Category: Crime

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/one-in-court-following-vehicle-theft-and-attempted-vehicle-theft-in-christchurch/

Arrest made in serious assault, Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton, Christchurch Metro Crime:

Police investigating the serious assault at a residential property on Fitzgerald Avenue on Monday have made an arrest in relation to the incident.

A 40-year-old man will appear in the Christchurch District Court today, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the assault.

The incident was reported to Police around 12.20pm where a man was found in a critical condition, with injuries consistent with being stabbed.

A scene guard was placed overnight at the property while officers carried out their investigation.

The victim from the incident remains in hospital, in a stable condition.

Police thank the public for their assistance and patience as investigators carried out their enquiries.

Police won’t be making any further comment as the matter is now before the courts.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/arrest-made-in-serious-assault-christchurch/

Busted: Woman arrested over elaborate 18-year scam

Source: New Zealand Police

Dunedin and Auckland Police have got together, making an arrest over an alleged romance scam that has spanned nearly two decades.

Over this period an unsuspecting Dunedin man has lost more than half a million dollars.

Today, Dunedin Police executed a search warrant at an Auckland property, assisted by the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit.

A 44-year-old Ellerslie woman was arrested and faces a representative charge of obtains by deception.

“Police will allege in court that this scam has run for a period of 18 years, beginning online in 2006,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ali Ramsay, from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit, says.

“The offender in this case has allegedly obtained $525,537 through this elaborate scam.”

The woman is expected to appear in the Auckland District Court on 17 February 2026.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ramsay says being able to put an alleged offender before the Court is a good outcome.

“Our colleagues in Dunedin have been investigating this case, and we’re glad to have assisted in this result,” she says.

“Romance scams are usually perpetrated by offshore offenders, making prosecutions difficult for law enforcement.

“At the very heart of this are victims whose good nature is taken advantage of, causing emotional and financial stress.”

Police are unable to comment further about specifics in the case as matters are now before the Court.

Police remind the public to be extremely cautious when meeting new people online or through dating applications.

Netsafe has more information on romance scams and what to look out for on its website.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/busted-woman-arrested-over-elaborate-18-year-scam/

Police seek information about Rānui fire

Source: New Zealand Police

Waitematā Police is seeking information about a fire at a Rānui house in the early hours of the morning.

Emergency services attended Vino Cina Heights after midnight, with the roof fully alight.

A scene examination was completed today at the address alongside a fire investigator.

“We believe this fire has been caused by a flare, which is commonly used by boaties and one that launches a projectile,” acting Detective Inspector Megan Goldie, Waitematā CIB says.

“Based on enquiries so far it appears this is an accidental fire as a result of reckless actions.”

It’s by good fortune only that Police are not dealing with fatalities.

“The house is completely uninhabitable and has been extensively damaged.”

Acting Detective Inspector Goldie says Police is seeking information about two people seen running away from the area.

“As a result of an area canvass this morning, residents have reported seeing two people running away after a loud bang was heard.”

A short time later the fire began.

Acting Detective Inspector Goldie says: “If you have any information, we need to hear from you.

“I would also call on those people who are involved to do the right thing and own up to what has happened.”

Anyone with further information to assist us should contact 105 using the reference number 260211/6037.

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

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/police-seek-information-about-ranui-fire/

Hastings stabbing – Police appeal for footage

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Karli Whiu:

Hastings Police are seeking information as they investigate a serious stabbing that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning 7 February.

At around 3.25am, Police were called to a report of a stabbing at an address in the Karamu Road North area.

Officers located a man with severe injuries. Police immediately provided first aid before paramedics transported him to hospital, where he underwent surgery. He remains in a critical condition.

The alleged offender fled the scene prior to Police arrival.

At approximately 6am, Police received information about a man hiding at a property on Mayfair Avenue, not far from where the incident occurred. The man was located and arrested without further incident.

He has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and has been remanded in custody.

Police are now seeking CCTV footage from residents in the surrounding area that may have captured information between the time of the incident and his arrest. Residents are asked to carefully check the time settings on their cameras, including any daylight‑savings adjustments, to ensure footage covers the relevant period.

Police are also asking local residents to check their properties for any items that may have been discarded by the alleged offender.

Anyone with information is asked to make a report at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking ‘Update Report’, or by calling 105. Please use reference number 260207/3403.

Alternatively, information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/hastings-stabbing-police-appeal-for-footage/

February 10, 2026

Police arrest group over vehicle crime

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have caught up with a group of young people likely involved in a wave of vehicle crime across parts of Auckland.

Frontline units deployed across the North Shore and west Auckland in the early hours of this morning.

It all began just before 3.30am in Hillcrest.

Inspector Jason Edwards, of Waitematā Police, says a member of the public reported vehicles being interfered with on Stanaway Street.

“We received reports that vehicles parked on the street were being interfered with by a group of males before they fled in another vehicle,” he says.

“Units quickly responded into the area and enquiries began to locate this group.”

Four vehicles had been interfered with by the group, and Police also located an ignition barrel on the ground.

Meanwhile, the Police Eagle helicopter was watching as a group of young people abandoned a stolen vehicle in Massey around half an hour later.

Inspector Edwards says they were seen trying on foot walking onto Zefiro Drive.

“Ground units were directed to their location with all five quickly taken into custody,” he says.

“We have established this group had just been travelling with two stolen vehicles in tandem, before colliding with each other on the Royal Road offramp.

“They abandoned one vehicle and had carried on a short distance.”

Those arrested are aged between 13 and 16.

Four males have been charged with unlawfully getting into a vehicle and will appear in the Waitākere Youth Court today.

Inspector Edwards says the group is also being spoken to in relation to other vehicle crime across west Auckland and the North Shore.

“This is an outstanding result for Police and our community,” he says.

“I would like to acknowledge all the frontline teams from the North Shore and Henderson, as well as our Crime Squad that responded this morning.”

Police continue to ask the community to report suspicious activity in their neighbourhood.

“Police acknowledge the vigilant member of the public for reporting the suspicious activity in the first instance,” he says.

“We know that stolen vehicles are used to commit further offending against the community, so to be able to disrupt this group is a great outcome.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/police-arrest-group-over-vehicle-crime/

February 10, 2026

Name release: Homicide investigation, Raumati Beach

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Inspector Jamie Woods, Wellington Field Crime Manager:

Police can now release the name of the woman found deceased at a Matatua Road, Raumati Beach address on Monday 9 February.

She was 56-year-old Lauraine Margaret Stewart of Raumati.

We acknowledge this is an incredibly difficult time for Ms Stewart’s family and we are providing them with support.

A 24-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to grievous bodily harm with further charges being considered. He has been remanded in custody to appear in the Porirua District Court on 4 March 2026.

The investigation into the circumstances of Ms Stewart’s death continues with the primary scene examination expected to be completed in the coming days.

Several search warrants were executed yesterday in support of the investigation and there will be an increased Police presence in the Kāpiti area.

We want to reassure the members of the community that there is no ongoing risk to public safety following this incident.

Police are appealing to the public on information around the incident.

Anyone with information that might help our enquiries can call 105, quoting reference number 260209/8606.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/name-release-homicide-investigation-raumati-beach/

February 10, 2026

Update 2: Serious assault, Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton, Christchurch Metro Crime:

Police investigating a serious assault on Fitzgerald Avenue around 12.20pm yesterday are appealing to the public for information around the incident.

The investigating team are looking for any photos, CCTV, or dashcam footage along Fitzgerald Avenue between Cambridge Terrace and Bealey Avenue between 12.15pm and 12.45pm on Monday 9 February 2026 to aid in their enquiries.

If you have witnessed the incident or have dashcam footage available covering travel between the section of road, please contact Police and quote file number 260209/0262.

The victim from the incident remains in hospital, in a stable condition.

A scene guard was put in place around the property where the incident occurred overnight, and Police are completing a scene examination which is expected to finish today.

Police will maintain an increased presence in the area as they carry out their enquiries and would like to reassure the public there is not believed to be any further threats to public safety.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/update-2-serious-assault-christchurch/

LNG terminal decision: Dirty, dumb and expensive – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace is slamming the Luxon government’s announcement it will build a liquid natural gas (LNG) import terminal, calling it a dirty, dumb and expensive decision that will leave New Zealanders subsidising more climate pollution through higher electricity bills.

The decision comes despite the expected high cost and high emission intensity of imported LNG. Building the LNG terminal is expected to cost $1 billion, while the cost of imported LNG is expected to be around twice as much per gigajoule as gas from existing onshore reserves.

“Electricity consumers will pay a Luxon Tax on their electricity bills to subsidize the fossil fuel industry,” says Greenpeace Executive Director Russel Norman.

“Instead of investing in clean energy, this Government is choosing to double down on the very fossil fuels that are driving both high power prices and extreme weather events.

“Every additional tonne of fossil fuels burned makes climate change worse. This LNG decision is yet another fossil fuel subsidy from the Luxon government that will mean more floods, storms, and climate fuelled damage.

“It makes no sense to rely on imported and expensive fossil fuels when we have abundant, cheap energy sources right here at home with wind and solar.”

A report by MBIE in 2024 found that there was no need for new fossil fuels to maintain New Zealand’s energy security out to 2050 and reported that wind and solar are the cheapest sources of new electricity generation.

Meanwhile, a 2023 Concept Consulting report found onshore gas reserves alone can supply all needs out to 2050 if Methanex, the company using between one third to a half of the country’s gas to make methanol for export, were to close, which it inevitably will as gas prices rise.

“This Government has made the energy and climate crises worse by dismantling nearly every initiative to decarbonise the energy system. They ditched the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry fund, the NZ Battery Project, and the Gas Transition Plan.

“Businesses are closing because the Government believed its own nonsense that the oil and gas exploration ban was the cause of high electricity prices. It never was and the LNG subsidy will solve nothing,” says Dr Norman.

“They even got rid of the Climate Emergency Response Fund set up to help communities recover from climate disasters. Now, they are planning to use more public money to bankroll fossil fuels for more climate emergencies.

“The Government should be investing in cheap, renewable wind and solar, backed by more storage and demand response, not exposing the country to a volatile global LNG market and locking us into more polluting fossil fuels.”

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/lng-terminal-decision-dirty-dumb-and-expensive-greenpeace/

Update: body located on worksite, Omahu, Hawke’s Bay

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Inspector James Keene, Field Crime Manager, Eastern District Police:

The discovery of a woman’s body at a worksite in Omahu, Hawke’s Bay last week is now being treated as a homicide.

Police were called to the Taihape Road site on Tuesday 3 February after the woman was found on the property.

She was Sharlene Smith, aged 64, from Rotorua. We continue to support her loved ones at this extremely difficult time.

Our early enquiries have established that this was a tragic and avoidable death of a much-loved mother, grandmother and sister, and we are determined to find answers for her whānau.

We have a committed team of investigators working on this investigation, and we are also calling on the public to help.

Police are appealing for sightings of a white Mazda 3 2005 sports hatch on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 January within the Taihape Road/Omahu Road Fernhill area. [Car pictured is similar in appearance]

We would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed any other suspicious activity in the area during that time period.

Anyone with information can get in touch through our 105 service, quoting reference number 260203/9739.

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

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/update-body-located-on-worksite-omahu-hawkes-bay/

Christchurch couple fight to keep more than $200k cash they found in the ceiling of their home

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police said the money was likely the proceeds of crime. (File photo) Unsplash

People will be discouraged from doing the right thing if a Christchurch couple who found more than $200,000 in the ceiling of their house do not get to keep any of the money, a court has heard.

The couple, whose names are suppressed, found the mystery money sealed in plastic bricks tucked in insulation at their property in 2021.

They reported the cash to the police who said the money should be forfeited because it was the proceeds of crime, probably from drug dealing.

At a High Court hearing on Monday, the couple’s lawyer Mike Lennard said they should keep the money because they had no part in any criminal activity and withholding the cash would discourage other people reporting similar finds to police.

“It will send a message to people in my client’s position, don’t cooperate with the police, don’t tell the police, just spend it. Just pay cash for your groceries for the next few years,” he said.

Lennard told the court homeowners get the “good and the bad” when they buy a house.

He said the Proceeds of Crime Act had a number of aims, including deterring criminal activity, but his clients had not broken the law.

Police lawyer Klaudia Courteney said the money was tainted by criminal activity and should therefore be forfeited to the Crown.

She said the case differed to occasions when someone found a wallet in the street, handed it in and later received the money if it remained unclaimed.

Courteney said the couple were immediately concerned the cash was a result of criminal activity and reported it to the police because of safety concerns.

“They weren’t just being good citizens. They were very concerned that it involved criminal activity and they were worried about who might turn up,” she said.

Courteney said police searched the property and installed security alarms because of the safety concerns and changed access to the attic so it was no longer accessible from the outside.

She said it was clear the couple thought the money was from criminal activity and therefore tainted.

Justice Osborne observed in a number of other countries when people had found drug money a percentage of the cash could be returned to them.

If the couple had not handed the money in then the police would have nothing, he said.

“It seems to me odd for the commissioner (of police) to take the position of an absolute no, there is no opportunity for relief, when there is a real public good here,” he said.

Justice Osborne reserved his decision.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/christchurch-couple-fight-to-keep-more-than-200k-cash-they-found-in-the-ceiling-of-their-home/

Asia Coach Group Partners with Veteran Business Consultant Rick Tam to Launch “Business Breakthrough” Programme for Hong Kong SMEs

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – Asia Coach Group Limited announced today its partnership with seasoned business consultant Rick Tam to launch the “Business Breakthrough” enterprise training programme, designed to help Hong Kong SME owners strengthen their business models, improve cash flow, and enhance financing capabilities.

Rick Tam, Founder of “Business Breakthrough” Coaching Programme for Hong Kong SMEs

Challenging Business Environment Demands New Solutions

Hong Kong’s SMEs are facing unprecedented operational pressures. According to a survey by CPA Australia, 37% of small businesses in Hong Kong struggle to obtain external financing. Data from Airwallex further reveals that 96% of SMEs have experienced cash flow difficulties in the past year. With property asset values declining, banks’ insistence on property collateral for loans has left many enterprises in financial distress.

Responding to Market Needs with Systematic Business Upgrade Solutions

“Hong Kong has never lacked capital—what’s missing is the mechanism to connect businesses with it,” Rick Tam noted. The programme addresses common pain points faced by local SMEs, including declining profits, low business valuations, tight cash flow, and recruitment challenges. Built upon the four-pillar framework of “Commerce, Strategy, Breakthrough, and Structure,” the curriculum covers stabilising cash flow and enhancing financial flexibility, repositioning businesses and improving client quality, reshaping product value and expanding profit margins, as well as systematising operations and attracting investors. The programme commits to helping participants improve cash flow, increase business value, and strengthen their business models within 90 days.

Four Practical Tools for Immediate Application

Participants will acquire four core tools: the “Cash Flow Vortex System” for rapid assessment of financial status and establishing safety buffers; the “A.T.C. Client Leverage Ladder” for repositioning and enhancing client value; the “High-Value Breakthrough Method” for creating products with greater value and trust; and the “Marketing Triangle Matrix” for integrating human resources, client bases, and operational systems to plan business expansion. The programme adopts a six-step progressive model—from restructuring business models, improving profit margins, attracting capital injection, building high-performance teams, and systematising operations, to ultimately helping business owners reclaim their time and freedom.

Instructor Credentials

Programme instructor Rick Tam is a graduate of the University of Hong Kong’s Business School and currently serves as CEO of two family offices and chief consultant to several others. He holds the CFPCM Certified Financial Planner designation. Tam has founded more than nine brands spanning wealth management, securities, and food and beverage sectors, and has guided over 1,000 participants through business expansion.

As Hong Kong’s economy seeks transformation, channelling capital precisely into the real economy through the “Business Breakthrough” approach offers more than a lifeline for SMEs—it injects vital momentum into Hong Kong’s long-term economic development.

https://asiacoachgroup.com/

Hashtag: #RickTam #AsiaCoach

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/asia-coach-group-partners-with-veteran-business-consultant-rick-tam-to-launch-business-breakthrough-programme-for-hong-kong-smes/

January 22, 2026

Auckland duty lawyers consider further industrial action over pay, conditions

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dennis Ansley has been a duty lawyer in Auckland for more than 38 years. Supplied

An Auckland duty lawyer isn’t ruling out further action, after not working for a week to raise awareness for poor pay and conditions.

Duty lawyers are paid by the Justice Ministry to give free legal advice to those appearing in court who cannot afford a lawyer.

Last year, some duty lawyers announced they would make themselves unavailable to work for a week in January.

Dennis Ansley has been a duty lawyer in Auckland for more than 38 years and told RNZ other lawyers were pulled in to plug the gap during last week’s industrial action.

“The Ministry [of Justice] brought in people from other courts, including Tauranga, and replaced those of us on the roster, who were taking industrial action,” he said. “There was very little disruption to the courts, except there were new lawyers here that didn’t know the system in Auckland.”

He said their message had been delivered.

“We’ve got publicity, we’ve got awareness now,” he said. “People are talking about it.”

Ansley said he had messages of support from other lawyers.

“I’ve had a lot of calls since from lawyers all over the country, as far as Southland, who had read about what happened and offered their support.”

Communication had been an issue, Ansley said.

“If we plan something next time – and I’ve already got something in mind – the communication will be far better,” he said.

Potential future action would be better planned and more effective, Ansley said, although he hoped more industrial action wouldn’t be necessary.

He said he had yet to hear from the justice minister or ministry.

“Talk to us,” he urged officials. “Instigate the recommendation from the review of the duty lawyer scheme, which was to urgently look at our remuneration, because of the problems with attraction and retention of lawyers onto the duty lawyer roster.

“It’s in a crisis stage now and it needs to be addressed.”

Ansley said that review was with the minister.

The Criminal Bar Association said the hourly rates and work conditions imposed on duty lawyers were far below those of lawyers in private practice.

President Annabel Cresswell said they stood with duty lawyers for a country where everyone could access justice, no matter their income.

“The treatment and pay provided to duty lawyers by successive governments has made this work unsustainable or even unsafe,” she said. “That is, in turn, a breach of the rights of all New Zealanders to access justice and fairness in our courts.”

Cresswell said duty lawyers spent every day at the frontlines of an under-resourced justice system.

“They take care of those who cannot afford legal fees in the most high-pressured conditions, dealing with addiction issues and mental health challenges.

“This service needs to be preserved.”

The government must support duty lawyers to protect the right of the most vulnerable in court, Cresswell said.

Ministry of Justice acting national service delivery group manager Louisa Carroll said the courts were not disrupted during the industrial action.

“The ministry was advised of a possible reduction in duty lawyer availability in Auckland, Christchurch and Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay,” she said. “Only one duty lawyer from a different region was rostered to maintain coverage, in accordance with the Duty Lawyer Operational Policy.”

Local duty lawyers were rostered where possible, she said.

“The Legal Aid Triennial review includes a review of remuneration across the legal aid scheme, including proposals related to the duty lawyer service that were outlined in the discussion document.

“The proposals are currently with the minister for consideration.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/01/21/auckland-duty-lawyers-consider-further-industrial-action-over-pay-conditions-2/

January 22, 2026

Serious incident, Onehunga

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Inspector Jason Homan:

Police are responding to a serious incident in Onehunga.

Shortly after 11am Police received reports a person had received injuries consistent with a gunshot wound at a property on Arthur Street.

One person has been transported to hospital in a critical condition.

An increased Police presence will remain in the area while enquiries are underway.

Anyone with any information is asked to please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, and use the reference number P065151258.

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

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/01/21/serious-incident-onehunga-2/

January 22, 2026

Activist News – Protest at today’s National Party caucus retreat – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

Palestine solidarity supporters will be outside the National Party caucus retreat this morning from 10am (Commodore Hotel, 449 Memorial Ave, Ōtautahi/Christchurch) to hold the party to account for complicity in Israel’s on-going genocide in Gaza.

“As election year opens we are determined to keep this issue before the government and the public”, says PSNA Co-Chair John Minto. “We will be continuing our demand for the government to sanction Israel for genocide”

In the face of mass killing and mass starvation of Palestinians in Gaza our Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Peters have been silent.

“This is the most important human rights issue of the 21st century – there is nowhere for National MPs to hide”

“The government has betrayed international law, the United Nations, the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice – the bedrock agencies of the government’s so-called “rules-based international order”

All those groups have called for action to hold the genocidal, apartheid state of Israel to account for its actions in Palestine but the government is looking the other way.

John Minto
Co-Chair
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.