Category: Police

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

February 12, 2026

Transmission Gully accelerating to 110km/h

Source: New Zealand Government

Transmission Gully has received the green light for a new 110 km/h speed limit for drivers travelling between Wellington and the Kāpiti Coast, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop.

The new speed limit will take effect from 12:01am on Monday, 16 February 2026.

“This change is part of a wider effort to fix the basics of our transport network and set it up for the future. We’re committed to providing state highways that help people get where they need to go quickly and safely,” says Mr Bishop.

“Transmission Gully is a critical transport link for Wellington and Kāpiti, carrying around 22,000 vehicles a day and providing a safe, modern, and resilient route between the regions.

“The road, as one of the previous National Government’s first Roads of National
Significance, was designed and built to support higher-speed travel, subject to meeting strict safety standards. Since opening in 2022, Transmission Gully has recorded low crash rates, with no deaths despite more than 150 barrier strikes. Safety features including two lanes in each direction and a flexible median barrier between opposing lanes help reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash.

“The new higher speed limit applies to the 27‑kilometre section of State Highway 1 between the Linden and Paekākāriki interchanges, which is currently posted at 100 km/h. Heavy vehicles and vehicles towing trailers will continue to have a 90 km/h limit.

“Public consultation on the proposed change took place in mid‑2025. Of the 2,061 submissions received, 92% supported raising the Transmission Gully limit to 110 km/h.

“I want to thank drivers for their patience over summer while essential maintenance and resurfacing work was completed. That work has helped bring the road to the point where a higher speed limit can be safely applied.

“Police will apply the same enforcement to 110km/h roads as any other part of the road network. Drivers can expect to see police patrols on New Zealand roads anywhere, at any time. Drivers should continue to drive to the conditions, free from impairment and distraction, and make sure everyone’s wearing their seatbelt.

“Although Raumati Straights was consulted on at the same time, due to constraints on this section of the corridor, including the rail line and proximity to Queen Elizabeth Park, the Raumati Straights were not built to the same design and safety standards as other sections of the Kāpiti Expressway. Technical assessments determined that this section did not meet the minimum safety and design requirements for a 110km/h speed limit.

“Increasing the speed limit on this section would require significant investment in safety improvements. This remains a possibility in the future, but it would depend on further scope development and funding decisions.”

Notes to editor:

NZTA will continue to monitor Raumati Straights and consider future improvements as part of wider planning for the State Highway 1 corridor.
NZTA will work closely with New Zealand Police on speed enforcement. Police will apply the same enforcement approach on Transmission Gully as they do on other 110 km/h roads, focusing on areas with the highest safety risks.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/transmission-gully-accelerating-to-110km-h/

Otago University urges students to ‘stay off roofs’ after campus accident

Source: Radio New Zealand

Otago University vice-chancellor Grant Robertson is warning students to stay off roofs after a young man was critically injured falling from a building at the Dunedin campus. Tess Brunton/RNZ

Otago University is urging students to “stay off roofs” after a young man was critically injured falling from a building at the Dunedin campus.

The man was in Dunedin Hospital, after being found by campus staff shortly after midnight on Wednesday.

Police said the injured man was not a student at the university.

The Otago Daily Times reported the young man fell from the Centre for Innovation building near the intersection of Cumberland and Saint David streets.

In a statement, university vice-chancellor Grant Robertson said staff acted quickly and alerted emergency services after finding the man.

“Staff are continuing to work closely with police and providing assistance where possible. As this is a police investigation, we are unable to provide further details about the incident,” he said.

Ahead of Otago University’s O-week celebrations, the university was outlining the importance of safe decision-making.

“With students returning to the city, we strongly encourage everyone to look out for one another, make safe choices and seek help early if they have concerns. Our Campus Watch staff are available 24/7 to assist students in the North Dunedin community,” Robertson said.

Campus Watch staff had begun door-knocking flats in North Dunedin, Robertson said.

“We provide practical information on personal safety, property security, safe behaviour in two-storey flats, avoiding climbing on roofs, waste and recycling requirements and other matters important to a safe start to the year.

“I cannot stress enough about the importance of staying off roofs. The tragic outcomes of that are well-known and we do not want anyone, or their friends and whānau to have to experience that.”

Otago University student and age-grade rugby representative Jayden Broome was still recovering from a critical brain injury, after falling from the roof of a two-storey Dunedin flat in September last year.

The 19-year-old spent four months in hospital and was unable to eat for 115 days following the fall, The Southland Tribune reported last week.

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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/2026/02/11/otago-university-urges-students-to-stay-off-roofs-after-campus-accident/

Out of control Dunedin university party weeks sparks police concern

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

There is concern that some behaviour at Dunedin’s annual ‘Flo’ and ‘O’ weeks is out of control and highly dangerous, with students clambering onto roofs.

A young man was critically injured on Wednesday after falling about 10 metres from an Otago University building, with a wine bottle found on a ledge.

While he was not a student, police were calling for others to avoid rising similar injuries – which were becoming more common.

“Unfortunately, it seems to be becoming more and more prevalent,” senior sergeant Craig Dinnissen told Checkpoint.

“Flo Week never used to be a thing. It has become more of a thing in the last couple of years and the climbing on roofs has been around since the Hyde Street unmanaged events, which just leads to absolute significant risk and injury when it does go wrong.”

Dinnissen said police had engaged with numerous people to get off roofs and passed their details onto their university for further discussion.

He suggested that students had too much time to get into trouble, with classes yet to start.

“There’s absolutely nothing to do with university … there’s no classes, nothing at all,” Dinnissen said.

It is seven nights of various street parties, excessive drinking and just some poor behaviour and poor decision making, he said.

He said it was the first time away from home for many students, and with nothing else to do, evenings could often get “feral”, with illicit substances also a factor.

Dinnissen said wastewater testing indicated that this time of year was “high use”, with police resources stretched to ensure the safety of everyone.

“It takes a huge amount of time from us, from normal court policing,” he said.

Out of towners joining the parties was another factor.

“We have people travelling all the way from Auckland to come down to partake in the festivities here, both Flo and O Week,” Dinnissen said.

“Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, university students, people from all around the area as well.”

Dinnissen said while police could generally handle local students, people that come from outside the region often had no respect for the environment and the situation they put themselves in.

Without putting an end to the parties, he called for a “significant culture change” and for students to embrace social responsibility.

“These are supposed to be new young adults that are going to lead us into the future,” he said.

“We can’t really hold their hand in that sense, to realise that things are getting out of hand.”

Dinnissen said the last thing police ever wanted to do was to knock on somebody’s door and say your daughter or your son was in hospital.

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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/2026/02/11/out-of-control-dunedin-university-party-weeks-sparks-police-concern/

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/

Teen allegedly steals e-bike at knifepoint, falls off while being tracked by police helicopter

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / REECE BAKER

An alleged e-bike thief was caught by police after he crashed the bike he is believed to have stolen.

Police were called to reports that an electric trail bike had been taken at knifepoint from Coliseum Drive in the Auckland suburb of Albany at 7.41pm on Tuesday.

The police Eagle helicopter was already in the area, and located the suspect riding at “excessive speed” heading south down the Northern Busway, police said.

“The bike has continued to be tracked by Eagle, as it exited at Constellation Station, making its way onto the Northern Motorway,” Inspector Aron McKeown said.

The suspect was seen exiting at Tristram Avenue, heading for Beacroft Park, McKeown said.

“This reckless run came to an end after he fell off the bike on Bevyn Street.

“The 15-year-old didn’t suffer any injuries, but he did find himself in handcuffs and under arrest.”

Police charged him with aggravated robbery, reckless driving and possession for supply of cannabis.

He will appear at the North Shore Youth Court today.

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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/2026/02/11/teen-allegedly-steals-e-bike-at-knifepoint-falls-off-while-being-tracked-by-police-helicopter/

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/

Reckless ride ends in court for teen

Source: New Zealand Police

A teenager’s reckless ride on an electric bike through the North Shore found him making a hard landing into court.

On Tuesday night, Police initially responded to an aggravated robbery on Coliseum Drive, Albany at 7.41pm.

Inspector Aron McKeown, Waitematā East Area Prevention Manager, says the teenage victim was outside a fast-food restaurant at the time.

“A teenage male offender has approached the victim, allegedly stealing his electric trail bike at knifepoint,” he says.

“The bike has been driven across the car park towards the mall and out of sight.”

The Police Eagle helicopter had been in the area for another matter, when the crew became aware of the job unfolding.

“Eagle responded and located the bike being driven at excessive speed on the Northern Busway southbound.

“The bike has continued to be tracked by Eagle, as it exited at Constellation Station, making its way onto the Northern Motorway.”

No units pursued the bike, but its movements were tracked from above.

Inspector McKeown says the bike was seen exiting at Tristram Avenue, heading for Beacroft Park.

“He has cut through a football game being played at the time, before heading towards Milford.

“This reckless run came to an end after he fell off the bike on Bevyn Street.

“The 15-year-old didn’t suffer any injuries, but he did find himself in handcuffs and under arrest,” he says.

Waitematā East CIB has charged the male with aggravated robbery, reckless driving and possession for supply of cannabis.

He will be appearing in the North Shore Youth Court today.

“We are ensuring the young victim is being provided by support after this unsettling event,” Inspector McKeown says.

“I’d like to acknowledge all the frontline staff, Eagle and our CIB investigators for their work in responding to this incident.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/reckless-ride-ends-in-court-for-teen/

Morning Report live: Paul Goldsmith defends pulling the plug on retail crime group

Source: Radio New Zealand

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The Justice Minister says it’s uncharitable to say a government retail crime advisory group was a waste of time.

Paul Goldsmith has confirmed the group will wind down four months early, after three of its five members walked away.

Labour this week said it was a stunt from day one, and that it came up with was ideas previously dismissed as ineffective or unsafe.

Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said the group recycled the bad plans, instead of listening to retailers, victims, and police, and that its wind-down is embarassing for the government.

But Goldsmith said retail crime was a real problem, and suggestions the group put forward had been enacted in legislation to make a real difference.

He dismissed criticism of chairman Sunny Kaushal’s behaviour, saying he was a fierce defender of victims.

Kaushal said his priority was to deliver reform for victims of retail crime, and not to have an “endless talking group”.

“I’m very relaxed about the ministerial advisory group winding up in May,” he said.

“I made sure the MAG delivered our advisory work quickly, so that victims could see legislation in the House before we wrapped up.

“I thought this more important than pursuing endless ‘frameworks’ that other MAG members would have prioritised.”

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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/2026/02/11/morning-report-live-paul-goldsmith-defends-pulling-the-plug-on-retail-crime-group/

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/

Two students hit by cars before school on Monday morning

Source: Radio New Zealand

Supplied / St John

Two Auckland students are in Starship Hospital after being struck by cars before school on Monday.

Police said one intermediate-aged student was hit by a car at about 8.15am while crossing Whangaparāoa Road in Stanmore Bay.

In a statement, Whangaparāoa College confirmed one of its students was hit.

It said the student was receiving medical treatment and would make a full recovery.

Police said another intermediate child was hit by a different car on Onewa Road in Northcote at 8.26am.

St John said both children who suffered moderate injuries were taken to Starship in ambulances.

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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/2026/02/10/two-students-hit-by-cars-before-school-on-monday-morning/

Body recovered from Bay of Plenty river

Source: Radio New Zealand

The body was recovered from the Waioweka River in Ōpōtiki on Tuesday morning.

Police say they recovered a body from the Waioweka River on Tuesday morning after a search for a man who was swept downstream after falling from a boat in the Bay of Plenty town of Ōpōtiki last month.

Inspector Nicky Cooney, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander, said the body was recovered from the river at about 9am.

“This has been a long slow search, hindered at times by the weather as well as impacted by the slips on SH2,” Cooney said in a statement.

Police earlier said that they were called out at about 5.30pm on Friday 23 January after reports that a man had fallen from a boat and a search of the area was carried out with a vessel found nearby.

Cooney thanked all those who assisted in the search efforts including Land SAR volunteers, local jet boat and helicopter operators, the Police National Dive Squad and iwi whose knowledge of the river and surrounding terrain had been invaluable.

The formal identification process is underway, and the man’s death has been referred to the Coroner.

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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/2026/02/10/body-recovered-from-bay-of-plenty-river/

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/

Body recovered, Waioeka River – Bay of Plenty District

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney

Police and teams searching for a man missing since January have located and recovered a body from the Waioeka River this morning at about 9am.

This has been a long slow search, hindered at times by the weather as well as impacted by the slips on SH2.

Police would like to thank all those who assisted in the search efforts.

In particular we would like to acknowledge Land SAR volunteers, local jet boat and helicopter operators, along with iwi whose knowledge of the river and surrounding terrain has been invaluable.

We are also grateful for the assistance of the Police National Dive Squad.

This has been a true team effort and everyone involved has provided incredible support to the search teams.

The formal identification process is underway, and the man’s death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/body-recovered-waioeka-river-bay-of-plenty-district/

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/

Foxton Police taking dangerous bike riding complaints seriously

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Acting Sergeant Mike Skates, Foxton Police:

Police in Foxton and Foxton Beach are proactively dealing with reports made over bad driving on dirt and quad bikes in the area.

Three bikes have already been impounded, and several young people have been spoken to in relation to the reports. Charges have not been ruled out.

Police would like to urge all quad bike and dirt bike riders to ride safely. Wear your helmets, drive to a safe speed, and keep in your lane.

Police are asking the public to continue to make reports on dangerous driving so that officers can follow them up and hold offenders to account.

Photos and video footage is helpful for Police to follow up on offenders that quickly speed off when driving unlawfully. These can also be used to identify the bikes, hotspots and times dangerous driving occurs and helps to identify the riders.

If you see any dangerous driving, call 111 immediately.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/foxton-police-taking-dangerous-bike-riding-complaints-seriously/

Police on the scent of shoplifter

Source: New Zealand Police

A teenager faces court after failing to give Police the slip after a shoplifting in Te Atatū Peninsula.

Police responded to a dairy on Te Atatū Road just after 8pm on Monday night.

“Two males had entered the dairy, when one allegedly reached over the counter and grabbed a range of vape products,” acting Inspector Nick Salter, Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, says.

“When challenged by the employee, this young male has managed to get passed and out the front door, fleeing on foot.”

Police units attended the business and reviewed CCTV footage of the offending.

Acting Inspector Salter says a Police dog handler was deployed in the area and were quickly on the scent.

“The Police dog eventually tracked to an address on Imelda Road, where two teenage males were located.

“A packaged vape was also located discarded in the nearby area.”

Following enquiries, a 16-year-old male was arrested and has since been charged with shoplifting.

He will be appearing in the Waitākere Youth Court today.

The second male, a 13-year-old, was transported home.

“It’s a great result by all our frontline staff responding yesterday evening,” acting Inspector Salter says.

“This young man is being held to account for his actions and in the process, we have managed to recover all the stolen property.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/police-on-the-scent-of-shoplifter/