Category: Police

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/03/two-before-the-courts-after-supermarket-catch-in-queenstown/

Police seek robbery victim following arrests

Source: New Zealand Police

Auckland City Police are seeking the victim of an aggravated robbery in Ellerslie this afternoon to come forward.

Six people have been arrested over the offending which occurred at the Ellerslie Train Station.

Sergeant Tim Roberts, of Mt Wellington Police, says the victim left the area before Police could speak with her.

“Auckland Transport contacted Police at around 2pm, after observing the offending take place,” he says.

“A group have allegedly stood over the victim in a threatening manner, taking her personal belongings before the victim has fled visibly upset.”

Sergeant Roberts says the offenders left the scene onboard a train, with camera operators tracking their movements.

“Thanks to the expert eye of a Police camera operator, they have been tracked on the rail network with Police units being directed to Newmarket Train Station, and all six people were taken into custody,” he says.

An 18-year-old woman has now been charged with aggravated robbery and will appear in the Auckland District Court tomorrow.

Five other offenders, all youth, are being referred to Police Youth Aid over the offending.

The Police focus is now on identifying the victim.

“This woman was wearing a grey hooded top with a NASA space agency logo on the front,” Sergeant Roberts says.

“We want to contact you to make sure you are okay and to ensure there is further support in place for you.

“If this is you, or you know who this woman is, please contact Police.”

You can contact Police on 105 using the reference number 260302/5584.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/police-seek-robbery-victim-following-arrests/

Wāhine Māori overrepresented in the criminal justice system

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Justice

Headline: Wāhine Māori overrepresented in the criminal justice system

MEDIA RELEASE

24 February 2026

Māori women are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, and this increases the further they progress through the system, a new factsheet from the Ministry of Justice shows.

Analysis in the factsheet, Reducing the disproportionality of Māori in the criminal justice system: wāhine Māori [PDF, 337 KB], published today, focuses on how the justice system is experienced by Māori women.

“While wāhine Māori make up 15 percent of women in Aotearoa New Zealand, they continue to be disproportionately represented at every stage of the criminal justice system,” says Rebecca Parish, the Ministry of Justice’s General Manager, Sector Insights.

“Our research shows that wāhine Māori are disproportionately represented at every point of the justice system, with a higher proportion (compared to the overall population of women) coming through courts, being remanded in custody and sentenced to imprisonment.”

The analysis shows that the disproportionality increases as wāhine Māori move through the system. Wāhine Māori made up 44 percent of all women who were proceeded against by police, 49 percent of women entering court, 66 percent of women remanded in custody, and 71 percent of women sentenced to imprisonment.

The factsheet provides early visibility on the work to understand where disproportionality – the over-representation of one group in relation to others – occurs and where change is likely to have the most impact.

While some of the disproportionality can be explained by factors such as seriousness and history of offending, a proportion remains unexplained, particularly at later stages in the system.

This indicates that the system’s response to wāhine Māori contributes to some of this disproportionality. Discretionary decisions made within the justice system, and therefore within the system’s control, contribute to this unexplained proportion.

Reducing disproportionality of Māori in the criminal justice system overall is a priority strategic goal for the Ministry. Wāhine Māori are the focus of the first stage of this work, with the justice sector exploring options to improve information provided to decision makers across the system, for system’s responses to be well informed and aligned to the needs and circumstances of wāhine Māori.

“This is partly because ensuring equitable outcomes for wāhine Māori have broader positive impacts on whānau and communities, including improved youth outcomes and reduced pressure on other government support systems,” Ms Parish says.

“Ongoing analysis will help us monitor the impact of this work, and how best to continue addressing the disproportionality of wāhine Māori in the criminal justice system.”

Key Findings:

In the year to June 2025, wāhine Māori made up 15 percent of women in Aotearoa New Zealand, yet they represent:

44 percent of women who were proceeded against by Police
49 percent of women who entered court
66 percent of women who were remanded in custody
71 percent of women who were sentenced to imprisonment.

END

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This page was last updated: 02nd March 2026

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/wahine-maori-overrepresented-in-the-criminal-justice-system/

Appeal for information following damage to ambulances

Source: New Zealand Police

Counties Manukau Police investigating the wilful damage of a number of Hato Hone St John Ambulances are appealing for any information to assist in our enquiries.

Senior Sergeant Roelof Burger says Police believe the offenders have unlawfully entered the gated yard of St John’s Manukau Station on the corner of Plunket Avenue and Wiri Station Road on Saturday night.

“While in the yard the offenders have punctured five tyres on three vehicles using a sharp object, rendering them inoperable.”

Police are incredibly disappointed with the irresponsible behaviour shown by these individuals.

“These are destructive actions, and consequences of actions such as this can put people’s lives at risk.

“As the vehicles are inoperable for a period of time, this impacts St John’s ability to respond to those who are in need of medical attention within our community.”

Andy Everiss, Hato Hone St John, District Operations Manager – Auckland, says it’s disappointing individuals have vandalised the ambulances in an unwarranted attack.

“These ambulance vehicles are a vital part of how we continue to support and serve the local community.

“These actions show great disrespect to our people, who rely on these vehicles to do lifesaving work every day.

“Thankfully, this incident did not severely impact our emergency ambulance response, and we remain available to respond in an emergency.”

Police are conducting enquiries into the incident to identify and locate those responsible, and would like to hear from anyone who may have information in relation to the incident.

“We would also like to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage in the wider Plunket Avenue and Wiri Station Road areas,” Senior Sergeant Burger says.

Information can be provided to Police online through 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number P065611930.

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

ENDS.

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/appeal-for-information-following-damage-to-ambulances/

Fatal crash – State Highway 1, Taihape

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died in a crash on State Highway 1, Taihape, to the north of Spooners Hill yesterday morning.

Police were advised at 7.25am that a car had gone off the road and into Hautapu River.

On arrival, the car was located submerged in the river, with significant damage from the crash.

The car was able to be removed from the river yesterday afternoon and Police have since confirmed the deceased driver was the sole occupant.

Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/fatal-crash-state-highway-1-taihape/

Operation Chrome takes the shine off dangerous driving

Source: New Zealand Police

Canterbury Police arrested drivers, impounded vehicles and issued infringement notices over the weekend as they moved to detect, deter and disrupt anti‑social road user activity.

With several large events drawing crowds to Christchurch, including Electric Avenue and a popular motorsport Chrome Expression Session for car enthusiasts, Police were prepared for the influx of visitors and acted early to keep roads and people safe.

Sergeant Ben Rutherford said the Operation Chrome team included bailiffs and was deliberately proactive. Broadly speaking his team was pleased with the weekend.

“We know unroadworthy vehicles and risky behaviour often go hand in hand with potential disruption and harm,” he said. “By taking illegally modified vehicles and dangerous behaviour off the road early we reduced the chance of trouble.”

He said the significant number of people leaving Hagley Park after the music festival added to the road policing workload.

“With more than forty thousand people spilling onto the streets, we worked hard to keep the city safe.

“One example from Friday night was a guy who did a wheelie off a red light past a crowd of people.

“Stunts can go badly wrong with disastrous consequences, especially right in the middle of a crowd.

“That motorbike was taken off the road immediately.”

Over the weekend Police monitored traffic circulating throughout Christchurch and ran multiple checkpoints targeting unsafe vehicles, licence breaches and alcohol‑related offending.

On Saturday night, more than 300 cars gathered in Northwood for a pre‑planned ‘cruise’ planned by Chrome Event organisers.

“Despite slowing traffic flow the drivers were generally well behaved and it was great to see the vehicles on display,” Sergeant Rutherford said.

The convoy travelled to Halswell with a brief stop in Ferrymead.

“The organisers were excellent. Their communication helped ensure everything stayed lawful and disruption was kept to a minimum.”

However, Sergeant Rutherford said Police still had to step in at times.

“As the weekend wore on, there were groups who needed reminding that dangerous vehicles and behaviour won’t be tolerated. We broke up gatherings, removed unsafe vehicles, issued infringements and intervened early.

“Police frequently see how tragedies can play out so we’re equipped and trained to manage safety risks, and we try to prevent something terrible happening.

“We don’t tolerate excessive noise, disruption, intimidation, street racing or unnecessary speed on our roads.

“It’s simple, we just want a fun and safe weekend for Christchurch visitors and residents.”

Provisional summary from the operation:

Twelve vehicles taken off our roads.
Six drivers gave excess breath‑alcohol readings.
Vehicle compliance: eight vehicles were green‑stickered as unsafe.
Issued over 200 infringement notices.

Police thank all those who reported concerns and encourage anyone with information on illegal or unsafe activity to make a report through the 105 service.

If you have information you’d like to share anonymously, call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Note for media:

Additional B-roll footage is available below.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Team

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/01/operation-chrome-takes-the-shine-off-dangerous-driving/

Search underway for missing kayaker, Waiwera

Source: New Zealand Police

A search and rescue operation is underway this morning after reports of a kayaker missing in the water near Waiwera.

Emergency services were called to the incident about 7.35am, after the kayaker had been seen coming out of their vessel and not resurfacing.

Police immediately deployed, including the Maritime Unit aboard Deodar and Police Eagle, as well as members from Surf Lifesaving New Zealand and volunteers from Hibiscus Coastguard.

Sadly, the man has not yet been located.

A Police Search and Rescue team will deploy to the area this afternoon to conduct a shoreline search at low tide.

The community should expect to see emergency services staff operating in the ara.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/01/search-underway-for-missing-kayaker-waiwera/

Information sought on serious assault, Matangi

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating a serious assault in Matangi are asking the public for help in identifying the offenders.

Two people were trying to speak to the occupants in a dark-coloured Ford Falcon last night that were doing noisy burnouts in the semi-rural area. Three occupants got out and assaulted the victims.

The victims have sustained serious injuries, requiring hospital treatment.

This was a cowardly attack, and Police urge members of the public that recognise these people to get in touch now.

If you witnessed the incident, have CCTV footage or dashcam footage of Marychurch Road around 8pm last night, then please contact Police.

Anyone that has information on the people pictured or details of a dark-coloured Ford Falcon should contact 105 either over phone or online by clicking ‘Update Report’. Please use file number 260301/0526.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/01/information-sought-on-serious-assault-matangi/

Police pleased with safe and fun Electric Avenue crowd

Source: New Zealand Police

Christchurch Police on safety patrol around the Electric Avenue concerts on Friday and Saturday are pleased with the behaviour of the event attendees.

An estimated 43,000 strong crowd headed to the concert each night, many coming from out-of-town.

Operational Commander Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons and her large team worked alongside 440 security personnel to ensure the safety of the public at the two-night concert.

“We did have some issues on Friday with individuals preloading on alcohol and arriving intoxicated to the venue.

“Drunk and disorderly behaviour in Riccarton and the suburbs around the university were problematic and took valuable staffing resources away from where they were most required.

“It was a much better result on Saturday and the crowd overall was well behaved. My team enjoyed the positive interactions with the partying public who were in great spirits.

“A small number of arrests were made, and minor disorder was reported.

“Team Events and Live Nation have run another successful festival this year that was much bigger than previous years. We are lucky to have this very cool event in Christchurch,” said Senior Sergeant Simmons.

Police encourage everyone to plan ahead when to heading out to enjoy events. Drink responsibly, look after one another, and have a sober ride home sorted.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/01/police-pleased-with-safe-and-fun-electric-avenue-crowd/

February 28, 2026

Serious assault, Lorne Street

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Matthews:

One person has been arrested, and two people injured, after a serious assault on Lorne Street late last night.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 10.20pm.

One person reportedly sustained critical injuries, and is now stable. Another person received serious injuries. A knife was recovered at the scene.

A 65-year-old man was arrested at the scene by responding staff. He is due to appear in Auckland District Court today on two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Cordons remain in place today, and a scene examination will be carried out.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/28/serious-assault-lorne-street/

Attempted $74,500 jewellery theft lands one in Auckland District Court

Source: New Zealand Police

A 26-year-old woman’s plan to allegedly steal a $74,500 necklace in Auckland’s CBD was derailed this afternoon after quick actions of store employees.

Police were called to a commercial premises on Galway Street just before 5pm this afternoon.

“The woman has entered the store allegedly holding a metal pole, before taking a necklace from its display,” says Senior Sergeant Dean Henderson.

“When challenged by store employees when attempting to leave, the woman has threatened the employees.”

Senior Sergeant Henderson says upon arrival Police spoke with the woman.

“She has then allegedly used the metal pole to smash a $20,000 cabinet.”

The woman was taken into custody without further incident.

“The necklace has since been returned to the Galway Street premises,” says Senior Sergeant Henderson.

“Police acknowledge the quick actions of the store employees that resulted in this arrest.”

The 26-year-old is due to appear in Auckland District Court on 5 March, charged with demands to steal, possess offensive weapon, threatens to do grievous bodily harm, shoplifts over $1,000, and intentional damage.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/27/attempted-74500-jewellery-theft-lands-one-in-auckland-district-court/

Two men charged after antisocial road behaviour in Oaonui

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Taranaki Area Commander, Inspector Mark Miller:

Taranaki Police have arrested one person and summonsed another following antisocial road user behaviour in Oaonui last weekend.

On Saturday 21 February, around 1am, Police were notified of a group of antisocial road users gathering at Kina Road.

Police attended and found the group to be well established. After speaking with some of the people gathered, a tactical decision was made to move back and gather information to be used in the investigation phase following the event.

Over the last week, Police have arrested an 18-year-old man, who is due to appear in Hāwera District Court on 3 March 2026, charged with reckless driving.

Another man has been summoned to appear in Hāwera District Court on 10 March 2026, also facing reckless driving charges.

This is in addition to impounding one vehicle, and 14 infringement notices that have been issued for driver licence breaches – nine of which were issued on the night of the incident, and five during our investigation phase.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Police are appealing for any information on the whereabouts of a silver or light-coloured Toyota Estima – or its driver – that was involved in Saturday night’s activities.

Anyone who can help with the above information, or any information related to this matter, is urged to contact Police either online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or by calling 105.

Please reference file number 260221/1417.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/27/two-men-charged-after-antisocial-road-behaviour-in-oaonui/

Operation Fairview – Arrests made in Omahu homicide

Source: New Zealand Police

Two Napier men have been charged in connection with the homicide of Sharlene Smith – one charged with her murder.

Sharlene’s body was located on a worksite in Omahu on 3 February.

Detective Inspector Martin James says to have made two significant arrests within the month is exceptional, and he hopes it reassures Sharlene’s family and the community.

“It’s been 24 days since Sharlene’s body was found, and for our busy team to have achieved this result so promptly should reassure the community we take these significant incidents incredibly seriously,” he says.

A 47-year-old man has been arrested today and charged with murder and injuring with intent, and is expected to appear in Napier District Court tomorrow.

A 45-year-old man was arrested yesterday and charged with accessory after the fact to a culpable homicide. He appeared in court today and is remanded to reappear in Napier on 4 March.

He also faces three domestic-related charges unrelated to Sharlene’s death.

Detective Inspector James is praising the work of the investigation team, and members of the community who have come forward with information.

“I want to thank our Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Kris Payne, and everyone in the team who has been working so hard on this enquiry,” Detective Inspector James says.

“I also want to extend a huge thanks to members of the public who have helped us with information such as CCTV footage.

“They have taken the time to trawl through video and then notify Police, and their efforts have helped immensely in getting these quick arrests.”

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/27/operation-fairview-arrests-made-in-omahu-homicide/

14 new charges result from Manawatū Police operation

Source: New Zealand Police

A number of people are before the courts facing new charges following an operation by Manawatū Police on 25 February.

Operation Maxim is taking place across Central District and is focused on locating people wanted for a range of offending, including retail crime and bail breaches.

Officers from Palmerston North, Horowhenua, Tararua and Feilding participated on 25 February, dealing with 29 people in total. A total of 14 new charges were also filed.

“Some people don’t seem to understand that if the Court directs you to appear in Court and abide by bail conditions, then that is what you have to do,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson.

“We are here to enforce those directions, and we will continue to do so until people understand that it is simply easier to appear in Court and abide by the bail conditions.”

“It is also pleasing that we were able to locate a number of people that had been carrying out retail crime in recent weeks,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Thompson.

“Our local businesses have rightly had enough of being targeted by these offenders and we are committed to holding people to account for this offending.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/27/14-new-charges-result-from-manawatu-police-operation/

Arrest following assault, Ōpōtiki

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager:

A man is before the courts after assaulting a woman in Ōpōtiki overnight.

Police were notified of the assault, that occurred on Ohiwa Harbour Road, at around 10:30pm.

Area enquiries were made to locate the alleged offender, who was located on Phoenix Drive, Whakatane shortly after 12:30am and taken into custody.

The victim is understandably extremely shaken and has sustained moderate injuries following the assault. Police are offering her all the necessary support.

A scene examination will be carried out on Ohiwa Harbour Road today, and Police continue to investigate this heinous attack.

We understand the community will be shaken following this incident, and Police will conduct reassurance patrols in the area.

Our initial enquiries suggest this is an isolated incident, and there is not believed to be any further risk to the public.

The man, 34, is due to appear in the Whakatāne District Court today, charged with abduction, wounding with reckless disregard and assault with intent to commit sexual violation, indecent assault, and strangulation.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/27/arrest-following-assault-opotiki/

Ki Tua O Matariki Warns Government That “Move-On” Powers Targeting Homeless Whānau will have negative consequences

Source: Ki tua o Matariki

Ki Tua O Matariki Warns Government That “Move-On” Powers Targeting Homeless Whānau will have negative consequences

Ki Tua o Matariki strongly encourages the Government to reconsider the expansion of “Move-on Orders” under amendments to the Summary Offences Act, which would allow Police to direct people to leave public spaces nationwide and impose penalties for non-compliance.

Under the proposed changes, individuals who breach a move-on order could face fines of up to $2,000 or up to three months’ imprisonment. These powers are expected to apply across town centres and may impact rangatahi as young as 14.

Ki Tua o Matariki does not want to see the Government make decisions it may later regret. The long-term consequences of punishing whānau in need risk creating mistrust, causing whānau to withdraw from visibility and support, and allowing their needs to deepen. We remain committed to supporting the Government to make decisions that uplift and protect our whānau and communities, and to ensure policies do not unintentionally cause further harm.

“From our experience, punishing people who cannot afford necessities such as housing, food, or transport does not reduce homelessness- it deepens fear and mistrust,” says Zoe Witika-Hawke, Chief Executive of Ki Tua o Matariki. “For whānau to engage in support, trust must come first. Pushing people further into the criminal justice system moves them away from the very support that enables long-term wellbeing. Evidence shows that prison does not resolve homelessness, addiction, or mental health challenges. We welcome the opportunity to work alongside Government and communities to implement solutions that strengthen whānau and create the Aotearoa we all want.”

Māori are disproportionately affected by homelessness in Aotearoa. Severe Housing Deprivation estimates from the 2023 Census show tens of thousands of people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing conditions, with Māori significantly over-represented in rough sleeping, overcrowding, and insecure housing. Māori women are particularly impacted, with sector research indicating four out of five homeless women in Aotearoa are Māori.

This amendments of the Summary Offences Act, reflects a concerning assumption that people sleeping rough have somewhere else to go,” says Hineraukura, founding member of the Māori maternal mental health advisory group Hine Ki Te Wheiao. “It prioritises public comfort over addressing the structural drivers of homelessness, including inflation, rising living costs, and housing insecurity. Treating homelessness as a behavioural issue rather than a systemic one risks ignoring the economic realities many whānau are facing. We believe the focus must shift toward practical, compassionate solutions that respond to the real pressures impacting our communities”

Any policy that increases enforcement without increasing housing supply and wraparound support risks disproportionately impacting whānau and deepening inequities already present in our system. At Ki Tua o Matariki, we see firsthand that homelessness is rarely about choice. It is connected to poverty, intergenerational trauma, mental health challenges, addiction, and systemic inequity. Our communities – Māori and non-Māori – deserve better.

Ki Tua o Matariki provides tailored tautoko for mātua taiohi, hapū māmā, their pēpi, and wider whānau. Alongside safe housing, we provide:

– Mental health support

– Transport assistance

– Counselling access

– Education and employment pathways

– Nursing and midwifery care

– Kaupapa Māori wānanga

– Weekly wraparound support

We know what works: stability, trusted relationships, cultural grounding, and consistent support.

Ki Tua o Matariki remains committed to supporting the Government to make decisions that strengthen whānau wellbeing and community safety, while ensuring policies do not unintentionally cause further harm. “Move-on” powers are not solutions to homelessness. Solutions lie in investing in housing, prevention, and culturally grounded wraparound support. We encourage the Government to prioritise policies that care for whānau, rather than moving them out of sight – these are the kinds of policies that Government will not regret.

Our communities deserve public policy grounded in manaakitanga, not punishment.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/ki-tua-o-matariki-warns-government-that-move-on-powers-targeting-homeless-whanau-will-have-negative-consequences/

Man arrested in Dunedin overnight due in court tomorrow

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Superintendent Jason Guthrie, Southern District Commander:

The man arrested following a series of events in Dunedin last night has been charged and is due in court tomorrow.

The 46-year-old was arrested in Fraser’s Gully following his earlier attempts to avoid Police, during which Police fired a shot which did not injure anyone.

The man faces charges of assaulting Police, failing to stop for Police, driving a motor vehicle in a dangerous manner, and driving while disqualified third and subsequent.

He is due in Dunedin District Court tomorrow.

An investigation in the events of Thursday evening remains ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/man-arrested-in-dunedin-overnight-due-in-court-tomorrow/

One before the courts following aggravated robbery, Ngāruawāhia

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested a man following an aggravated robbery in Ngāruawāhia last week.

On Friday 20 February, Police received a report that someone had just been threatened and had their vehicle stolen from them at the Ngāruawāhia boat ramp.

Police, including a Dog Unit, were deployed to the boat however the alleged offender was not located during initial enquiries.

Following follow up enquiries, a search warrant was executed today at an address in Huntly and an 18-year-old man was arrested.

He is due to appear in Huntly District Court on 3 March, charged with Aggravated Robbery.

Police thank the public for their assistance during our investigation.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/one-before-the-courts-following-aggravated-robbery-ngaruawahia/

Operation Safe Works, Canterbury

Source: New Zealand Police

Operation Safe Works begins in Canterbury next week with Police targeting speeding and dangerous driving around roadworks sites in Christchurch and the wider Canterbury area.

Acting Canterbury Road Policing Manager, Senior Sergeant Gerard Peoples says that Police are concerned about driver behaviour through roadworks sites within both urban and rural areas causing risk, and at times harm, to roadworkers and other road-users.

“There are far too many drivers exceeding the temporary speed limits and who are failing to comply with other traffic control measures.

“Motorists need to remember that these measures are in place to keep everyone safe, and this type of behaviour poses risks to roadworkers, other road-users, and yourself,” says Senior Sergeant Peoples.

Police are working with roading authorities and contractors over the next two weeks, conducting Operation Safe Works, which will focus on improving safety and preventing harm in and around roadworks sites.

Police will conduct high visibility operations to improve driver behaviour through educating drivers and taking enforcement action when required.

“Temporary set speeds are not a suggestion; they override the regular set speed for that area and should be treated with the same level of compliance as those permanent set speeds.

“I want to remind motorists that just because we are putting an increased focus on this for the next couple weeks, that doesn’t mean that enforcement action stops when the operation ends – you can expect to see us anywhere, anytime,” Senior Sergeant Peoples says.

Police remind the public that anyone who witnesses dangerous driving can make a report by calling 111, if it is happening now, or through 105 – with as much detail as possible – either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/operation-safe-works-canterbury/

Defence News – New Zealand’s Navy, Army and Air Force combine for successful South-West Pacific operation

Source: New Zealand Defence Force

The Governor-General of New Zealand’s visit to Tokelau, the upgrade of critical tsunami and volcano monitoring equipment on Raoul Island, and a search and rescue operation near Tonga were among the achievements of the New Zealand Defence Force’s first extensive operation to the South-West Pacific this year.

With New Zealand Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel aboard, military sealift vessel HMNZS Canterbury under the name Operation Calypso covered 4580 nautical miles without the ship needing to take on additional food or fuel over 23 days.

Commanding Officer, Commander Wayne Andrew, said the mission was a busy one for everyone and was one of the best examples of Service interoperability he had seen.

“With two NH90 helicopters and crew, and supporting personnel from the NZ Army’s 5 Movements Company, this was a tri-service operation covering a range of tasks supporting New Zealand Government agencies in our Pacific neighbourhood.”

MetService personnel were aboard to assess available meteorological observing resources on the three atolls, and a New Zealand Police officer met the Tokelau Chief of Police and took part in community engagements.

Commander Andrew said the NZDF’s strong Pacific connections were an important part of the mission.

“Not only was the ship there for the centenary of New Zealand’s administration of Tokelau, but two Tokelauan members of the Navy were able to reunite with their families there.”

The ship’s company also had two Tongan speakers who were able to translate when Canterbury was last week called on to rescue two men drifting 105 nautical miles south of Tonga.

“Seeing the reaction when our two Tokelauan personnel were welcomed home was incredibly emotional for everyone who witnessed this, and having two Tongan speakers within our ship’s company meant we could reassure the rescued sailors that we would be delivering them home,” Commander Andrew said.

The ship’s final stop at Raoul Island allowed crew working parties to clear overgrowth from the Homestead and Green Lake areas, while NH90 helicopters and 5 Movements Company personnel secured and flew MetService and Earth Sciences NZ (ESNZ) personnel and equipment to remote parts of the island.

Critical tsunami and volcano monitoring equipment on Raoul Island, which provide an early warning system for New Zealand and the region, were upgraded.

As Canterbury returned to Devonport Naval Base this week, Commander Andrew reflected on what the mission had achieved.

“All the people who joined the ship from Her Excellency the Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro through to the MetService and ESNZ scientists and technicians, NZ Police, Army and Air Force personnel, fully immersed themselves in the ship’s culture and added to it.

“Canterbury’s motto is Kotahitanga (Unity) and this was certainly on display throughout.”