Two people are before the courts, following the execution of a search warrant at a Cromwell address.
After receiving information through a Crime Stoppers report, Cromwell Police conducted an investigation into the supply of cannabis within the community.
As a result, Police executed a search warrant at a local residential address where $8,000 cash and around two kilograms of cannabis were located.
A man and woman, both aged 50, were taken into custody without incident.
Otago Lakes Central Area Commander Inspector Paula Enoka, says the result of this search warrant is a great result, not only for the officers involved, but for the wider Cromwell community.
“We will always work hard to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs within our communities, however we cannot do this alone.”
Cromwell Police would like to thank whoever provided information anonymously through Crime Stoppers, as this assisted us in getting this result.
“With this result, a lot of harm has been removed from the streets to keep our communities safe,” says Inspector Enoka.
“We will continue to target those who supply illicit drugs, and urge anyone with information relating to illicit drugs within the community to please contact Police.”
Information can be provided through 105 online or by phone, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
The 50-year-old man and woman are due to appear in Alexandra District Court on 12 March, charged with possessing cannabis for supply.
A New Zealander is one of two women facing an Australian court after an alleged attempt to import 38 kilograms of methamphetamine by hiding it under some towels in suitcases.
In December, an Australian and the New Zealander, both aged 35, were stopped for a targeted bag exam by Sydney border officials after arriving from Singapore, a joint statement from the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said.
Upon inspecting the women’s luggage, ABF officers found dozens of vacuum-sealed bags of a crystallised substance, concealed underneath a small layer of towels.
Dozens of vacuum-sealed bags were found hidden underneath towels.Supplied / Australian Federal Police
Testing returned an initial positive result for methamphetamine.
The two women were arrested and later charged with one count each of importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine. The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
They were due to reappear at Sydney’s Downing Centre this week.
An x-ray of the suitcases.Supplied / Australian Federal Police
ABF Superintendent Elke West said officers were attuned to emerging trends, observing passenger behaviour and “using intelligence-led targeting” to assess who or what might be a threat.
“Our ABF officers are seizing significant quantities of illicit drugs at the border, removing profits from the hands of criminals and stopping their corrupt business model in its tracks,” Supt West said.
“Organised crime groups will run the gauntlet and attempt to smuggle in their illicit goods by any means possible, and that includes exploiting young vulnerable travellers.”
AFP Detective acting Inspector Trevor Robinson said the consignment was worth “thousands of dollars in criminal profit” and stopping it prevented “immeasurable harm”.
Border officials found 38 kilograms of methamphetamine.Supplied / Australian Federal Police
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Two men have been charged over an assault in Ōtāhuhu on 27 February.
Police is aware of footage circulating on social media this week, showing the incident occurring on Great South Road.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward, of Counties Manukau West CIB, says enquiries began after a Police unit passed an altercation occurring between two security guards and a man.
“We have made further enquiries into what has taken place, and two men have been charged as a result,” he says.
Both men, aged 24 and 36, have been jointly charged with injuring with intent. They will appear in the Manukau District Court on 10 March.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of a fatal fire overnight in Ōtāhuhu.
Emergency services responded to the fire at a garage at a house on Tamaki Avenue, at around 9pm on 4 March.
Sadly, one person was located deceased inside the property.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward, Counties Manukau West CIB says: “A scene examination has been carried out today alongside a fire investigator.
“At the same time, we are continuing to work through our formal identification procedures, with a post-mortem examination also set to take place tomorrow.
“Given these enquiries remain in the early stages we are continuing to treat the circumstances as unexplained.”
Police will look to issue a further update as enquiries progress.
A dangerous driver who allegedly stole a car and drove it through Albany while intoxicated is now facing a raft of charges.
Late last night, Police were notified a vehicle had been stolen from Channel View Road, Takapuna.
Waitematā East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant CJ Miles, says Police then spotted the vehicle travelling north on Wairau Road at about 1am this morning.
“Units, including the Police Eagle helicopter, have flooded the area, however the vehicle wasn’t located.
“But just a short time later, the vehicle was seen on Albany Expressway driving erratically and at more than twice the posted speed limit.”
Senior Sergeant Miles says Eagle observed the vehicle driving dangerously, crossing onto the wrong side of the road and at excessive speed.
“The vehicle has continued travelling through the Albany area before eventually coming to a dead-end street at St Andrews Way where it appeared the driver was attempting to take another vehicle.
“Police arrived quickly and took the man into custody without further incident,” she says.
Breath alcohol procedures were carried out and the man was allegedly over the legal driving limit.
“It’s extremely lucky no one was injured or seriously hurt as a result of this reckless behaviour.
“It’s clear he had little regard for anyone else and I’m pleased we could put a stop to this before anyone else was put at risk.”
A 25-year-old man will appear in North Shore District Court today charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and driving with excess breath alcohol.
Police have this morning arrested and charged a man following a serious assault in Marychurch Road, Mātangi over the weekend.
Inspector Andrea McBeth, Hamilton City Area Commander says a 24-year-old patched Black Power member has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow.
“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will ensure that in any case, offenders will be held accountable.
“We understand the frustration of residents where we are seeing anti-social road user behaviour, and for these people to go one step further and attack people trying to speak with them, is unacceptable.
“We are extremely lucky that we are not dealing with more serious consequences here. There is zero tolerance for this violent offending.”
Police continue to investigate this attack which left two people with serious injuries.
“Further arrests are likely,” says McBeth.
If you have any information that could assist Police, you can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online, referencing file number 260301/0526.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Ahead of a major recruitment activation and partnership with Round the Bays in Auckland this Sunday, Police are announcing more recruit wings are coming to Auckland.
Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers says at Round the Bays last year the Commissioner announced a new campus in Auckland offering senior courses and recruit wings.
“A year on that campus is already a huge success – especially for recruit training,” she says.
“We can now confirm our third Wing at the RNZPC Auckland Campus will start on 29 June, and we are planning more for next year.”
Deputy Commissioner Rogers says Police heard feedback from the recruits that graduated from the Auckland Campus last year about what a great experience it was.
“They’ve raved about the benefits of being close to family, the quality of the facilities, the tight knit group they built and how smooth their transition into district was after training was complete,” says Deputy Commissioner Rogers.
“Many of our Auckland recruits are more established and have families, they’ve told us their dream of becoming a police officer wouldn’t have been possible without the RNZPC Auckland Campus.”
Providing recruits the opportunity to train closer to home continues to be a drawcard, with the RNZPC Auckland Campus supporting efforts to grow the Police workforce, especially in priority recruitment areas of Tāmaki Makaurau and Northland.
“We’re also open to offering spaces on the Auckland Wing to those interested in relocating to support them in their move.
“Wings in Auckland are limited, and capped to a maximum of 40 recruits, so don’t hesitate,” Deputy Commissioner Rogers says.
“If you are ready to start your training for one of the most rewarding careers there is, come visit the Police recruitment activation at Round the Bays or apply now at New Cops.”
Hokitika Police have arrested and charged a man following a burglary last week in Hokitika.
On Thursday 26 February, Police received a report from a local contractor that items had been stolen from their site.
The following day, a Police unit saw a man driving a vehicle that was known to be pink stickered. The driver was signalled to stop, however he failed to do so and fled.
Police did not pursue the vehicle, instead conducted area enquiries which led to locating the vehicle abandoned on Adairs Road, before the driver soon returned and was arrested.
During a search of the vehicle and the very near vicinity, officers located a number of items including those that were reported stolen the day before.
West Coast Area Commander, Inspector Jacqui Corner says this was a great quick catch by local staff.
“I would like to commend the officers involved in this arrest – their attention to detail in noticing the vehicle that was not supposed to be on the road, is what has led to this quick result.
“I am also very pleased that we were able to return the stolen goods to their rightful owner and hold the alleged offender to account,” says Inspector Corner.
The 57-year-old man is due to appear in Greymouth District Court on 25 March, facing a range of charges related to driving offences and receiving stolen goods.
Police have impounded seven vehicles and summonsed four drivers to court with another three pending charges following a gang-related funeral procession.
A Police operation monitored the convoy that travelled between Ōtara and the Manukau Memorial Gardens in Wiri on 5 February.
Inspector Ann Wilkie, Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, says Police observed reckless behaviour from some taking part in the procession.
“Police assigned to monitor the procession witnessed appalling actions by passengers of some of the vehicles,” Inspector Wilkie says.
“Adults and teenagers who were sitting on the edge of car windows; as well as several vehicles being driven dangerously.
“This behaviour continued for quite some time, putting other road users, and the people hanging out of the windows at real risk of harm.”
A checkpoint was established at the entrance to the Manukau Memorial Gardens, checking those leaving.
Traffic cameras, as well as Police staff on the ground, were able to capture images of drivers, passengers and registration plates of the vehicles involved.
“As a result, we have already caught up with a handful of people we have identified as committing these dangerous acts,” Inspector Wilkie says.
“Our enforcement phase is ongoing, and we expect to take further action.”
Inspector Wilkie says Police acknowledge the passing of a loved one and want to support a safe journey to their final resting place but cannot allow the sort of behaviours that put others at risk.
“Police have made it clear to participants about what is acceptable behaviour,” she says.
“The behaviour by some of those involved in this was not good enough and they have been put before the Court.”
Four women aged between 27 and 37 have been summoned to appear in the Manukau District Court for dangerous driving, and had their vehicles impounded for 28 days.
Another three vehicles have also been impounded for 28 days as part of the same incident and Police are considering further charges.
Two people have been arrested and a firearm recovered following a shooting in Papakura on Saturday morning.
Police were conducting patrols in the Clevedon Road area at the time heard what they believed to be gun shots, and a short time later came across a man with a gunshot injury.
The man was transported to hospital in a moderate condition and has since been discharged.
Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor, Counties Manukau CIB, says a 23-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been charged jointly with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and unlawful possession of a restricted weapon.
“The male has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Papakura District Court on 26 March and the female will reappear on 16 March.
“Enquiries are ongoing and we ask that anyone with information which may assist our investigation contact us via 105, quoting file number 260228/8498.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says initial indications are that the victim and the offenders are known to each other and there is no risk to the wider community.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Attributable to Inspector Andrea McBeth, Hamilton City Area Commander:
A man is before the courts following a serious assault in Hamilton yesterday.
At around 7am, Police were notified of an assault in High Street, Frankton.
Upon arrival, a man was located with serious injuries and transported to hospital.
Police made enquiries throughout the day and at around 2pm, the alleged offender from this violent and unprovoked attack was located in Melville and taken into custody.
A 35-year-old man will appear in the Hamilton District Court today, 5 March, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and assaults Police.
New Board Appointments and Strategic Partnerships Drive Fresh Momentum Accelerating Expansion into Chinese Medicine and Physiotherapy
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – Trinity Medical Group (“Trinity Medical” or the “Group”), a leading provider of patient-centred healthcare premium diagnostic imaging and screening services, today marks a significant milestone with its 10th anniversary. The Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Wu Ting-yuk, Anthony, GBS, JP, Member of the Standing Committee of the 12th and 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Dr. the Honourable Lam Ching-choi, GBS, JP, Member of the Executive Council, to its Board Members. In addition, the Group has entered into strategic partnerships with FWD, Prudential Hong Kong Limited, YF Life Insurance International Limited and United Imaging (in alphabetical order of company names), enhancing cross-sector synergies between premium healthcare services and insurance solutions to deliver comprehensive and high-quality care for clients.
Trinity Medical Group hosts its 10th anniversary celebration, which brings together distinguished leaders from the government, business, and medical sectors. The event is a remarkable success and sees an exceptional turnout.
The Group celebrated its 10th anniversary yesterday (3 March), bringing together distinguished guests, Professor Lo Chung-mau, BBS, JP, Secretary for Health; Mr. Fan Hung-ling, Henry, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Hospital Authority; Mr. Tong Ka-shing, Carlson, GBS, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; and Professor Ma Si-hang, Frederick, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, to commemorate this major chapter in its journey.
Mr. Lau Kevin Chung-hang, MH, Founder of Trinity Medical Group, remarked in the welcome speech, “With the steadfast support of our insurance partners, corporate clients, and medical professionals, as well as the commitment and trust of our professional team, our Group is proud to reach this significant 10th anniversary milestone. Looking ahead, we will remain dedicated to the principles of preventive medicine and will proactively expand our service portfolio. This year, we plan to introduce Traditional Chinese Medicine and physiotherapy services, further diversifying our offerings and providing the community with more comprehensive care as we drive the Group’s ongoing development.”
Mr. Lau Kevin Chung-hang, MH, Founder of Trinity Medical Group, delivered the welcome address. Mrs. Christine Ma-Lau, Director of Trinity Medical Group, delivered the thank-you speech.
Trinity Medical welcomes Professor Wu Ting-yuk, Anthony, GBS, JP, Member of the 12th and 13th Standing Committee of the National Committee of the CPPCC, as Non-Executive Chairman, and Dr. the Honourable Lam Ching-choi, GBS, JP, Member of the Executive Council, as Independent Non-Executive Director.Mr. Lau Kevin Chung-hang, MH remarked in his speech, “Professor Wu brings more than networks; he brings international governance DNA; Dr. Lam connects our boardroom strategy to bedside community care.” With the addition of these highly respected industry leaders, the Group is confident that their expertise and strategic insight will significantly strengthen the Group’s vision, clinical capabilities and overall growth trajectory, injecting new momentum into the Group’s future development.
Professor Wu Ting-yuk, Anthony, GBS, JP, Non-Executive Chairman of Trinity Medical Group (Left); Dr. the Honourable Lam Ching-choi, GBS, JP, Independent Non-Executive Director of Trinity Medical Group (Right).
Forging Cross-Industry Alliances to Pioneer New Frontiers in Chinese Medicine Consultations and Physiotherapy
At the anniversary celebration, Trinity Medical announced the strategic cooperation agreements with FWD, Prudential Hong Kong Limited, YF Life Insurance International Limited, and United Imaging. Through these partnerships, the Group aims to deliver international-standard diagnostic services and diverse insurance solutions, creating a seamless, one-stop integrated healthcare experience for clients.
Trinity Medical Group enters into a strategic partnership agreement with FWD and is honoured to have Mr. Ken Lau, Managing Director of Greater China and Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer, FWD, to attained the event and join the commemorative photo.
Trinity Medical Group enters into a strategic partnership agreement with Prudential Hong Kong Limited and is honoured to have Ms. Candy Au Yeung, Chief Customer Operation and Health Officer, Prudential Hong Kong Limited to attend the event and join the commemorative photo.
Trinity Medical Group enters into a strategic partnership agreement with YF Life Insurance Limited and is honoured to have Ms. Jasmine Hui, Chief Proposition Officer and Senior Vice President, YF Life Insurance Limited, to attend the event and join the commemorative photo.
Trinity Medical Group enters into a strategic partnership agreement with United Imaging, and expresses gratitude for United Imaging’s significant support in advancing medical technology.
Looking ahead, Trinity Medical will further diversify its service portfolio, including the introduction of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consultations and physiotherapy services this year. These initiatives will continue to advance holistic recovery and preventive care initiatives. These efforts are designed to address the growing demand for premium healthcare and to reinforce the Group’s leadership within the sector.
Since its establishment in 2016, Trinity Medical has been committed to providing high-quality diagnostic imaging and health screening services. The Group continues to expand its clinical and check-up offerings, underscoring its drive for diversified development and excellence. To date, the Group has formed partnerships with over 10 insurance companies and earned the trust of over 300 corporate clients.
The professional team now exeeds 200 members, collectively having served more than 1.8 million individual clients. Its online health platform has recorded over 5.5 million visits, underscoring the Group’s industry leadership and strong market reputation.
In addition, Trinity Medical has also actively contributed to the community, including:
Supporting government primary healthcare policies: Over the past decade, the Group has provided influenza, COVID-19, and HPV vaccinations to more than 10,000 schoolchildren, helping to build herd immunity.
COVID-19 response: Throughout the pandemic, all Trinity Medical centres across the city offered COVID-19 vaccinations and PCR testing, providing accessible services throughout Hong Kong.
Supporting the “eHealth” initiative: By participating in the Hospital Authority’s referral network and the Electronic Health Record Sharing System, the Group has helped relieve the burden for tens of thousands of public hospital patients.
Appointed as a “SafeCity Ambassador 2025”: Trinity Medical has partnered with the Hong Kong Police Force to jointly promote crime prevention, cyber security, and mental health awareness.
Championing youth development: Through participation in the “Strive and Rise Programme,” the Group helps secondary school students learn about the medical profession and supports their personal growth.
Recognised for corporate social responsibility: The Group has been awarded the “Caring Company” and “Good Employer” accolades for consecutive years, reflecting our dedication to social welfare, employee development, and environmental protection.
(Starting from the left) Mrs. Christine Ma-Lau, Director of Trinity Medical Group; Dr. the Honourable Lam Ching-choi, GBS, JP, Independent Non-Executive Director of the Group; Professor Wu Ting-yuk, Anthony, GBS, JP, Non-Executive Chairman of the Group; and Mr. Lau Kevin Chung-hang, MH, Founder of the Group, officiate at the toasting ceremony.
Trinity Medical Group’s 10th Anniversary Celebration is attended and supported by prominent leaders from the government and business sectors.
Click here to download more event photos.
Hashtag: #TrinityMedical
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Last week Police said we’d be taking action on the illegal sale of nitrous oxide in our communities and this week we are seeing results.
“Many districts, including Eastern, Counties Manukau, Waikato, Central, and Bay of Plenty had already begun working with retailers to ensure they knew the laws around the sale of nitrous oxide,” says Assistant Commissioner Tusha Penny.
“One retailer has shown complete disregard for the law and has persisted in selling this substance for recreational use. That retailer has now been charged under the Psychoactive Substances Act.”
District Commander Superintendent Will Loughrin said this result will be great for the Rotorua community.
“We took a planned prevention approach and this shows if retailers ignore us, we will follow through with enforcement action.
“We have taken more than 300 cannisters out of circulation. That will mean reduced harm for our young people, and also less danger on the road because of it.
“Our beat team had engaged with the retailer several times, yet he refused to heed our warnings. So now he will face the consequences, which is a criminal charge of selling or suppling a non-approved psychoactive product which carries a fine of up to $500,000 or a maximum term of two year’s imprisonment,” says Superintendent Loughrin.
The man will appear in the Rotorua District Court tomorrow.
“This is the first prosecution of a retailer in our district and I hope that any other retailer selling nitrous oxide for recreational use will note this and think again.”
Assistant Commissioner Tusha Penny says she is disappointed some retailers are choosing to snub the law despite engagement by Police.
“However, I am pleased to see this great effort by our staff and this demonstrates that we will use enforcement if people break the law.”
Police urge anybody who is aware of a retailer selling nitrous oxide for recreational use to contact Police on 105 or call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 to report it.
If people see discarded cannisters in public they should contact their local council for advice about safe disposal, as these cannisters can explode if not emptied and disposed of properly as a hazardous substance.
Notes to media
Next week Police will be able to provide an update on numbers of letters delivered to retailers by Police around the country.
A Police investigation has shut down a suspected methamphetamine manufacturing operation and seized several firearms in north-west Auckland.
Two arrests were made in the operation, led by the Waitematā Gang Disruption Unit, after Police descended on a Riverhead property early on Tuesday.
The operation included Police staff from the GDU, local Kumeū Police staff and the Armed Offenders Squad.
“We have been investigating the manufacture of methamphetamine, and these enquiries led us to a property with suspected links to the Headhunters,” Detective Senior Sergeant Josh Lautogo says.
“Police arrived at the property and executed a search warrant, locating a range of equipment, materials and substances used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.”
Two firearms were also located: a semi-automatic M4-style rifle and a 3D-printed semi-automatic pistol.
A quantity of cash and methamphetamine was also recovered from a locked ammunition box at the property.
“The box had been thrown off a deck on the property by one of the occupants as our staff were approaching the address, and it was soon secured,” Detective Senior Sergeant Lautogo says.
A 62-year-old man and 35-year-old woman were arrested at the address and will appear in the Waitākere District Court today.
The pair have been jointly charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine and the possession of equipment and materials.
The 62-year-old man has also been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and pistol.
“Our investigators continue to target those nestled amongst our communities who are manufacturing illegal drugs,” Detective Senior Sergeant Lautogo says.
Aotearoa cannot enforce its way out of homelessness.
The Government’s proposed changes to the Summary Offences Act would expand Police powers to issue move-on orders requiring people to leave a public space for up to 24 hours. These powers would apply to rough sleeping, begging and behaviour deemed disorderly, including for young people aged 14 and over.
At Hāpai Te Hauora, we are concerned that this approach focuses on visibility rather than cause.
“Using move-on orders may reduce what is seen in parts of the CBD, but it does not reduce homelessness,” says Jason Alexander, Chief Operating Officer at Hāpai Te Hauora.
“It shifts the problem without addressing why people are there in the first place.”
The real question: Why are people becoming homeless?
People do not become homeless overnight.
Homelessness is driven by housing shortages, rising rents, income insecurity, family violence, unmet mental health needs and long-standing structural inequities. It is the visible outcome of deeper instability.
In the past year, homelessness in Auckland has more than doubled. At the same time, one in seven tamariki in Aotearoa are living in material hardship.
These realities are connected.
When families are forced to choose between rent and food, when incomes fail to meet living costs, and when housing supply cannot meet demand, homelessness increases. Moving people away from a particular location does not change those conditions.
It may change what is visible in parts of the city. But it does not address the causes.
Māori are significantly overrepresented in homelessness statistics in Aotearoa.
While Māori make up around 17 percent of the population, they account for roughly 31 percent of people experiencing severe housing deprivation.
That disparity does not happen by accident.
It reflects uneven access to stable housing, income security and rental opportunities. Māori households are more likely to experience overcrowding and insecure housing, and research has also identified discrimination in the rental market, where applicants with Māori-identifying names receive fewer responses from landlords.
When housing becomes scarce and expensive, those already facing these barriers are the first to feel the pressure.
Jacqui Harema, Chief Executive of Hāpai Te Hauora, says the statistics point to deeper structural issues.
“When Māori are consistently overrepresented in homelessness statistics, it tells us the housing system is not delivering equitable outcomes,” she says.
“The response needs to focus on the drivers of homelessness.”
Housing is widely recognised as a fundamental human right. When Māori experience homelessness at disproportionate rates, it signals a system that is not working fairly for everyone.
Forcibly removing people experiencing homelessness, many of whom are Māori, to present a more curated image of the CBD raises important questions about whose wellbeing is prioritised. It also reinforces the historical pattern of contempt for the partnership embodied by Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Move-on orders may change what is visible in certain areas. But they do not:
Provide housing
Increase income
Connect people to care
Reduce trauma
Prevent future homelessness
They displace people who are already vulnerable.
Homelessness is not a public nuisance to be managed. It is a public health issue to be addressed.
Public safety and public wellbeing are not competing goals. Communities are safer when whānau are housed, supported and connected. Stability reduces harm. Visibility alone does not create it.
These proposed changes have not yet progressed into law. But the framing of homelessness as something to be moved along rather than resolved has consequences.
When policy focuses on appearances rather than underlying drivers, it risks deepening instability for those already at risk.
“We should be asking what is pushing people into homelessness, not how quickly we can move them away from view,” says Alexander.
“Real progress comes from addressing causes, not symptoms.”
At Hāpai Te Hauora, we believe homelessness is not the problem itself, but a signal that our housing and income systems are failing whānau.
Moving people out of sight is not a solution.
We will continue to advocate for responses that address the root causes of homelessness and reduce harm, particularly for Māori and other communities disproportionately affected.
When whānau have stability, our entire community thrives.
Two offenders tried it on, and failed, after an alleged shoplifting at a clothing retailer.
The pair face court today after Police caught up with them in west Auckland on Tuesday morning.
Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager Acting Inspector Nick Salter says around 11am a unit was travelling through Henderson CBD, when a shoplifting was reported.
“A vehicle had been parked outside the retailer on Great North Road, with three people reported to be stealing clothing from inside,” he says.
“The offenders were confronted by staff, before they fled to the vehicle with stolen property.”
A Police unit came across the vehicle a short time later.
“Officers signalled for the vehicle to stop, however it failed to do so and sped away,” he says.
“The unit did not pursue and lost sight of the vehicle.”
A short time later units saw the vehicle again on Lincoln Road, not far from where it had originally been signalled to stop for Police.
“Eagle deployed into the area and was quickly above the vehicle, tracking its movements,” Acting Inspector Salter says.
“When the vehicle stopped at a red-light officers took the opportunity to apprehend the occupants.”
With the alleged offenders in custody Police were able to conduct further enquires.
“We discovered that the plates on the vehicle did not match the VIN number, and the correct registration showed it as stolen,” Acting Inspector Salter says.
“This was great work by our staff in continuing to follow up and look out for this vehicle until it was eventually found and the alleged offenders taken into custody.”
Two men, with gang links, will appear in court.
A 24-year-old man will appear in the Waitākere District Court today charged with shoplifting, failing to stop and cannabis-related offences.
A 34-year-old man will also appear in the Waitākere District Court today charged with shoplifting.
A motorbike rider who fled from Police before attempting to hide as an unsuspecting football fan will head to court.
Just after 6pm last night, Police were conducting speed patrols around the Huapai area spotted a motorcycle allegedly travelling at 110kph in a 80kph posted speed zone on State Highway 16.
Auckland Motorways Manager, Senior Sergeant Bill Russell says Police attempted to conduct a vehicle stop however the motorcycle fled.
“No pursuit was initiated, but the Police Eagle helicopter was able to quickly get overhead.
“The crew has then spotted the rider entering the Huapai Domain where he has allegedly parked on the footpath and attempted to blend in with football fans watching a game.”
Unfortunately for the rider he was swiftly taken into custody.
“We are committed to keeping people safe on our roads and individuals who chose to drive or ride in a reckless or dangerous manner will be held to account.”
A 32-year-old man has been charged with failing to stop and will appear in Waitākere District Court on Friday.