A long-running police investigation has exposed a syndicate operating a drug importation and distribution network through the dark web.

Operation Solana, led by the National Organised Crime Group, had been ongoing for the last nine months looking at the alleged importation and distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine.

It led to 16 search warrants being carried out across Auckland and Hamilton on Thursday and Friday.

Police arrested 11 people and seized drugs and cash.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Hunt, from the National Organised Crime Group, said police would allege the group used dark web markets, encrypted messaging applications, and cryptocurrency services to obscure their identities and financial flows.

The drugs were being sent to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA.

Hunt said the investigation started after a local syndicate was found using anonymous online marketplaces to carry out illegal activities.

Customs and overseas law enforcement agencies from USA, Australian Border Force, and Europe seized in excess of 200 kilograms of these controlled drugs at their borders destined for this syndicate, Hunt said.

Approximately $500,000 in cash had been seized during the search warrants along with guns, including a 3D printed one.

Eleven people, aged between 24 and 42, were expected in the Auckland District Court and Hamilton District Court on Friday facing charges of importing, possessing and supplying class A, B and C drugs, unlawful possessions of firearms and participating in an organised criminal group.

“Offending on the dark web is not invisible,” Hunt said.

“Police are increasingly equipped to identify and dismantle criminal enterprises that believe they can hide behind technology and encryption.

“These arrests send a clear message: if you are importing or dealing drugs through the dark web, we will find you, and we will hold you to account.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

A long-running police investigation has exposed a syndicate operating a drug importation and distribution network through the dark web.

Operation Solana, led by the National Organised Crime Group, had been ongoing for the last nine months looking at the alleged importation and distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine.

It led to 16 search warrants being carried out across Auckland and Hamilton on Thursday and Friday.

Police arrested 11 people and seized drugs and cash.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Hunt, from the National Organised Crime Group, said police would allege the group used dark web markets, encrypted messaging applications, and cryptocurrency services to obscure their identities and financial flows.

The drugs were being sent to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA.

Hunt said the investigation started after a local syndicate was found using anonymous online marketplaces to carry out illegal activities.

Customs and overseas law enforcement agencies from USA, Australian Border Force, and Europe seized in excess of 200 kilograms of these controlled drugs at their borders destined for this syndicate, Hunt said.

Approximately $500,000 in cash had been seized during the search warrants along with guns, including a 3D printed one.

Eleven people, aged between 24 and 42, were expected in the Auckland District Court and Hamilton District Court on Friday facing charges of importing, possessing and supplying class A, B and C drugs, unlawful possessions of firearms and participating in an organised criminal group.

“Offending on the dark web is not invisible,” Hunt said.

“Police are increasingly equipped to identify and dismantle criminal enterprises that believe they can hide behind technology and encryption.

“These arrests send a clear message: if you are importing or dealing drugs through the dark web, we will find you, and we will hold you to account.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

A long-running Police investigation has exposed a New Zealand syndicate operating a drug importation and country-wide distribution network through the dark web.

Operation Solana, led by the National Organised Crime Group, dialled in on the illegal activities over the past nine months, involving importing and distributing substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine.

Sixteen search warrants were executed across Auckland and Hamilton on Thursday and Friday.

Police have made 11 arrests and seized significant quantities of illicit drugs and cash.

Police will allege the group used dark web markets, encrypted messaging applications, and cryptocurrency services to obscure their identities and financial flows.

The drugs were being sent to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Hunt, from the National Organised Crime Group, says the operation began after enquiries identified a local syndicate using anonymous online marketplaces to carry out its illegal activities.

“We have established this group allegedly imported and distributed these controlled drugs across the country,” he says.

New Zealand Customs and overseas law enforcement agencies from USA, Australian Border Force, and Europe have seized in excess of 200 kilograms of these controlled drugs at their borders destined for this syndicate.

The warrants resulted in further seizures of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine.

Approximately $500,000 in cash has been seized.

Three firearms were also seized, including a 3D printed firearm.

Eleven people, aged between 24 and 42, are expected in the Auckland District Court and Hamilton District Court today facing charges including:

– importation, possession and supplying class A, B and C controlled drugs
– unlawful possession of firearms
– participating in an organised criminal group

Operation Solana shows Police is growing a capability to detect and disrupt offending occurring out of sight, in online and anonymised environments, Detective Senior Sergeant Hunt says.

“Offending on the dark web is not invisible.

“Police are increasingly equipped to identify and dismantle criminal enterprises that believe they can hide behind technology and encryption.

“These arrests send a clear message: if you are importing or dealing drugs through the dark web, we will find you, and we will hold you to account.”

Police will continue to target individuals and networks seeking to exploit digital platforms for drug harm within New Zealand communities.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Attribute to Western Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown:

Police have arrested and charged a man today in relation to the death of Dax Holland, after his body was found at Wharepai Domain on Saturday 14 February.

The 24-year-old has been charged with murder and is due to appear in Tauranga District Court tomorrow [21 February].

Police still want to hear from anyone who may have seen any unusual or suspicious behaviour around the Wharepai Domain before to 2pm on Saturday 14 February.

If you have information that may assist with our investigation, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260214/8937.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Attribute to Kāpiti Mana Area Commander, Inspector Renée Perkins:

Police investigating an assault in Cannons Creek this morning are seeking information from the public to assist our investigation.

Just before 7:40am, Police were called to Dido Place after reports of a firearm being discharged.

One person sustained moderate injuries, they are now stable in hospital.

Residents can expect to see an ongoing Police presence as our investigations progress.

There is not believed to be any risk to the wider public following this incident.

Police would like to hear from anybody who witnessed the incident, as well as those who were in and around Dido Place and the surrounding areas at the time of the incident.

Information can be provided to Police via 105 either over the phone or online, quoting the reference number 260220/7899.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Please attribute the following to Sergeant Mike Palmer, Waikato Police:

A man’s been arrested in Hamilton in relation to a series of burglaries of tools worth more than $40,000.

The 36-year-old is due in Hamilton District Court today on three charges of burglary. Additional charges are being considered.

The burglaries, targeting tools in the industrial Te Rapa area of Hamilton, were reported on 2, 4, and 13 February.

The arrest follows investigation by the Waikato Tactical Crime Unit. The tools were valued at more than $44,000. Some of the tools were on-sold, and Police are working to recover them so we can get them back to their rightful owner.

Police recommend businesses consider crime prevention methods to reduce the risk of burglary.

Quality CCTV, alarm systems, engraving tools and accurately recording serial numbers helps Police in investigating burglaries in the unfortunate event they occur.

Tools can be expensive and hard to replace. To reunite stolen tools with their rightful owner we need to identify unique features, so we encourage businesses and tradies to take the time engraving their tools and recording serial numbers.

If you are aware of, or come across, tools that may have been stolen please let Police know via our 105 service.  Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-nz.org/

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Kate Hyde:

Napier Police investigating the water-related death of a five-year-old boy in Westshore, Napier, are asking for anyone who saw the boy on Thursday 5 February.

The boy went missing sometime between the hours of 6 and 8.30pm on the night of Thursday 5 February. He was sadly located deceased in the water, by emergency services, at 1.30am on Friday 6 February.

Police would like to thank those who have come forward with information and CCTV so far but are re-appealing for anyone who saw an unattended child on that Thursday night.

We are particularly seeking a group of four people, who were riding bikes and walking, near the corner of Fenwick Street and Fergusson Avenue at approximately 7.30pm.

If this was you, or if you have any information that could assist us in our investigation, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105, and use the reference number 260206/9567.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Overall drug detections rise nationally, cocaine detections up 148%

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 19 February 2026 – The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand’s largest workplace drug testing provider has launched its Q4 Imperans Report, a quarterly workplace drug trends report. The report empowers New Zealand employers to engage in proactive workplace risk management. It provides them with an analysis of drug and alcohol usage trends, combining results from across the country.

In Q4, 4.01% of screens conducted by TDDA indicated the presence of drugs (Q3: 3.75%).

Cannabis remains the most prevalent substance detected in workplace drug testing, although detections eased in many regions following a Q3 peak.

ATS detections were up nationwide in Q4, representing a modest quarter-on-quarter increase. Cocaine detections, while remaining comparatively low overall, jumped 148% from the previous quarter.

Among all positive TDDA results, the most prevalent substances detected were:

·       Cannabis: present in 67.5% of positive tests, down 3.6% from 71.1% in Q3 2025.

·       ATS, including methamphetamine: present in 24.5% of positive tests, up 1.2% from 23.2% in Q3 2025.

·       Opioids, including oxycodone: present in 18.6% of positive tests, up 0.02% from 18.6% in Q3 2025.

·       Benzodiazepines: present in 2.9% of positive tests, up 0.7% from 2.2% in Q3 2025.

·       Cocaine: present in 3.7% of positive tests, up 2.2% from 1.5% in Q3 2025.

The data points to three broad shifts in substance use patterns nationwide. Increasing regional divergence in amphetamine-type substances (ATS), easing THC (Cannabis) detections after a Q3 peak, and a concerning rise in cocaine, significantly in Bay of Plenty, Auckland West and Waikato.

Full regional stats can be found here: https://tdda.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Imperans-Graphs-NZFINAL-19.02.26.pdf

“We warned employers in previous quarters that cocaine use was increasing across the nation, and Q4 data shows that this trend nearly doubled over the festive season,” says Glenn Dobson, CEO of TDDA. “This increase was particularly evident in Bay of Plenty, Auckland West, and Waikato. Businesses in the Bay of Plenty area need to take action immediately, as cocaine detections, which barely registered previously, rose to 9% of positive tests. Cocaine causes overconfidence, reduces focus and concentration, correlates with bad judgement and causes erratic behaviour. If you’re doing business in an affected region, employee education and testing are immediately advised. There’s significant risk for businesses with heavy machinery, you don’t want your workers operating chainsaws while on cocaine.”

Regional highlights

TDDA tracks regional fluctuations in substance use to help employers better manage workplace safety risks through targeted testing, education, and early intervention.

Drug Detection Rate in Auckland West, Bay of Plenty and Waikato.

Q4 data shows that drug trends are increasingly diverging by region, rather than moving in a single national direction. ATS recorded sharp increases, particularly in Auckland West, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Northland, Southland, and Wellington, while easing in some areas including Canterbury, Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki. At the same time, cannabis detections declined in many regions after peaking in Q3, although some areas, including Gisborne and Canterbury, experienced a bounce-back. Opioids use also increased across multiple regions, especially in Otago, Taranaki, Tasman and Wellington, reinforcing the need for closer monitoring.

“What this data reinforces is the need to stay proactive,” says Dobson. “As the year gets underway and businesses recruit, onboard new staff, or adjust workforce needs, clear expectations become critical. Fit-for-purpose substance use policies, supported by pre-employment testing, regular testing programmes, and ongoing training and education, help organisations manage risk early and prevent issues from arising on the job.”

Recommendations

“When growth in detection continues across successive quarters, or when drug trends change significantly, it’s a signal employers shouldn’t ignore,” says Dobson. “As summer months continue past the holidays, the priority is stopping trends from becoming established behaviours in your workplace. That requires clear expectations through policy, consistent testing, and early intervention, particularly as people move into new roles or return to work after long weekends.”

TDDA recommends that companies review and update substance use policies at the start of the year, ensure pre-employment testing is clearly embedded into recruitment processes, and maintain regular and random testing programmes. Employers are also encouraged to invest in training and education, so managers feel confident identifying when testing is appropriate, particularly following extended leave periods or during onboarding.

With people moving between roles and workplaces, a proactive approach to policy review, pre-employment testing, and workforce education can help employers reduce risk, protect their people, and maintain safe workplaces throughout the year.

Methodology: Tests from 27 sterile clinic locations and over 60 mobile clinics throughout New Zealand were used. All tests were taken between 1 October and 31 December 2025. Data from preemployment, post incident, regular and random testing has been combined. Testing methods included urine and oral fluid screening. Data is reported into, anonymised, and aggregated using TDDA’s Imperans system, a bespoke IT platform for testing services, data recording, and reporting. It represents a snapshot of drug trends across Australasian workplaces and industries.

Total figures on testing volumes or testing results by industry and region are commercially sensitive.

TDDA drug tests screen for amphetamines; benzodiazepines; cocaine; methamphetamine; opiates and opioids; cannabis; and synthetic drugs.

About the Imperans Report

The Imperans report addresses an information gap for business. Government organisations like ACC and WorkSafe publish incident reports, but they do not quantify when substances are a factor. Reports build businesses’ understanding of substance use patterns regionally and temporally so that they can anticipate and reduce workplace risks. TDDA provides over 250,000 tests every year.

About The Drug Detection Agency

The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is a leader in workplace substance testing with more than 300 staff, 90 mobile health clinics, 65 locations throughout Australasia. TDDA was established in 2005 to provide New Zealand and Australian businesses with end-to-end workplace substance testing, education and policy services. TDDA holds ISO17025 accreditation for workplace substance testing in both AU and NZ. Refer to the IANZ and NATA websites for TDDA’s full accreditation details. As members of the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) and the California Narcotic Officers Association (CNOA), TDDA closely follows and acts on global drug trends.

Learn more about TDDA by visiting https://tdda.com/.

MIL OSI

MIL OSI

Attributable to Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves:

Police are following strong lines of enquiry after four people were injured at a Hoani Street address last night.

Emergency services were called to the property about 9.30pm after a report of an altercation between two parties.

Four people were injured, two of whom remain in hospital.

Police staff continue to examine the scene to gather information about the incident and those involved.

Our initial enquiries have confirmed that a firearm was discharged at the scene.

We have also established that this was a gang-related incident and was targeted towards parties at this address.

We understand that incidents like this can be unsettling for the community, and would like to reassure people that we do not believe there is a risk to the wider public.

Residents can expect to see additional patrols in the area as we carry out our enquiries.

We would still like to hear from anyone who might have information about this incident or those believed to be involved.

If you can help, please call 105 and reference 260218/3391.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Police have arrested and charged three people following an operation targeting organised crime in Dunedin.

On Thursday 12 February, Police conducted a search warrant at a commercial address on Willis Street, Dunedin.

During the search Police located and recovered a stolen vehicle from the address, and three men were arrested.

The men, aged 28, 32, and 37, all appeared in Dunedin District Court today and are due to reappear on 12 March.

They face a range of charges relating to the supply of class C drugs, offering to supply class B drugs, and receiving stolen property.

“I am really pleased with this outcome, and it’s great for the community,” says Detective Jo McLaughlan of Dunedin’s Organised Crime Unit.

“The supply of drugs brings astronomical social harm to our community and will not be tolerated.

“This operation focused on disrupting illegal activity being run through commercial businesses and I am glad we are able to hold these three men to account.

“Police are committed to, and will, continue to work hard to disrupt organised crime,” Detective McLaughlan says.

Anyone with knowledge or concerns of organised crime, or any crime, in their area are urged to make a report through 105, either online or over the phone – or call 111 if the offending is happening now.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

A man found dead in a Tauranga park, sparking a homicide investigation, has been named as Dax Rodney Holland.

He was 54.

Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown said police were called to the Wharepai Domain on Saturday around 2pm following Holland’s body being found.

A homicide investigation was launched following a post-mortem on Monday.

“Police continue to ask for anyone who may have seen any unusual or suspicious behaviour around the Wharepau Domain prior to 2pm on Saturday 14 February, to please get in touch,” Flowerdew-Brown said.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105.”

The reference number is 260214/8937.

People can also give information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

A person was seriously injured after being shot in the Auckland suburb of Manurewa on Wednesday night.

Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers, of the Counties Manukau CIB said officers were called to a property on Marumaru Lane, in Manurewa about 8.45pm on Wednesday.

The person had suffered injuries consistent with a gunshot wound, Detective Inspector Vickers said.

The victim was seriously injured and was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Officers are now working in the area while inquiries continue, Vickers said.

He appealed for anyone with information to contact police via 105, either over the phone or online, and use the file number 260218/3314.

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

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Attribute to Western Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown:

Police investigating a homicide after a body was found in the Wharepai Domain on Saturday 14 February, can now release the name of the man who died.

He was 54-year-old Dax Rodney Holland.

Police were called to the scene around 2pm last Saturday and a homicide investigation was launched following the post-mortem examination on Monday.

Police continue to ask for anyone who may have seen any unusual or suspicious behaviour around the Wharepau Domain prior to 2pm on Saturday 14 February, to please get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260214/8937.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Effluent ponds and other waterways on the farm of a missing Southland man are now being searched by the police.

Kevin Belling, 62, was last seen at his Motu Rimu farm on Friday 9 January and was reported missing on 18 January.

Search and Rescue teams have been scouring the Caesar Road property in Kapuka.

People living nearby are asked to check their properties for any sign of him.

Anyone with information that may help the police locate Kevin Belling is asked to call 105 and use reference number 260118/6964, or information can be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Attributable to Detective Sergeant John Kean:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please use the reference number 260118/6964.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa – PSNA

PSNA is calling for government accountability to stop and punish New Zealanders going to fight in Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza.

A UK report by Classified, from official Israeli sources, shows 39 dual New Zealand/Israeli citizens, and 11 others with more than one additional passport, are serving in the Israeli Defence Force, which is carrying out genocide in Gaza. (The full dataset is in Hebrew at the foot of the article at this link) 

“The news that New Zealanders are participating in ongoing mass killing and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza is abhorrent,” says Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Co-Chair Maher Nazzal. “Our government must do what it can to stop these New Zealanders perpetrating genocide.”

“Israel’s political and military leaders are charged with war crimes by the International Criminal Court. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu, for example, is wanted for trial on war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

“As well as killing perhaps hundreds of thousands and wholesale starvation of Palestinians in Gaza, Israel is still systematically destroying all civilian infrastructure: schools, hospitals, churches and mosques, farmland and crops.  Even New Zealanders’ graves in World War One cemeteries are not immune.”

“There’s no excuse for anyone fighting for a state committing genocide” says Nazzal. “Our government must step in and rigorously investigate the actions of each and every one of these 50 New Zealanders in the IDF.”

“New Zealand has obligations under the international Genocide Convention to do what it can stop a genocide.  New Zealand charged Mark Tayor for membership of ISIS in 2004.  There is ample precedent.  The government must be consistent.”

“All of these New Zealanders serving in the IDF have various degrees of culpability in the genocide, certainly the moment they set foot in Gaza.  But they would also be liable for actions at military facilities inside Israel, fuelling up bombers, for example, or calculating missile coordinates.”

“These soldiers must be identified, and their service in Israel’s army examined, alongside their social media accounts and those of the brigades and soldiers they joined.”

“The government must also collaborate with international agencies for evidence of how many of these people have already been identified for investigation of war crimes.”

“The Hind Rajab Foundation is working to identify specific Israeli war criminals for referral to the International Court of Justice,” says Nazzal.

New Zealand law does not specifically prohibit citizens from fighting overseas. But the government must act in this case, where New Zealand citizens are participating in a genocide, and also under our Fourth Geneva Convention obligations, where these New Zealand citizens are also enforcing an illegal occupation of Palestinian Territory.

“Despite the so-called October 2025 ceasefire, Israel has continued its daily killing of Palestinians, destruction of infrastructure and occupation creep.  Israel still refuses to allow the agreed amount of food, water and humanitarian supplies to enter Gaza.”

“Here is a case of direct responsibility by New Zealand citizens, about which the government can’t wash its hands and ignore.”

Maher Nazzal

Co-Chair PSNA

MIL OSI

Bay of Plenty Police are asking for the public’s help to identify three people they believe can help with enquiries into breaches at the Mount Maunganui landslide cordon.

Police said they believe these people may be able to help with enquiries into a breach of the cordon on Wednesday 11 February and Sunday 15 February.

“If you are one of these people, or you recognise them, please update us through 105 either online or over the phone.”

On Wednesday morning police said a man had also been arrested after allegedly breaching the cordon and charged with breaching the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, as well as careless driving.

The cordon has been in place since the deadly landslide that killed six people at a campground in January.

Tauranga City Council said it aimed to lift part of the temporary road cordon around the Mt Maunganui landslide around lunchtime on Thursday.

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

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Bay of Plenty Police are seeking to the public’s help to identify the three people pictured in these images.

We believe they may be able to assist us with our enquiries into a breach of the Mount Maunganui landslide cordon on Wednesday 11 February and Sunday 15 February.

If you are one of these people, or you recognise them, please update us through 105 either online or over the phone.

Please use reference number 260217/6366.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Money seized from criminals will once again be redirected to protecting New Zealanders, with a new funding round for the Proceeds of Crime Fund opening on 30 March 2026, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee.

“We are taking money off criminals and using it to fix what matters for victims by reducing violent crime,” says Mrs McKee.

“Following its refocus last year, the Fund now supports tightly targeted initiatives that directly contribute to the Government’s goal of reducing the number of victims of violent crime.

“We want high-impact proposals that make a measurable difference to reducing violent crime and keeping New Zealanders safe. 

“This includes initiatives that stop lower-level offending before it turns violent, and initiatives that go after organised criminals by breaking the gang business model that profits from violence and misery.”

“Government agencies are invited to apply using the updated funding proposal template and are encouraged to partner with community organisations to deliver outcome-focused programmes.

“Under Labour, money taken from gangs was funnelled back into a programme delivered by a life member of the very gang fuelling New Zealand’s meth problem. We put an end to that. 

“New Zealanders expect that when assets are seized from organised crime, that money goes toward preventing more victims and that’s exactly what we are doing.

“We have already funded a range of initiatives to improve public safety. This includes practical safety improvements in Auckland’s CBD, such as better lighting, expanded CCTV coverage, and additional security patrols.

“We have also supported community-led initiatives such as the Meke Academy, which works with young people at high risk of serious offending in Hawke’s Bay to reduce offending, cut drug use, and help young people gain qualifications and improve literacy and numeracy skills.”

The 2026 funding round will run from 30 March to 29 May. Approved initiatives must meet strict criteria and will be short-term investments of up to three years.

Information on how to apply can be found on the Ministry of Justice website

MIL OSI

The death of a man in Tauranga on Saturday is now being treated as a homicide.

Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown, Western Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager, says the man’s body was discovered in a secluded area of Wharepai Domain about 2pm on Saturday 14 February.

“A post-mortem on Monday established the victim’s death is suspicious and we are now working to establish what happened and identify who was involved.

“An examination of the scene has now been completed”.

Detective Senior Sergeant Flowerdew-Brown said Police would like to speak with anyone who has information that could help the investigation.

“We ask people to contact us if they saw unusual or suspicious behaviour around the Wharepai Domain prior to 2pm on Saturday.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260214/8937.

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

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Attribute to Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Inspector Clifford Paxton: 

Bay of Plenty Police have arrested and charged a man following a breach at the Mount Maunganui landslide site cordon early this morning.

At around 2.30am, Police were notified that a man had allegedly entered the Mount Maunganui landslide zone which is cordoned off for the public’s safety.

Police coordinated a response with Māori Wardens, who are watching over the site, and a 20-year-old man was arrested.

He is due in Tauranga District Court on Tuesday 24 February, charged with breaching the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act and careless driving.

Police remind the public that the landslide site is a restricted area as it remains unstable and poses significant public safety concerns.

The area is cordoned off with clear signage – there is no excuse to breach this.

Any suspicious behaviour around cordoned, or restricted, areas should be reported to Police immediately by calling 111, if it is happening now, or through 105 if it is after the fact.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

A woman accused of defrauding a man out of more than half a million-dollars in an alleged 18-year romance scam has appeared in court for the first time today.

The 44-year-old Auckland woman was arrested last week after a search warrant was carried out by the Dunedin Police and assisted by the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit.

She appeared in court on Tuesday charged with obtaining more than $517,000 from the unsuspecting Dunedin man between 2006 to 2024.

Judge Belinda Sellars KC granted her interim name suppression and remanded her on bail. She has been charged with obtaining by deception.

Police said romance scams were usually carried out by offshore offenders, making prosecutions difficult for law enforcement.

They often involved someone falling in love online, and giving the scammer money, without ever meeting in-person.

Speaking broadly about romance scams, head of Auckland’s Financial Crimes Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton told RNZ he had never seen a local perpetrator before.

“I’ve been in this role for three years and I haven’t seen one local as a perpetrator,” he said.

“It’s all offshore, it’s all scam centres around the world.”

Bolton said offshore perpetrators were impossible to catch.

“From New Zealand, impossible, there’s no lines of inquiry, the scam centres use layering through numerous jurisdiction and countries before they actually receive the funds so there’s no way of us following it.”

Detective Bolton warned those online against potential scams.

“If you are falling in love online, highly likely it’s a scam, if you are befriending someone online, highly likely it’s a scam, if you are being convinced to invest online, highly likely it’s a scam,” he said.

“Nearly every single one of these examples starts with online contact. The victims never meet the person in person, it’s all done online and they’re always scams.”

Bolton said scammers made up excuses like being on military deployment or on an oil rig to avoid meeting in person.

He said police were seeing fewer romance scams recently.

“End of last year, there were two or three that we saw, and then this year we haven’t seen one romance scam complaint in Auckland City District.”

They were, however, being replaced by crypto currency scams, he said.

“The scammer is befriending the victim, and/or falling in love with the victim online, and the victim’s being convinced to invest in crypto.”

Bolton said victims were convinced to invest into a crypto wallet controlled by the scammer, where they are tricked into investing more money.

Police saw cases of crypto scams every week, he said.

Offering broad advice, Netsafe chief online safety officer Sean Lyons said romance scams could take many forms.

“They might now look like much more complicated investment scams, that can be in a whole range of different forms, but at some point the original convincer probably was some kind of romantic relationship.”

“Our numbers for those kinds of scams are probably still on the increase, but that straight categorisation as a ‘this is a romance scam’ is possibly falling away,” he said.

Those concerned they were being scammed should take a step back moment to look at the whole picture, Lyons said

“Take a beat and think about what it is that’s happening here, aside from the romantic side of what’s happening, how much risk or how exposed am I in what it is that I’m about to do,” he said.

“If you feel uncomfortable with that, it doesn’t mean the relationship’s over, but it just might mean that you take that kind of power or take that moment to say ‘actually, the relationship aside, I’m not comfortable doing this so I’m not going to do it’.”

Lyons said it could be difficult for people to spot scam flags at the best of times, no matter what they may be.

“Often one kind of flag on its own is easily explained away, or could easily be missed, but it’s often the picture that if people are able to stand back at a period or get another persons view that’s not quite so emotionally invested in the relationship itself, that suddenly these things can become very clear,” he said.

Changing the course of a conversation suddenly to money, often with time pressure, or the speed in which a relationship may be moving could be flags to look out for, Lyons said.

The alleged scammer was scheduled to reappear in court next month.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Police are seeking the public’s help in solving a “high-value burglary” in West Auckland.

A “significant amount of silver and gold” was stolen from a home in Swanson sometime between 14 and 27 January, including one-ounce (28.3g) gold coins and 1kg silver bars.

“Each of the bars is imprinted with ‘MW’ (Morris & Watson) inscription,” Detective Shaun Galbraith said.

The combined value was “significant”, he said, but admitted the police needed help.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious people or vehicles around the Swanson Road and Christian Road areas between 14-27 January.

“If you noticed unusual activity near rural driveways, gate areas, or properties backing onto the Swanson rail corridor then please reach out.”

Anyone offered the purchase of gold and silver “in unusual circumstances” should get in touch he said, via 105 online or the phone, quoting reference number 260128/8576.

Alternatively an anonymous report could be made through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Police investigating a high-value burglary in Swanson last month are seeking assistance from the public.

Sometime between 14 and 27 January, a residential address on Swanson Road has been entered and a significant amount of silver and gold stolen.

Detective Shaun Galbraith, Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit, says a large quantity of silver bullion, including a number of 1kg silver bars, were taken.

“Each of the bars is imprinted with “MW” (Morris & Watson) inscription.

“A number of 1oz gold Kiwi coins were also stolen from the property. 

“The combined value of the stolen items is significant and we are determined to locate those responsible and hold them to account but we need the public’s help.”

Detective Galbraith says Police are urging anyone who has information to please come forward.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious people or vehicles around the Swanson Road and Christian Road areas between 14-27 January.

“If you noticed unusual activity near rural driveways, gate areas, or properties backing onto the Swanson rail corridor then please reach out.”

He says Police are also keen to hear from people who may have been offered a large amount of silver or gold for sale in unusual circumstances.

“If you have any information regarding the burglary or the whereabouts of the bullion please contact Police.”

Information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, please use reference number 260128/8576.

Alternatively, you can make a report anonymously though Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, using the same reference number.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI