Category: Police

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Fewer victims of crime, more police on the beat

Source: New Zealand Government

A tough on crime approach and a near doubling of police foot patrols have driven a huge drop in the number of victims of violent crime since this Government was elected, figures show.

The latest New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime in the year to October 2025 than two years previously.

“Since day one, we’ve been working tirelessly to restore real consequences for crime, and to place victims back at the centre of the justice system,” Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“We have reformed the sentencing regime so those who cause the most harm are imprisoned for longer, given Police effective tools to deal with gangs, stopped taxpayer funding for the proliferation of cultural reports, made stalking an illegal and jailable offence, given victims of sexual assault the power to determine if offenders are granted name suppression, restored Three Strikes, and much more.”

“A higher visibility of Police in our communities goes a long way to deterring crime and keeping criminals off our streets,” Police Minister Mark Mitchell says.

“It is no coincidence that our back-to-basics approach to policing is having a positive effect on reducing violent crime. Backing our frontline has seen more Police out on the beat, with foot patrols almost doubling since coming into Government.   

“Our investment into the frontline has seen 12 new and expanded beat teams stood up nationwide, including the launch of a beat team in Hamilton this week.

“Our beat officers do an outstanding job at keeping the public, businesses and retailers safe. 

“We know there is a lot more to do but these results show we are heading in the right direction.”

“It’s very encouraging to see we’re continuing to track ahead of our violent crime reduction target, with there now being 49,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime than when we came into Government,” Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“The latest figures show 136,000 New Zealanders were victims of violent crime in the 12 months to October 2025. This huge drop in the number of people affected by violent crime is fantastic progress but our work is far from over.

“Our Government remains committed to restoring the basics in law and order and building a future where New Zealanders can feel safe in their communities.

“This is going to be another busy year. We just announced plans to provide police with the power to issue move-on orders to deal with disorderly behaviour. Our Crimes Amendment Bill is making its way through the house, and legislation to strengthen trespass laws will soon be introduced.”

Children’s Minister Karen Chhour says Oranga Tamariki figures show there has been a 22 per cent drop in serious repeat youth offending compared with when the Government came into office.

“This is well ahead of our target of a 15 per cent drop before 2030,” she says.

“We promised to fix what matters to New Zealanders. Ram raids are down 85 per cent. Kiwis are no longer being expected to live in fear that their cars have been stolen and used by young offenders in a ram raid of our local small businesses.

“Young offenders are avoiding re-offending because they know Courts, Oranga Tamariki and Police are working together more closely. They know now that their actions will have consequences.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/fewer-victims-of-crime-more-police-on-the-beat/

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Update: Water search and rescue Palmerston North

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Palmerston North Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Phil Ward:

The search for a man missing in the Manawatū River is continuing today.

Search conditions are better than yesterday – the river has calmed, and water visibility has improved.

The Police Dive Squad and the Land Search and Rescue Kayak Team are joining Police Search and Rescue, Palmerston North Swiftwater Rescue, and regional response teams.

A LandSAR boat and drones are continuing to be used today, with the addition of a jetboat, which will be used to search the river.

Searching is also taking place along the river embankments and at the Foxton Estuary.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/update-water-search-and-rescue-palmerston-north/

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Police acknowledge IPCA findings on care in custody

Source: New Zealand Police

Police acknowledge the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s findings into an incident in 2023 where a man self-harmed while in Police custody.

The incident occurred on 6 October 2023 at the Auckland District Custody Unit, after a man in custody was found unconscious and unresponsive.

He was taken to Auckland Hospital and died three days later, as a result of suspected self-harm.

The IPCA’s investigation found there were Police failings in the care of the man.

The day before, Police had arrested the man in relation to a stabbing at an Auckland dairy.

He was taken to the Auckland District Custody Unit where he attempted to flee but was detained by staff.

The man was subsequently placed into a restraining chair due to his erratic behaviour, and a short time later an ambulance was called and the man was taken to hospital under sedation.

Later that day the man was discharged from hospital and returned to the custody unit.

The Authority’s report found the use of a restraint chair was justified, but that it was unreasonable to have him handcuffed.

After being returned to the custody unit, a Police doctor carried out a medical observation and advised the man could be placed on ‘frequent’ monitoring, which required him to be checked five times an hour.

Custody staff recorded that they completed 80 checks on the man overnight and a further 30 checks on him in the morning.

The IPCA noted that some of the checks were inconsistent with policy as the officer did not go to the cell.

At about 10.54am that day, an officer went to check on the man and found him unresponsive.

First aid was commenced, and he was transported to hospital where he died three days later.

Auckland City District Commander, Superintendent Sunny Patel, says Police acknowledge the Authority’s findings in this case.

“A critical incident investigation was commenced as well as a review into the prisoner checking system.

“As a result, Police have implemented several learnings including updating the national People in Police Custody Policy.”

“We would also like to again extend our condolences to the man’s family and friends.”

The matter remains with the Coroner.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/police-acknowledge-ipca-findings-on-care-in-custody/

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Shooting incident, three arrested, Te Kauwhata

Source: New Zealand Police

Three people are due in court today following a shooting incident in Te Kauwhata, north of Huntly.

Police received a call shortly before 7am on Saturday 21 February reporting that a man had presented at Waikato Hospital with a gunshot wound.

It was determined the man had been injured in Te Kauwhata, and Police attended the address to make further enquiries.

At the address, Police located and seized a firearm and ammunition, and two women and one man were arrested.

Both women, aged 27 and 59, are due to appear in Huntly District Court today, charged with two counts of unlawfully possessing a firearm, and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The man, aged 56, is due to appear in Hamilton District Court on 20 March, charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm, and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Detective Sergeant Rahul Badri, of Waikato West CIB, says this is a good outcome for the victim and the Te Kauwhata community.

“Not only am I pleased to be able to hold these offenders to account – I am also happy to have removed a firearm from circulation in the community.

“I commend the Police staff for their quick actions, which was essential to making these arrests,” says Detective Sergeant Badri.

Police continue to support those affected by the incident and reassure the community that there is no ongoing risk.

ENDS

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/shooting-incident-three-arrested-te-kauwhata/

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Seven rescued from Waikato River

Source: New Zealand Police

Seven people were successfully rescued from the Waikato River last night, after Police received reports of several people struggling in the water.

Around 7.20pm, Police were alerted to a group of four men who had decided to float from the control gates down to Hipapatua Reserve, otherwise known as Reids Farm.

The men only had basic inflatables and no life jackets.

Towards the end of the route, the group lost buoyancy, began to panic, and were heard calling for help.

Three people from a nearby tour group jumped into the river to assist the men, despite not having any flotation devices themselves.

Police arrived and were able to communicate with the now seven people in distress and contacted the Coastguard and Harbourmaster.

Using a jetboat and a jetski, Police, Coastguard and the Harbourmaster were able to rescue the seven people, who were hanging onto a tree.

Senior Constable of Taupō Police Barry Shepherd says the incident could have had a far more serious outcome.

“We want people to have fun and enjoy the outdoors but there’s a safe way to do it.

“While its admirable that people tried to help, we don’t want any dead heroes.”

The involved agencies responded quickly and were able to bring all seven people to safety by 8pm.

“I commend the Coastguard, Harbourmaster and my Police colleagues, whose quick thinking and coordinated response ensured these seven people were safely rescued.

This situation could have been drastically worse, and their actions prevented a potential tragedy.”

Police remind the public that for any water related emergency, always call 111 immediately.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/seven-rescued-from-waikato-river/

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Sudden death in Taupaki

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are making enquiries into a sudden death in Taupaki on Wednesday night.

At around 9pm, Police attended the incident on a shared driveway off Nixon Road.

Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie, of Waitematā CIB, says: “A man aged in his 50s had been riding his motorbike prior to being located deceased.

“On arrival the man was located deceased next to his motorbike.

“While there are no suspicious circumstances, Police will make further enquiries to establish how the man has died and whether he had been involved in a crash.”

A post mortem examination will be carried out as part of these enquiries.

Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this time.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/26/sudden-death-in-taupaki/

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First Responders – Springvale fire

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand firefighters are working to contain a large grass fire at Springvale, near Clyde in Central Otago this evening which is threatening properties.
Thirteen crews from around the area are responding supported by four helicopters. Another five crews are on their way.
Fire and Emergency is also working alongside Police to support evacuations of impacted properties.
The fire is emitting a lot of smoke which is drifting towards Alexandra. If you are in the vicinity of the smoke, please stay inside and keep windows closed.
The public is also being warned to take extra care while undertaking any hot works in the area, for example welding, grinding and lawn mowing, as a large number of resources are responding to the fire at Springvale.
Fire and Emergency also asks the public to please stay away from the area so firefighters can do their job to contain the fire.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/first-responders-springvale-fire/

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Police and Detector Dog Championships: Expert dog teams thrive in competition

Source: New Zealand Police

Hard-working dog teams from across Police, New Zealand Customs Service and Department of Corrections have been battling for the title of top dog and handler as they competed at the 51st Patrol and Detector Dog Championships this week.

This years’ event wrapped up with a prizegiving held at the Dog Training Centre in Trentham this afternoon.

The overall winner of this years’ competition was Senior Constable Aaron Senior and his dog Cole from Tasman District. 

Inspector Todd Southall says, Congratulations to Aaron and Cole for an almost clean sweep. It’s been an intense competition across three categories since Monday for all the operational dog teams.” 

“We’ve had experienced handlers in both patrol and detector categories competing this week. Consistency and confidence between handler and dog have determined who gets the points and a title.

Taking part in the Police Patrol Dog competition were six operational teams from Northland, Tāmaki Makaurau, Waikato, Tasman and Canterbury Districts.

Six narcotic detector dog teams also competed – two from Police (Northland and Tāmaki Makaurau), and two each from Customs and Corrections. 

The winning detector dog team is the formidable crew of Senior Constable Patrick Derbyshire and Ripper from Northland Police – a previous winner of the Narcotic Detector Dogs – Alan Symes Cup.

“Each of the teams start with a set of points and they’re put through a range of realistic but testing scenarios with points deducted for mistakes. The team that loses the least marks is the winner. The teams were marked on obedience, article retrieving, commands, tracking in grass, bush, operational scenarios, and criminal work, says Todd.

“All these dog teams do a fantastic job in helping keep our communities safe, says Todd.  They provide a critical frontline response, detection and prevention capability whether it’s on the street, at our borders or inside our prisons.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

NOTE: A more detailed story and list of all winners will be shared on Ten One next week.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/police-and-detector-dog-championships-expert-dog-teams-thrive-in-competition/

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Van owner arrested after crashing down a bank

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested the owner of a van following a burglary in Christchurch that ended with a trailer detaching and the van crashing down a bank near Amberley.

Sergeant Nathan Wilson, of Canterbury Police, says the incident unfolded after a member of the public discovered a sign‑written trailer abandoned on the outskirts of Amberley.

“The caller phoned the number written on the trailer, and the owner then contacted Police,” Sergeant Wilson says.

The trailer had been stolen overnight from a Cole Porter Avenue address in Mairehau, Christchurch.

Police arrived at the scene finding the van’s owner back up with the trailer. A van was also found nearby, having crashed down a bank after the tow ball ripped free and remained lodged inside the trailer’s coupling.

“The driver was extremely lucky to walk away from this,” Sergeant Wilson says.

The van’s owner was arrested at the scene. He has been charged with burglary, two counts of theft relating to petrol drive-offs and possessing drug utensils. Further charges are likely pending testing of a substance found among his belongings.

Police are also investigating other offending committed in the Mairehau area overnight.

Police encourage anyone in Cole Porter Avenue, or the wider Mairehau area, who believes they may have information regarding offending, to contact us.

“This is also a great example of the public stepping up to help us,” Sergeant Wilson says. “A quick call from a member of the community helped us recover stolen property, identify the offender, and keep North Canterbury that little bit safer.”

If you have information please update us online now or call 105.

Please use reference number 260220/8839.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/van-owner-arrested-after-crashing-down-a-bank/

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Further appeal in Omahu homicide

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Kris Payne: 

Hawke’s Bay Police investigating the homicide of Sharlene Smith are releasing further information and appealing for public assistance.

On Tuesday, 3 February 2026, Police were called to a worksite on Taihape Road, Omahu, after Sharlene’s body was located on the property.

Through ongoing enquiries, Police have identified a likely route taken by a vehicle of interest. We know this vehicle was used on the day Sharlene’s body was left at the worksite, and officers have carried out extensive work to locate and review CCTV footage from the relevant timeframe.

Police are appealing for sightings of a white 2005 Mazda 3 sports hatchback between 8am and approximately midday on Sunday 1 February 2026, travelling from the Awatoto area, through Taihape Road/Omahu Road and the Fernhill area, and into Marewa, Napier. [see pictured map]

We are asking anyone who saw this vehicle, or who has home, business, or dashcam CCTV footage from those areas during that time, to please contact Police if not already spoken to.

Police are also seeking two items, belonging to Sharlene, that are believed to have been discarded along the same route:

  • a handbag [pictured], and
  • a Samsung Galaxy A06 mobile phone.

Anyone with information is urged to get in touch through 105, either online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, or by calling 105, and referencing file number 260203/9739.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/further-appeal-in-omahu-homicide/

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A call to court: Woman charged over burglaries

Source: New Zealand Police

A Police response to calls for help brought a woman’s alleged offending spree across Auckland suburbs to a halt.

The woman will now face court over two burglaries and a stolen vehicle.

Senior Sergeant Shaun Richardson, of Auckland City Police, says units responded to Grey Lynn after 2.30am following calls from residents around Richmond Road.

“Residents reported hearing a woman calling for help in the vicinity of Westmoreland Street West.

“Police and ambulance attended the area and eventually located a woman stuck at a property under renovation; she had fallen between a retaining wall and earthworks.”

Units on scene established a burglary had occurred at the address.

Senior Sergeant Richardson says the woman was allegedly in possession of a handbag which had been stolen.

“Further checks established the handbag had allegedly been stolen just hours earlier in Epsom,” he says.

“Just before midnight, an offender had allegedly entered a house and stolen a handbag and keys, before driving off in a late model Audi hatchback.”

The 31-year-old woman was transported to hospital for her injuries.

She has since been charged with two counts of burglary for both the Epsom and Grey Lynn incidents, as well as unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

Police have opposed the woman’s bail.

It’s expected a bedside court hearing will take place later today.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/a-call-to-court-woman-charged-over-burglaries/

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Statement following sentencing of Nathan Boulter

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons, Christchurch Metro Crime:

Police acknowledge the sentence handed down to Nathan Boulter for the murder of Chantal McDonald in the High Court at Christchurch. The 37-year-old will now serve a minimum of 17 years in prison without parole.

Today’s sentence will never bring Chantal back, or end the devastating sense of loss inflicted on her loving family.

There is no prison term that will ever make up for what happened to Chantal or the profound sense of loss her loved ones have had to endure.

However, today brings a small comfort in knowing the community will be protected from a violent, controlling and pathetic gutless coward who so needlessly took Chantal’s life.

It is extremely disappointing that he made the decision to not physically appear in Court today and face Chantal’s family.

Chantal was a much-loved and devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was regarded as a vibrant and special person to all who knew her, which makes her loss even harder to bear for those who were lucky enough to know her.

We are continuing to provide support for Chantal’s family as they navigate life without her.

Her family have been extremely dignified throughout this entire process and I commend them for that.

They are appreciative of the support they have received, but request privacy. They ask that media do not attempt to contact them.

I want to thank all of the Police investigators, staff, and the Crown prosecutor who dedicated themselves to getting justice for Chantal.

They have worked relentlessly to bring this case to court and hold Chantal’s killer accountable for his horrendous crime.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/statement-following-sentencing-of-nathan-boulter/

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Firearms incident, Hei Hei

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant David Parker:

A scene examination is ongoing at a Hei Hei property in Christchurch following an firearms incident this morning.

Police were called to a Keri Place address around 4:35am to reports a vehicle was seen leaving the area at speed.

It was also reported that gunshots were heard.

Police attended and located evidence outside the property, which was unoccupied, to indicate a firearm had been discharged.

There will be a Police presence in the area while officers make a number of enquiries, working to determine what happened.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/firearms-incident-hei-hei/

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Water search and rescue underway, Palmerston North

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Palmerston North Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Phil Ward:

A water search and rescue operation is currently underway in Palmerston North.

At around 11.20pm last night, Police were called with a report that various personal items appeared to have been abandoned in a suspicious manner on Albert Street.

Police responded and found the items which led them down to the Manawatū River, where a man could be seen in the water.

Officers made voice appeals to the man, in an attempt to get him to come back to land, however he disappeared under the water.

Police Search and Rescue and Fire and Emergency New Zealand, attempted to locate the man, but had no luck.

Due to the rough terrain of the river and limited visibility, emergency services were stood down around 1.30am today.

The search recommenced at first light today and involves Police Search and Rescue, Land Search and Rescue, Palmerston North Swiftwater Rescue, and use of the LandSAR boat and drones, to assist searching the Manawatū River.

The community can expect to see an increased Police and emergency services presence in the Albert Street area while the search is ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/water-search-and-rescue-underway-palmerston-north/

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Woman pleads guilty to dangerous driving charge, Motutere fatal crash

Source: New Zealand Police

A woman has pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving causing death in relation to the fatal crash on SH1, Motutere, on 4 July 2025.

The 24-year-old woman first appeared in court on 16 December 2025.

She has now entered a guilty plea and is due to appear in Taupo District Court for sentencing on 29 April.

Police extend our thoughts to the victim’s loved ones, who are no doubt still coming to terms with the loss of their child, Jax.

As the matter remains before the courts, Police are limited in providing any further detail.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/woman-pleads-guilty-to-dangerous-driving-charge-motutere-fatal-crash/

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Man arrested after Police units rammed

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have laid a raft of charges against a man after he allegedly rammed two Police vehicles, one of which he rammed multiple times.

The man’s van came to Police attention just before 1.45am in the Manukau area.

Inspector Warrick Adkin, of Counties Manukau Central Police, says the Hiace van was seen driving erratically, including running through red lights.

“The Eagle helicopter was soon overhead and monitored the van until ground staff arrived.

“Units attempted to stop it on Manukau Station Road, resulting in the successful deployment of road spikes.

“The driver of the van then rammed a stationary patrol vehicle multiple times before targeting a second patrol vehicle which was entering the area,” Inspector Adkin says.

Police units have brought the van to a stop at the intersection of Te Irirangi Drive and Great South Road a short time later.

The 23-year-old man was taken into custody.

Inspector Adkin says the man will appear in the Manukau District Court today.

He faces four counts of assaults with intent to injure, intentional damage, dangerous driving, resist Police and failing to stop.

“One vehicle has been extensively damaged as a result of the incident, but first and foremost none of our staff were injured as a result of the man’s dangerous driving this morning,” Inspector Adkin says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/man-arrested-after-police-units-rammed/

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Arrests made in Manurewa shooting

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested a 34-year-old man after a shooting in Manurewa last Wednesday.

Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers says at around 8.45pm on 18 February, Police were called to Marumaru Lane after reports a person had been shot.

“The offender has gone to the door and asked for the victim, before allegedly shooting him when he came to the door,” he says.

“The victim was taken to hospital in a serious condition, and was very fortunate to have not suffered life-threatening injuries.”

Enquiries into the incident led to Police to carry out search warrants, supported by the Armed Offenders Squad, in south Auckland on Tuesday afternoon.

“Staff carried out these warrants at properties in Takanini and Manurewa around 3pm,” says Detective Inspector Vickers.

“The alleged offender was not located at either address, but as a result he handed himself into Papakura Police Station not long afterwards and was taken into custody.”

Detective Inspector Vickers is pleased two arrests have now been made over the offending.

“We will not tolerate this type of offending and two people are now before the courts,” he says.

“Further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation continues.”

The man will appear in the Manukau District Court today, jointly charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and commission of an offence with a firearm.

A 29-year-old woman, who is co-accused, will also appear in court today after initially being arrested last week.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/arrests-made-in-manurewa-shooting/

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Update: second arrest in Hastings homicide

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Pritchard:

Police investigating the murder of Flaxmere man Keith Pati on 16 February 2025, have made another arrest in relation to the incident.

A search warrant was carried out today in Napier and a 35-year-old woman was arrested.

She will appear in the Hastings District Court this Friday 27 February 2026, charged with being an accessory after the fact.

Keith Pati died following an altercation in Camberley, Hastings.

A 29-year-old Napier man has been charged with his murder. He is remanded in custody and is due to appear in the Napier High Court 8 June 2026.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/update-second-arrest-in-hastings-homicide/

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Fatal Crash: SH2, Mangatāwhiri

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a serious crash on State Highway 2 near Mangatāwhiri.

Emergency services were called to a crash involving a truck and car at around 11.10am.

Sadly, the driver of the car died at the scene.

The truck driver suffered moderate injuries and was transported to hospital.

The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

State Highway 2 remains closed in both directions between Rawiri Road and Kopuku Road.

The road is expected to remain closed until this evening.

ENDS

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/fatal-crash-sh2-mangatawhiri/

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Recidivist shoplifter before courts, Thames

Source: New Zealand Police

Numerous hours of scouring video footage has led to the arrest of a woman in relation to retail crimes in Thames.

Yesterday, Police arrested and charged a 52-year-old woman following multiple shoplifting incidents dating back over the past month.

“This type of offending, especially at this large scale, has a big negative impact on our local businesses and I’m pleased with this outcome,” says Inspector Mike Henwood, Eastern Waikato Area Commander.

The woman was due to appear in Thames District Court today, charged with 20 counts of wilful trespass, and two counts of speaking threateningly.

“I commend the tenacious work of local Police staff to pull these, and other investigations, together to prosecute offenders.

“Recidivist retail thieves are not tolerated – by business owners, their honest customers, or Police – and this highlights Police’s commitment to target and hold these offenders to account,” Inspector Henwood says.

If you witness any retail crime, or any other crime, please call 111 if it is happening now or for historic offending, please make a report, with as much information as possible, either online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or by calling 105.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/recidivist-shoplifter-before-courts-thames/