of him.
Anyone with information that may help the police locate Kevin Belling is asked to call 105 and use reference number 260118/6964, or information can be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
PSNA is calling for government accountability to stop and punish New Zealanders going to fight in Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza.
A UK report by Classified, from official Israeli sources, shows 39 dual New Zealand/Israeli citizens, and 11 others with more than one additional passport, are serving in the Israeli Defence Force, which is carrying out genocide in Gaza. (The full dataset is in Hebrew at the foot of the article at this link)
“The news that New Zealanders are participating in ongoing mass killing and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza is abhorrent,” says Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Co-Chair Maher Nazzal. “Our government must do what it can to stop these New Zealanders perpetrating genocide.”
“Israel’s political and military leaders are charged with war crimes by the International Criminal Court. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu, for example, is wanted for trial on war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
“As well as killing perhaps hundreds of thousands and wholesale starvation of Palestinians in Gaza, Israel is still systematically destroying all civilian infrastructure: schools, hospitals, churches and mosques, farmland and crops. Even New Zealanders’ graves in World War One cemeteries are not immune.”
“There’s no excuse for anyone fighting for a state committing genocide” says Nazzal. “Our government must step in and rigorously investigate the actions of each and every one of these 50 New Zealanders in the IDF.”
“New Zealand has obligations under the international Genocide Convention to do what it can stop a genocide. New Zealand charged Mark Tayor for membership of ISIS in 2004. There is ample precedent. The government must be consistent.”
“All of these New Zealanders serving in the IDF have various degrees of culpability in the genocide, certainly the moment they set foot in Gaza. But they would also be liable for actions at military facilities inside Israel, fuelling up bombers, for example, or calculating missile coordinates.”
“These soldiers must be identified, and their service in Israel’s army examined, alongside their social media accounts and those of the brigades and soldiers they joined.”
“The government must also collaborate with international agencies for evidence of how many of these people have already been identified for investigation of war crimes.”
“The Hind Rajab Foundation is working to identify specific Israeli war criminals for referral to the International Court of Justice,” says Nazzal.
New Zealand law does not specifically prohibit citizens from fighting overseas. But the government must act in this case, where New Zealand citizens are participating in a genocide, and also under our Fourth Geneva Convention obligations, where these New Zealand citizens are also enforcing an illegal occupation of Palestinian Territory.
“Despite the so-called October 2025 ceasefire, Israel has continued its daily killing of Palestinians, destruction of infrastructure and occupation creep. Israel still refuses to allow the agreed amount of food, water and humanitarian supplies to enter Gaza.”
“Here is a case of direct responsibility by New Zealand citizens, about which the government can’t wash its hands and ignore.”
Bay of Plenty Police are seeking to the public’s help to identify the three people pictured in these images.
We believe they may be able to assist us with our enquiries into a breach of the Mount Maunganui landslide cordon on Wednesday 11 February and Sunday 15 February.
If you are one of these people, or you recognise them, please update us through 105 either online or over the phone.
Please use reference number 260217/6366.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Attribute to Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Inspector Clifford Paxton:
Bay of Plenty Police have arrested and charged a man following a breach at the Mount Maunganui landslide site cordon early this morning.
At around 2.30am, Police were notified that a man had allegedly entered the Mount Maunganui landslide zone which is cordoned off for the public’s safety.
Police coordinated a response with Māori Wardens, who are watching over the site, and a 20-year-old man was arrested.
He is due in Tauranga District Court on Tuesday 24 February, charged with breaching the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act and careless driving.
Police remind the public that the landslide site is a restricted area as it remains unstable and poses significant public safety concerns.
The area is cordoned off with clear signage – there is no excuse to breach this.
Any suspicious behaviour around cordoned, or restricted, areas should be reported to Police immediately by calling 111, if it is happening now, or through 105 if it is after the fact.
You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police investigating a high-value burglary in Swanson last month are seeking assistance from the public.
Sometime between 14 and 27 January, a residential address on Swanson Road has been entered and a significant amount of silver and gold stolen.
Detective Shaun Galbraith, Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit, says a large quantity of silver bullion, including a number of 1kg silver bars, were taken.
“Each of the bars is imprinted with “MW” (Morris & Watson) inscription.
“A number of 1oz gold Kiwi coins were also stolen from the property.
“The combined value of the stolen items is significant and we are determined to locate those responsible and hold them to account but we need the public’s help.”
Detective Galbraith says Police are urging anyone who has information to please come forward.
“We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious people or vehicles around the Swanson Road and Christian Road areas between 14-27 January.
“If you noticed unusual activity near rural driveways, gate areas, or properties backing onto the Swanson rail corridor then please reach out.”
He says Police are also keen to hear from people who may have been offered a large amount of silver or gold for sale in unusual circumstances.
“If you have any information regarding the burglary or the whereabouts of the bullion please contact Police.”
Information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, please use reference number 260128/8576.
Alternatively, you can make a report anonymously though Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, using the same reference number.
Michael Scott Rodger is accused of murdering Richard Leman.RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon
Animosity between two men led to one of them being murdered and dismembered, a Christchurch High Court jury has heard.
Michael Scott Rodger, 46, is accused of murdering Richard Leman, 41, whose body was found in the boot of his own car parked at an abandoned house in Tyler Street in Rangiora in April 2023.
Leman’s torso was found in the car but his head, legs and arms are still missing.
In his opening statement on Monday afternoon, prosecutor Sean Mallett said Leman’s life was chaotic at the time of his death.
He said Leman was involved in the consumption and supply of methamphetamine and had financial problems that had drawn the attention of gangs.
He was also having problems with his ex-partner about the care of his children and had issues with police, the jury heard.
Murder victim Richard Leman.Supplied / NZ Police
On the day he died, Mallett said Leman smoked methamphetamine with friend Sara Plimmer and the pair then went to the home of another woman, Morgan Grant, to bring her food.
While the two women sat in a bedroom and ate, Leman went to look for a way to smoke more methamphetamine, Mallett said.
He said Rodger had also been invited over by Grant.
“The two women will tell you that as they were sitting on the bed eating the Burger King they heard arguing coming from an adjoining lounge and went to investigate,” Mallett said.
“They found Mr Leman and Mr Rodger in the lounge facing each other, while Mr Rodger had a gun in his hand.”
The Crown argues Rodger shot Leman twice, first in the leg, then a fatal shot to his chest.
Mallett said no-one gave Leman first-aid or called emergency services and Leman died within minutes.
He said Rodger threatened to kill both women, took Leman’s drugs and cash and dragged his body into another room.
Mallett said the women would be key witnesses.
Defence lawyer Pip Hall told the jury the women’s reliability would be pivotal, arguing their evidence was driven by self-protection and clouded by alcohol and methamphetamine.
Hall said his client says he did not shoot or kill Leman and the accusation was made up as a result of the women’s collusion.
The trial is expected to take about four weeks.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Police are continuing to make progress in investigating a shooting in Onehunga last month.
The Auckland City Organised Crime Unit has been investigating the incident on Arthur Street on 16 January 2026.
Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce says the investigation team executed a search warrant at a Māngere property on Friday.
“Our detectives were supported by the Armed Offenders Squad, in which we have recovered a shotgun and ammunition,” he says.
“At this stage we are unable to confirm this firearm was involved in the original offending.”
Police have charged a 43-year-old man with unlawful possession of a firearm as well as unlawful possession of ammunition.
He appeared in the Auckland District Court over the weekend.
“We have no tolerance for blatant violence involving firearms in our community,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunce says.
“The public will appreciate we can’t share the details of the work ongoing, however we have a dedicated investigative team that is working to hold those involved to account for what happened that day.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Bunce continues to call for any information to assist the ongoing investigation.
If you can assist, update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 260116/9278.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Associate Health Minister Doocey’s decision to sign the U=U declaration today is a critical step on the road towards zero locally acquired HIV transmissions in Aotearoa New Zealand.
U = U stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). It means that a person living with HIV who is on effective treatment and maintains an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to sexual partner(s).
“The U=U message helps increase testing, treatment adherence, and viral suppression rates, but most importantly, it increases the confidence and dignity of people living with HIV. It’s proof that science and compassion walk hand in hand,” says Liz Gibbs, CEO of Burnett Foundation Aotearoa.
This decision makes New Zealand the 5th country to sign the multinational U=U Call to Action, behind Australia, Canada, the USA, and Vietnam.
“Currently people living with HIV may face prosecution under the Crimes Act for HIV non-disclosure to their sexual partners (unless they are using a condom), even if they are on treatment with an undetectable viral load and therefore pose zero risk of transmission. With the Government’s official endorsement of U=U, it gives the Police, Courts and government departments the backing required to modernise outdated guidelines and policies, so they are in-keeping with the latest science.” says Gibbs.
This is a significant step forward that many across the HIV and sexual health community have been advocating for several years, and we are thrilled to see it finally come to pass.
About Burnett Foundation Aotearoa:
The Burnett Foundation Aotearoa is a national organisation dedicated to preventing HIV transmission, supporting people living with HIV and reducing stigma across Aotearoa. For 40 years, it has driven public health education, advocacy, and community-led support. The foundation empowers people with knowledge, care, and connection, working towards a future with zero HIV transmissions.
First-Ever Attack-Defence Simulation Aligns with Real Corporate Needs Setting a New Benchmark for Local Cybersecurity Competitions
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2026 – As cyberattacks grow increasingly complex, cybersecurity has become a critical domain of global concern and a talent shortage. According to the latest “Hong Kong Cybersecurity Outlook 2026” released by the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) under the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), nearly 30% of the 622 surveyed enterprises still lack dedicated cybersecurity staff. Specifically, only 26% of SMEs have a dedicated cybersecurity role, significantly lower than the 59% of large enterprises, reflecting a gap in resource allocation and technology adoption among SMEs.
Now in its sixth year, “HKCERT Capture The Flag Challenge” continues to attract top cybersecurity talents from Hong Kong and beyond, showcasing the capability and vitality of the next generation of local and international cybersecurity professionals.
To cultivate practical talent for the cybersecurity sector, the sixth “HKCERT Capture The Flag Challenge 2025” (HKCERT CTFChallenge) was successfully organised by the Digital Policy Office (DPO), HKPC, and HKCERT. This year’s competition was elevated to the first-ever adoption of an attack–defence mode, closely replicating the network setup of real enterprises. Participants experienced first-hand hacking techniques, system vulnerability analysis, threat intelligence gathering, and coordinated response in a simulated real-world environment. Through completing multiple tasks within a limited time, the competition also allowed them to break through the traditional classroom theoretical framework, gain practical experience and build confidence. The event attracted around 1,940 young contestants, an increase of nearly 40% from last year’s 1,385 participants, reaching a record high for the competition. Contestants included teams from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Asia, and Europe, fostering cross-regional exchange and collaboration. In the finals, three local teams and one overseas team were awarded gold prizes in the Secondary School, Tertiary Institution, Open Category, and International Category respectively, while Sing Yin Secondary School received the “Best School Award”. The full list of awardees is available on the event website.
Participants Share Practical Experience Integrating AI into Attack and Defence The competition was well received by contestants for its innovative format and realistic offensive and defensive environment, offering a valuable platform for learning and exchange. The winning team in the International Category, W&M, commented, “Our members are from Shanxi, Guangdong and Beijing. This was our first time competing together in the HKCERT CTF Challenge. The atmosphere and experience of the finals were excellent. The tasks were centred on an attack‑defence simulation, requiring us to find all vulnerabilities while patching our own systems and attacking other teams at the same time. Some vulnerabilities were discovered and exploited by other teams first, which kept the scores very close and made the competition incredibly tense and exciting”.
They added, “During the competition, we also applied lots of AI techniques for assistance, such as applying AI to analyse vulnerabilities and refine attack methods. In the future, AI may play a deeper role in areas like vulnerability detection and code analysis, but for now it cannot be fully relied upon—human oversight is still essential”.
HKCERT CTF Challenge has now been held for six consecutive years, with its scale expanding annually and participants showing continuous growth. Many secondary school students gain their first hands‑on exposure to cybersecurity through the competition and connect with university mentors, helping them shape their academic and career paths. Several past participants have gone on to compete in local and international events, committing to a future in the cybersecurity field. Beyond attracting overseas talent to exchange ideas in Hong Kong, HKCERT continues to build connections between cybersecurity professionals in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland. Top‑performing teams can gain direct entry into equivalent finals in Chinese Mainland. For example, participants from the previous HKCERT CTF Challenge 2024 advanced directly to the finals of the “Greater Bay Area Cup Cybersecurity Challenge”, where they secured the top four places in the Hong Kong and Macao category. This also provided local contestants with access to world‑class cybersecurity techniques, effectively promoting cross‑regional elite collaboration and talent development.
Finals Format Upgraded: Attack-Defence Mode Mirrors Real Enterprise Operations The finals were comprehensively upgraded this year. In addition to increase the overall technical difficulty, the competition introduced an attack‑defence format for the first time that closely mirrors real enterprise cybersecurity operations. Teams played dual roles—both attackers and defenders—in an environment created with reference to the real-world systems. The tasks simulated incident response and live attack-defence scenarios commonly encountered in the cybersecurity field. Within a limited timeframe, participants had to do penetration testing, exploit vulnerabilities and attack, while patching their own systems and monitoring threats in real time against attacks from other teams. This parallel attack‑defence setup reflects actual workflow patterns in the industry, effectively training participants’ analytical abilities and adaptability under pressure. Through hands‑on practice in a likely enterprise environment, contestants developed multifaceted, industry‑aligned capabilities—laying a solid foundation for their future careers in cybersecurity.
Ms Candy CHAN, Assistant Commissioner (Project Governance and Cybersecurity) of the DPO, highlighted the DPO’s commitment to enhancing Hong Kong’s cyber resilience, with one of its key initiatives being the nurturing of the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. She emphasised that the DPO has been collaborating closely with academia and industry partners to foster a robust talent pipeline and build a safer digital environment in Hong Kong. She noted that this year marks the sixth edition of the HKCERT CTF Challenge, which has grown into one of Hong Kong’s most respected and anticipated cybersecurity competitions over the years. Beyond being a contest of technical prowess, the Challenge serves as a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge exchange and community building among the new generation of cybersecurity experts.
Ir Samson SUEN, General Manager of Digital Trust and Transformation Division of HKPC, stated, “HKCERT CTF Challenge has consistently aimed to build an international platform for technical exchange. Through high-intensity simulated contests, we enhance participants’ cyber defence skills and promote cross-regional interaction among emerging cybersecurity talents. This cultivates a new generation of globally competitive professionals in Hong Kong and strengthens the local talent pipeline. This year’s finals first introduced a simulation of real-world cybersecurity operations, enabling teams to experience both offensive and defensive roles in a recent cybersecurity team. This hands-on approach is crucial for developing practical skills and incident response capabilities”.
Fostering Cybersecurity Awareness Across All Sectors of Society To further enhance cybersecurity awareness across the community, HKCERT has partnered with the DPO and the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of The Hong Kong Police Force, to launch the “Building a Secure Cyberspace 2026” campaign to promote cybersecurity awareness. The initiative includes various educational activities, such as an “AI-Generated Four-Panel Comic”contest, which encourages the public to make good use of AI tools while strengthening their understanding of cybersecurity. At the corporate governance level, HKCERT will publish a series of practical guidelines addressing emerging risks —such as AI applications and supply chain security—highlighted in the “Hong Kong Cybersecurity Outlook 2026”, to support business in establishing a robust protection framework. In particular for AI governance, the guidelines will offer actionable recommendations covering AI system security assessments, compliance rules for employees using public AI platforms, controls over sensitive data input, and methods for monitoring and defending against AI‑assisted attacks. These resources aim to help enterprises systematically enhance their cyber resilience across governance, technology, and awareness.
As Hong Kong accelerates the development of innovation and technology and advances its digital economy, strengthening cyber defence capabilities has become a key talent need. HKCERT will continue to support businesses and the public through incident response, security guidance, and cybersecurity awareness programmes. The HKCERT CTF Challenge continues to play a vital role in nurturing local talent, fostering cross-regional collaboration, and advancing public education. By enhancing the overall level of protection, the competition contributes to the sustainable development of the digital economy and reinforces Hong Kong’s long‑term competitiveness.
The seventh edition of HKCERT CTF Challenge will be held in November 2026, featuring more innovative attack-defence challenges and continuing to set up an international category to provide local contestants with a platform for technical exchange with top teams from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, and overseas. Registration opens in September 2026, with finalists competing in the live finals in February 2027.
Hashtag: #HKCERT
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A Police operation in Pukekohe quickly rounded up several persons of interest in recent aggravated robbery investigations.
The situation unfolded on Thursday afternoon with Police resource flooding into the township, resulting in three sought offenders being arrested.
Detective Inspector Karen Bright, from Counties Manukau CIB, says an off-duty officer located a group near the Michael Hill jewellery store.
One of the group was sought in connection with an aggravated robbery at a Napier Michael Hill store on 3 February, and a Papatoetoe bar on 10 February.
“The group were acting suspiciously near the chain’s Pukekohe store before leaving in a vehicle,” Detective Inspector Bright says.
“Upon realising the risk that a further robbery may be imminent additional Police resource was deployed into the township; on the ground and in the air.
“Our staff were highly visible and there was nowhere this group could go.”
Meanwhile, the National Retail Investigation Support Unit notified Michael Hill whose stores implemented additional security measures.
Prevention patrols were also initiated across the Auckland region at other locations.
Police strike:
A breakthrough moment came when a unit sighted the vehicle of interest on Manukau Road.
With the Eagle helicopter also overhead, Police had eyes in many locations.
“Despite the vehicle being abandoned on a side road, our frontline staff quickly deployed into the area,” Detective Inspector Bright says.
“A short time later, a suspicious activity report came in where a group of young people were seen changing their clothes at a nearby high school.
“Units were soon on scene stopping two young people, while Eagle observed two other males trying to walk away from the area.”
They were no match for frontline staff who quickly gave chase on foot on Harris Street, with both males giving up and being arrested.
Charges laid:
Detective Inspector Bright says with people in custody, the Counties Manukau Major Crime Team worked into the night to lay appropriate charges.
– A 17-year-old male has been charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, for the Napier and Papatoetoe incidents, as well as four counts of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.
– A 15-year-old male has also been charged with aggravated robbery over the Papatoetoe incident on 10 February.
– Another 17-year-old male has been charged with aggravated robbery over an incident at a Takanini vape store on 23 January. He also faces several charges relating to vehicle crime.
“This is an outstanding result by every single staff member involved in responding on Thursday,” Detective Inspector Bright says.
“Between a highly visible Police response and partnerships with retailers, we have prevented further offending from taking place.
“These young people are now all before the Manukau Youth Court.”
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has today released New Zealand’s new Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) National Strategy.
“The Strategy for 2026–2030 sets out a four-year work programme to make it easier for honest New Zealanders and businesses to get ahead, while making it harder for criminals to hide and profit,” says Mrs McKee.
“Developed in consultation with industry, the Strategy provides clear direction and certainty – setting out the Government’s priorities and objectives so the AML/CFT system can plan ahead with confidence.”
“AML/CFT rules have drifted into expensive box-ticking. That creates delays, frustration, and compliance costs that get passed on to consumers. My reform programme is focused on fixing that.
“The new AML/CFT system will be truly risk-based, to cut unnecessary red tape for low-risk customers and transactions, while sharpening enforcement where it matters most.
“We want banks, real estate agents, lawyers and other reporting businesses focused on genuine risk – not chasing low-risk paperwork that does nothing to stop organised crime.
“That means fewer unnecessary hurdles for New Zealanders – like parents opening accounts for their children, or New Zealanders simply trying to complete basic transactions.
“It also means a stronger system that better detects, deters and disrupts serious crime – including fraud, drug crime and offshore criminal proceeds.
“To make compliance clearer and more consistent, the Strategy confirms the move to a single AML/CFT supervisor – with the Department of Internal Affairs taking over supervision from 1 July this year.
“Businesses have told me they want clarity and consistency. A single supervisor means less confusion, better guidance, and a system that supports compliance.
“The Strategy sets out a clear vision for all participants and will help deliver the most significant regulatory relief since the AML/CFT regime began in 2013.
“This builds on the work already delivered by this Government, including simplifying customer verification to end years of frustration for both businesses and customers.”