Category: Law and order

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Southland Police continue search for missing man Kevin Belling

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant John Kean:

The search for missing 62-year-old Kevin Belling continues as Southland Police conduct searches in waterways in the Motu Rimu area.

Kevin was last seen at his Motu Rimu farm on Friday 9 January and was reported missing on 18 January.

Police Search and Rescue and Land Search and Rescue teams have conducted extensive searches, including at Kevin’s Caeser Road property in Kapuka.

Southland Police are now proceeding to examine effluent ponds and other waterways on the Motu Rimu farm owned by Kevin.

Unfortunately, Kevin has not been found, and Police continue to appeal for any information that could help us find him.

Police urge the community to be vigilant and check their rural properties for any signs of Kevin.

If you have information that can assist in the search to locate Kevin, please contact Police online at 105 or call 105.

Please use the reference number 260118/6964.

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/2026/02/18/southland-police-continue-search-for-missing-man-kevin-belling/

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Actor arrested after Mardi Gras fight

Source: Radio New Zealand

Shia LaBeouf was arrested just after midnight on Tuesday (local time) in New Orleans where police said the 39-year-old Transformers film star assaulted two men in a fight during Mardi Gras.

The actor has previously faced a series of arrests and legal issues, including pleading guilty to a charge of obstruction. Police said he was charged with two counts of simple battery.

Officers were called about 12.45am (local time) to a business on Royal Street where two men reported being assaulted.

A police statement said LaBeouf had been causing a disturbance and growing increasingly aggressive. When a staffer tried to remove him, LaBeouf allegedly struck the man several times with closed fists.

The victims told police LaBeouf left but soon returned and acted even more aggressive. Several people tried to restrain him and briefly let him up in hopes he would leave, but he allegedly hit the same staffer again, punching his upper body. Police said he then punched another man in the nose.

Bystanders held LaBeouf until officers arrived. He was taken to a hospital with unspecified injuries and released.

Police gave no additional details on what triggered the disturbance or the victims’ conditions.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/actor-arrested-after-mardi-gras-fight/

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Advocacy – Up to 50 New Zealanders are fighting Israel’s genocide in Gaza – PSNA

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa – PSNA

 

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.”

 

Maher Nazzal

Co-Chair PSNA

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/advocacy-up-to-50-new-zealanders-are-fighting-israels-genocide-in-gaza-psna/

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Police investigation continues into Kaihu dog attack

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are continuing to investigate a woman’s death in Kaihu after she was attacked by dogs yesterday.

Emergency services responded to the rural address off State Highway 12 at about 11.25am on 17 February.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei CIB, says: “This was a very upsetting and tragic event in which a woman has suffered unsurvivable injuries.

“I know the community will have a lot of questions; our investigation is still in the early stages and our focus is on establishing all the facts in this case.

“What we can say is that the three dogs involved live on the property, and the woman was visiting a person known to her when the attack occurred.”

Police have since notified the woman’s next of kin.

We can name her as 62-year-old Mihiata Te Rore, who is local to the community.

Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says the three dogs are currently with animal management.

“As part of our investigation, we would like to hear from anyone in the Kaihu community who has had issues with dogs roaming in the area,” he says.

If you can assist enquiries, please contact Police on 105 using the reference number 260217/8328.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/police-investigation-continues-into-kaihu-dog-attack/

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Do you recognise these people?

Source: New Zealand Police

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.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/do-you-recognise-these-people/

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Five youth charged following aggravated robbery, Napier

Source: New Zealand Police

Five youth are before the court following an aggravated robbery in Westshore, Napier.

On Monday 16 February, Police were notified of an aggravated robbery at a commercial premises on Charles Street about 4.40pm.

Three people allegedly entered the premises and stole a number of items before fleeing in a vehicle containing two others. All took steps to conceal their identities.

No injuries were reported however the owner of the premises is understandably shaken.

The vehicle was later located abandoned on Alexander Avenue, and has been seized for a forensic examination.

Following enquiries into the incident, including information provided by members of the public, Police identified five alleged offenders.

Yesterday evening, Police executed a search warrant at a Napier address where four alleged offenders were taken into custody.

During the search warrant, Police also located evidence relating to the aggravated robbery. including clothing worn by the alleged offenders.

The fifth alleged offender was located and taken into custody a short time later.

Acting Hawke’s Bay Area Investigations Manager, Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Karli Whiu says he is pleased with this result.

“I would like to thank all staff involved for their great collective work in bringing this to a quick resolution.

“Much like the community, Police have no tolerance for this type of offending, and we will continue to work hard to hold offenders to account,” Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Whiu says.

The youth are due to appear in Napier Youth Court today, jointly charged with aggravated robbery and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

Further charges have not been ruled out.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/five-youth-charged-following-aggravated-robbery-napier/

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Arrest made following landslide cordon breach, Mount Manganui

Source: New Zealand Police

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.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/arrest-made-following-landslide-cordon-breach-mount-manganui/

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Incoming law change so MSD can claw back welfare payments off ACC clients

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Minister moved a motion of urgency to introduce the bill. VNP / Phil Smith

The government has introduced legislation so the welfare system can legally claw back payments when someone has been backpaid for an ACC claim.

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston moved a motion of urgency to introduce the Social Security (Accident Compensation and Calculation of Weekly Income) Amendment Bill shortly after 7.30pm.

It comes after a significant High Court ruling against the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) on the recovery of welfare payments late last year.

The ruling said MSD couldn’t require people to pay back supplementary assistance they’d received (like accommodation supplements and winter energy payments) once they had been paid back-dated compensation from Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

For context, many people claim support from MSD while they wait on cover from ACC and once ACC grants cover, it then pays the person backpay for weekly compensation.

In the meantime, the person may have received support from MSD while they were waiting on cover from ACC.

In these situations, ACC automatically reimburses MSD for the main benefit and up until now, MSD was also requiring people to repay any supplementary assistance payments received during the backpay period.

At the High Court Justice Grice held that while the law allowed ACC to reimburse MSD for the main benefit, it did not extend to supplementary forms of assistance designed to meet essential costs.

Speaking at the bill’s first reading this evening, Upston said the legislation clarified the law on the impact of ACC payments on welfare entitlements, given the High Court decision conflicted with “long standing policy intent and operational practice”.

She said there were two main main cohorts of ACC compensation recipients in the welfare system: people who receive ACC and welfare assistance at the same time and people who receive welfare assistance while they wait for ACC to decide on their entitlement

“Under the current situation, as interpreted by the courts, the latter group, who receive lump sum payments, are treated more generously than the former.

“They are in effect receiving two forms of income support to address one need. This also means these clients can remain eligible for assistance which only beneficiaries receive, such as the Winter Energy Payment.

“This would not result in fair treatment between these groups and isn’t in line with the policy intent.

“The government has a duty to fix this situation and clarify the law, so it aligns with the longstanding intent of policy,” Upston said.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/incoming-law-change-so-msd-can-claw-back-welfare-payments-off-acc-clients/

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Public needed to assist with pricey burglary

Source: New Zealand Police

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.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/public-needed-to-assist-with-pricey-burglary/

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Police chase down bike after shoplifting

Source: New Zealand Police

Foot power triumphed over pedal power, as one offender in a shoplifting failed to give Police the slip.

Three people are facing a list of charges after the violent shoplifting unfolded in Rānui yesterday afternoon.

Inspector Jason Edwards, Relieving Waitematā West Area Commander, says two men and a woman entered the supermarket on Swanson Road at around 3.30pm.

“This group has walked around the supermarket allegedly stealing items and putting them into a bag,” he says.

“In the process they have allegedly threatened staff with an umbrella.

“On exiting, the woman has violently shoved a staff member as the group left the store.”

Police were contacted and a unit was soon on scene, locating the trio nearby.

Inspector Edwards says the woman and a man were quickly taken into custody.

“A third offender has jumped on a bike and attempted a two-wheel getaway, knocking over a member of the public” he says.

“Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, another unit had arrived on scene and engaged in a foot pursuit with the bike.

“The 33-year-old didn’t get far and was also arrested.”

He faces charges including shoplifting, assault and resisting Police.

Meanwhile, a 32-year-old woman faces charges of shoplifting and aggravated assault; and a 39-year-old man faces charges of shoplifting and behaving threateningly.

All three will appear in the Waitākere District Court today.

“There is no tolerance for the violent behaviour that this group exhibited towards supermarket staff, and they will all now be held accountable,” Inspector Edwards says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/police-chase-down-bike-after-shoplifting/

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Late night drive ends in charges

Source: New Zealand Police

A simple traffic stop uncovered a cache of drugs and cash on Monday night in Millwater.

Senior Sergeant Carl Fowlie, Waitematā North Area Response Manager says a Police unit was patrolling the North Auckland suburb around midnight, when they spotted a suspicious looking vehicle.

“Once stopped, officers approached the vehicle and spotted a bong on the floor,” he says.

“After discovering this item, a search was conducted on the rest of the vehicle.”

The search uncovered 14.5g of methamphetamine, 14g of cocaine, 55g of cannabis, 44 LSD tabs, a tick book and around $5400 in cash.

“This was a great find by our staff, who were simply out conducting proactive patrols during their shift,” says Senior Sergeant Fowlie.

“We are pleased to have been able to remove these items from circulation and the potential harm they could have caused in the community.”

A 19-year-old man will appear in the North Shore District Court today, charged with possession for supply cannabis, possession for supply methamphetamine, possession for supply LSD and possession of drug utensils.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/late-night-drive-ends-in-charges/

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Charges laid over BMX club arson

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating an arson that destroyed over $50,000 worth of property at a Rānui sports club last year have made an arrest.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting says the fire was allegedly purposely lit in a rubbish bin, which was leaning up against the Birdwood Road BMX club’s canteen.

“This fire was intentionally started in a bin full of paper and rubbish,” he says.

“Once it took hold the flames engulfed the canteen and caused extensive damage to the inside and outside.”

Nearby CCTV captured the incident and assisted the Waitematā West CIB investigation in locating who was responsible for the fire.

“We are pleased to have been able to hold a person to account for their actions,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.

“The BMX Club worked really hard to set up the canteen and it was part of what kept them running.

“The alleged offenders’ thoughtless actions have done real harm to this community.”

A 15-year-old male has been referred to Youth Aid.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/charges-laid-over-bmx-club-arson/

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Fatal crash: Glen Eden, Auckland

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Glen Eden last night.

The two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hepburn and Great North roads was reported at around 11.12pm.

One person suffered critical injuries and was transported to hospital, where they have died.

Two people suffered moderate injuries and were transported to hospital in a stable condition.

The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene, with enquires ongoing into the cause of the crash.

The road was closed for a period of time following the crash but has since re-opened.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/fatal-crash-glen-eden-auckland/

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Fatal shooting after argument in Christchurch home, court told

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/fatal-shooting-after-argument-in-christchurch-home-court-told/

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Weather: Local farmers clear mudslide which trapped 20 vehicles

Source: Radio New Zealand

Trucks stopped in Taihape. Supplied

Cars stranded by a slip in rural Taihape are now free after a local farmer cleared a path through the slip with his tractor.

About 20 cars were stuck for several hours between a flood and a slip in the remote area of Turakina Valley Road with no cell coverage.

The Rangitikei Mayor Andy Watson says the cars were able to drive out and he believed they were now heading to Taihape.

Watson previously said he understood it was a local farmer who raised the alarm, calling emergency services to report what he could see.

It had been very hard to get information, he said.

It appears the cars took a back route after State Highway 1 was closed.

“They’ve found flood water that was too deep to drive through then slip has come down behind them and effectively blocked their path,” he said.

Residents in the wider district have told RNZ there are trees blocking may roads, with people not able to get to work.

State Highway 1 has been closed around Taihape.

Watson said it some of the roads the cars took would normally only see “half a dozen” cars a day, he said.

Rangitikei District Council said contractors were working to clear debris, and it was working with Civil Defence on a response to the situation.

Police said they were notified at 12.30pm.

St John Ambulance said it had so far not been required.

Establishing communication the priority

Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence said its first priority was to establish communication with those who were trapped.

State Highway 1 was closed between Hunterville and Waiouru and people should not use Turakina Valley Road as a detour, it said.

Many other local roads were also closed.

People should avoid non-essential travel because the roads were treacherous from fallen trees and the possibility for landslides.

Winiata Marae opens to stranded travellers

About 80 people are sheltering at Winiata Marae, in Taihape, which has opened to stranded travellers.

The marae’s chairman Jordan Winiata said they were travellers who had become stranded, unable to reach their destinations.

“They’re stranded because of what’s happening on the highways, we’ve got some InterCity buses, just multiple travellers that would have been going from A to B that unfortunately have been caught in between the roads being open and closed.”

He said the marae was preparing to host those stranded overnight and had capacity for 300.

Winiata said the power was out at the marae, but they had a generator and running water and gas for cooking.

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/2026/02/16/weather-local-farmers-clear-mudslide-which-trapped-20-vehicles/

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Recidivist thieves wind up in custody

Source: New Zealand Police

A pair of thieves allegedly responsible for helping themselves to more than $40,000 worth of goods from various stores across Auckland and the Bay of Plenty have wound up in Police hands.

The duo have been trying to evade Police since September, with Police actively looking for the pair given the alleged tally of thefts they had racked up.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams, Waitematā CIB, says the pair have been continuing their retail crime wave.

“On Friday afternoon our staff were making enquiries at an address in Birkdale.

“The pair initially refused to come out of the address, however they were eventually taken into custody without further incident.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Williams says the pair are allegedly responsible for about $42,000 worth of stolen items from retails stores across the North Island.

“It’s great to see these recidivist offenders identified by staff and a swift response which meant they could be apprehended.”

“This is a fantastic outcome for not only out staff, but our retail community and is another example of the work going into targeting recidivist retail crime offenders.”

A 28-year-old woman has been remanded in custody and will reappear in North Shore District Court on Friday  facing 17 charges of shoplifting.

A 34-year-old man will reappear in North Shore District Court on 9 March facing 27 charges including shoplifting, theft, burglary and possession of an offensive weapon.

He has been remanded in custody until his next appearance.

Police are continuing enquiries, and Detective Senior Sergeant Williams says further charges cannot be ruled out.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/recidivist-thieves-wind-up-in-custody/

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Onehunga shooting: Police seize firearm in ongoing investigation

Source: New Zealand Police

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.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/onehunga-shooting-police-seize-firearm-in-ongoing-investigation/

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Serious crash closes road in Merivale

Source: Radio New Zealand

One person has serious injuries following a single-vehicle crash in Christchurch’s Merivale.

Police said officers were called to Heaton Street, between Allister Avenue and Circuit Street, at 5.50pm on Sunday.

“Initial indications suggest one person has been seriously injured.

“The road is closed, with diversions in place.”

Police said people should avoid the area if possible.

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/2026/02/15/serious-crash-closes-road-in-merivale/

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Body found, Mahia

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Tuai Senior Constable Tony Maultsaid:

Police are making enquiries after the body of a person washed up at Mahia, near Wairoa.

A member of the public made the discovery on Mahanga Beach about 1pm on Saturday 14 February and called Police.

Specialist officers from Tairāwhiti attended and the formal identification process is ongoing. Due to the circumstances, this work may take some time.

A post-mortem will be carried out in the coming days, which will assist the enquiries being carried out by Police.

Further information will be released proactively when it becomes available.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/15/body-found-mahia/

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Health and Policy – Burnett Foundation Aotearoa welcomes the Government’s decision on U=U

Source: Burnett Foundation Aotearoa

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. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/15/health-and-policy-burnett-foundation-aotearoa-welcomes-the-governments-decision-on-uu/