Police are urgently seeking information on the whereabouts of an elderly woman missing from Auckland’s North Shore.

Maree Jennins, 69, is currently missing from her residential complex on Roseberry Road in Birkenhead.

The last confirmed sighting of Maree is believed to be the afternoon of Friday 24 July. 

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams, from Waitematā East CIB, says Maree was reported missing to Police on Tuesday evening.

Police and Maree’s family hold serious concerns for her welfare. 

Maree has no form of transport, and she has been known to have used taxis in the past.

“We have made enquiries with taxi firms throughout the day, we know that Maree has recently avoided using her name when she has made taxi bookings. She may have caught a taxi from the Roseberry Road or wider Birkenhead area. 

“Maree’s family and Police hold serious concerns for her following recent comments she has made. She stayed in a north Auckland motel recently and it is possible she has done the same again, but we continue to be worried for her wellbeing,” Detective Senior Sergeant Willliams says. 

Police are asking any taxi drivers that might have picked Maree up on Friday afternoon to contact us or any accommodation providers to contact Police. 

You may have vital information to help our enquiries.

Residents in the wider Birkenhead area that may have seen Maree in recent days should also contact Police.

If you see Maree, please call 111 immediately.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts can also call 105 using the reference number 260728/7173.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/29/can-you-help-maree-jennins-is-missing/

The Arms Bill passed its final reading in Parliament today meaning New Zealanders will soon have much better firearms laws that respect licenced firearm owners and improve public safety, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee.

“The Bill keeps firearms out of criminals’ hands, while making compliance easier for licenced firearm owners,” says Mrs McKee

“Firearms are used by licenced New Zealanders to put food on the table, earn a living, manage pests, compete in sport, enjoy the outdoors, and more.

“The new law replaces a complex and confusing patchwork with legislation that is more logically structured, easier to understand, and focused on the areas that matter most for public safety.

“It strengthens penalties and enforcement against unlawful firearms activity while removing unnecessary rules and improving the way the firearms system operates.

“One of the most significant changes is the creation of a new arms regulator, Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand, that will operate independently of the Police.

“Police will be able to focus on investigating crime and holding offenders to account, while the regulator focuses on licensing, firearms safety, education, and delivering a professional service to licenced firearm owners. 

“That separation is an important step towards rebuilding trust and confidence in the firearms regulatory system.

“Most of the Bill, along with regulations giving effect to the changes in the Bill, will come into force on 23 September. The remaining provisions will come into force progressively by 23 February 2028.

“I would like to thank every New Zealander, including those members from the firearms community, who engaged with this process. The Bill had extensive consultation prior to being drafted, along with a full six-month select committee process where New Zealanders could share their views and suggest improvements. This is how law should be made.

“On a personal level, this is a very special moment. I came to Parliament six years ago with a goal of completely replacing the Arms Act 1983. Today that goal has been achieved.”

Notes to editors:

Notable changes in the Bill include:

• Separating firearms regulation from police and the creation of a new arms regulator.
• Establishing an independent firearms licencing review committee.
• Extending pest control endorsements to five years and allowing multi-user agreements for short term transfers of restricted firearms.
• Removing the need for a permit to posses for short-term business activities such as taking a firearm to a gunsmith for less than 21 days.
• Extending multiple-consignment import permits for business licence holders so they remain valid for 12 months.
• Extending business licence duration to five years for those with a proven compliance record.
• Removing the ability for the regulator to include information in the firearms registry that is not required by regulations.
• Allowing multi-entry visitor licences of up to 18 months.
• Allowing health-related suspensions for up to 12 months so individuals have time to obtain medical reports, implement mitigations, or seek help. 
• Enabling infringement powers for low-level non-compliance.
• Disqualifying gang members from holding a firearms licence.
• Restricting large-capacity pistol magazines to only those who hold a pistol licence.
• Increasing penalties for some offences and creating eight new offences, including ones to reduce firearms entering the black market.
• Establishing a statutory ‘red flag’ system with clarified information sharing so Police and other agencies can continue to signal to the firearms regulator when they have relevant intel that might trigger a review of whether a LFO remains a fit and proper person.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/29/better-firearm-laws-locked-and-loaded/

Police received a report of a climber falling an estimated 200 metres down a cliff face and into a crevasse on Mount Aspiring at about 6.15pm last night.

Sergeant Darren Cranfield from Wānaka Police said the climber’s companion was faced with an extremely challenging situation.

“After the fall, the companion spent more than three hours climbing in difficult alpine terrain to find enough satellite reception on a mobile phone to raise the alarm. During that time, they too were becoming increasingly at risk of hypothermia.”

A search and rescue operation was immediately initiated, with the Otago Lakes Search and Rescue and Heli Otago tasked with locating and rescuing both climbers. The weather was closing in and the chances of a successful rescue was diminishing rapidly.

“This was a complex and dynamic operation where two lives were at risk,” Sergeant Cranfield says.

“Given the remote alpine environment, success depended on strong communication, effective collaboration between teams, cross-district coordination and clear decision-making throughout the rescue effort.”

At about 1am, both climbers were successfully rescued by Heli Otago, with assistance from the Wakatipu LandSAR Alpine Cliff Rescue Team.

“We are incredibly pleased with this outcome and grateful that we brought both climbers to safety,” Sergeant Cranfield says.

Police would like to thank everyone involved in the rescue, including search and rescue personnel, alpine rescue specialists, Heli Otago Rescue and all those who contributed to the operation.

“The professionalism, skill and commitment shown by everyone involved played a critical role in bringing this incident to a successful conclusion.”

Sergeant Cranfield says the incident is a timely reminder of the risks that can be encountered in alpine environments.

“Conditions in the mountains can change rapidly, and even experienced climbers can find themselves in dangerous situations.”

“We encourage anyone heading into alpine areas to thoroughly prepare, carry appropriate communication equipment and emergency supplies, and ensure they have a plan in place should the unexpected occur.”

“Being prepared for the worst can make all the difference when things go wrong.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/29/search-and-rescue-on-mount-aspiring/

A trip to court beckons for two alleged burglars who targeted a west Auckland property while the homeowners were overseas.

Between 11 June and 18 June, two offenders allegedly entered a Te Atatū home and stole a significant amount of property.

Detective Sergeant Anna Freestone, Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit, says a vigilant neighbour raised the alarm after noticing the front door wide open and a vehicle missing from the driveway. 

“The owners were notified and it was discovered the home had been ransacked. 

“Stolen items included a vehicle, household furnishings, jewellery, electronic devices, fishing equipment, and other personal items totalling more than $60,000.”

The offenders disabled the property’s CCTV but were captured on camera seconds before the feed cut out.  

An investigation was launched to identify those responsible and recover the stolen property. 

Within days the stolen vehicle was located nearby, and a forensic examination was completed.  

“Yesterday, the Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit executed two search warrants in west Auckland and arrested two people of interest. 

“These searches located a large quantity of the stolen items, including furniture, a laptop, fishing rods, and other household property,” Detective Sergeant Freestone says. 

The volume of property recovered was so significant that a moving van was required to return the items to the victim, who was very grateful to be reunited with their possessions.

“It’s a great result to have recovered the items and for those responsible to be held to account.

“This is also a timely reminder to keep an eye out for your neighbours and report any suspicious activity to Police,” Detective Sergeant Freestone says. 

A 37-year-old woman has been charged with burglary and failure to carry out obligations in relation to computer search, and a 40-year-old woman has been charged with burglary. 

Both will appear in Waitākere District Court today.

ENDS.

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/29/burglars-book-one-way-ticket-to-court/

One person has died following a single vehicle crash in Brookby, west of Clevedon on Friday 24 July. 

Emergency services were called to Brookby Road, at the intersection with Richardson Road, shortly before 11:30pm.

One person received critical injuries and was transported to hospital, while a second person received minor injuries.

Sadly, the critically injured person has today died in hospital.

Enquiries into the crash remain ongoing.

ENDS.

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/29/fatal-crash-brookby/

The Gisborne High Court has ordered the forfeiture of over $800,000 worth of assets and cash belonging to a Wairoa couple convicted of drug supply.

Acting Detective Sergeant Shaun Kennard says the order issued by the Gisborne High Court today, comes after a long running investigation by the Police Asset Recovery Unit into the activities of Aria Hubbard and her partner, Mongrel Mob Barbarian Motorcycle Club member Samson Edwards.  

Among the assets ordered forfeit:

• Six properties, five residential and one commercial
• Cash and bank accounts totalling over $153,000
• Five motor vehicles and a motorbike 
• A jet ski & trailer
• Jewellery

“In April 2021, the Eastern District Organised Crime Unit commenced Operation Horizon, an investigation into the supply and distribution of methamphetamine in Wairoa. The couple were arrested in September 2021, and both were convicted of multiple charges relating to the supply of methamphetamine.

“As part of the termination of Operation Horizon, the Police Asset Recovery Unit obtained restraining orders for assets identified as belonging to the couple.

“During the financial investigation, it was established that the couple deposited over $200,000 cash into their bank accounts and spent almost $400,000 cash. The cash was used to facilitate the purchases of vehicles, jewellery and residential property, as well as paying for renovations on the various properties they owned.”

Some of the property acquired by the couple was registered in the names of relatives or associates, in an apparent attempt to separate themselves from the offending and impact the efforts to identify and seize it.   

“This is a further example of Police successfully targeting organised crime through both the criminal and civil courts,” Acting Detective Sergeant Kennard says.

“This result will have a significant impact for the Wairoa community. Seeing offenders held to account and stripped of their criminal proceeds should remind the community that Police will continue their efforts to hold offenders to account across Hawke’s Bay. 

“Organised crime gangs in Hawke’s Bay cause serious harm to our communities. Police will continue to work to strip organised crime groups and their associates of their wealth earnt from criminal activity.”

Police also urge businesses to be mindful when accepting significant cash payments from gang members.

Although often unknowingly, you could be assisting people who are bringing great harm into the community, while you are potentially participating in a money laundering transaction that you or your business may be criminally liable for. We urge businesses to take extra caution,” Acting Detective Sergeant Kennard says.

The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 allows Police to restrain and forfeit assets acquired or derived from the proceeds of crime.

Once forfeited to the Crown, proceeds will be used for a number of things, such as projects aimed at reducing the harmful effects of drug and organised crime in the Hawke’s Bay community.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/29/over-800000-of-assets-and-cash-forfeited-in-wairoa/

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today visited the Auckland Police Station to launch the region’s third mental health co-response team, which will help ensure people experiencing mental distress get the right support at the right time.

“It’s utterly unacceptable that when a concerned mum, dad, friend, or colleague calls 111 looking for a mental health response, they receive a criminal justice response. This Government is changing that because New Zealanders deserve better,” Mr Doocey says.

“The Auckland City team are undergoing training and will start responding to calls in early August. They will be based out of Central Auckland Police Station, operating four days a week, with operating hours to be tailored to the periods of highest local demand.

“The team is joining Counties Manukau and Waitematā and will ensure people across Auckland have a better crisis response.

“Counties Manukau has been operating out of Manukau Police Station since 26 May, from 8am to 4.30pm Tuesday to Friday, and has already supported more than 130 people.

“Both Auckland City and Counties were chosen in the first tranche of co-response teams because we know there is a high demand for crisis calls in the area.

“Early feedback from the region has been incredibly positive, with reports that people are receiving more appropriate support and that inappropriate referrals are being redirected away from the Emergency Department at Middlemore Hospital.

“This is exactly why we are rolling these teams out. The Wellington co-response evaluation found there was a reduction in the use of powers under the Mental Health Act, fewer people needed to go to an emergency department or police station, and the level of wraparound support increased. That’s what we are starting to see already with the new teams.

“These teams comprise of Police and mental health workers. While we know Police do an excellent job in our communities, the bottom line is they are not mental health professionals. That is why we are overhauling the way emergency services respond to 111 calls for people experiencing mental distress to move towards a more joined-up approach.

“The feedback from advocates was clear, having a uniformed Police officer turn up during times of mental health need can cause further distress. That’s why we are focusing on delivering a better crisis response for New Zealanders and taking action to ensure people are getting the response they deserve.”

Notes to editor:

• This is part of Budget 2025 investment of $28 million to roll out 10 mental health co-response teams across the country to respond to 111 mental distress calls and add additional crisis helpline capacity. 
• Waitematā is not a part of the 10 teams, but has been up and running since 2023, funded out of baseline.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/29/better-crisis-response-for-auckland-region/

Police are now widening the search for Jin Zhong, 39, after new information shows he may be in the South Island.

He was most recently sighted in Wanaka, while wearing a face mask and hoodie.

He is wanted following failing to appear in court in May. He’s also known to frequent wider Tāmaki Makaurau.

It’s believed he is actively avoiding Police.

If you have seen him or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 241230/7265. 

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

ENDS.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/29/warrant-to-arrest-jin-zhong-update/

Waitematā Police have commenced a homicide inquiry after two people were located deceased in Glenfield on Tuesday night.  

Police were initially called to a residential address on Seon Place, Birkdale at around 8.21pm after reports a person had been stabbed.

Acting Detective Inspector Megan Goldie says a man at the address sustained moderate injuries.  

“Police arrested the alleged offender at the property,” she says. 

“While speaking with this male, information has prompted us to dispatch a unit to a property at Lingfield Street in Glenfield to conduct a welfare check.”

Tragically two people, a man and woman, were located deceased at that address. 

“This is an awful set of events. I know this will leave many in our community unsettled, but what I can say at this early stage of the investigation is that the offender and victims are all known to each other,” Acting Detective Inspector Goldie says. 

“While there will be an increased Police presence around Birkdale and Glenfield, there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.”

The victim from Seon Place is currently recovering in hospital.

A scene guard is in place at both addresses, and Police will be conducting scene examinations over the coming days as well as area enquiries.

Post-mortem examinations will take place in due course, which will include formal identification procedures. 

Acting Detective Inspector Goldie says a 41-year-old man will appear in the North Shore District Court today charged with two counts of murder as well as attempted murder.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/29/double-homicide-investigation-north-shore/

Media are invited to the 398 Chris Cahill recruit wing graduation. 

What:              Graduation of the New Zealand Police 398 Recruit Wing. 

Who:               For families and friends to celebrate with the newly attested police officers.

Why:               Completion and graduation from their initial training course.

Where:            Royal New Zealand Police College – Porirua.

When:             Thursday 30 July at 2pm – media will need to be in place by 1.45pm.

How:               RSVP the Police Media Centre if you’re attending: media@police.govt.nz

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers will attend the ceremony tomorrow with Wing Patron, Chris Cahill to watch as sixty-one new police officers from the latest wing graduate.

Also being acknowledged at this graduation are the four new constables of the Accelerated Policing Course.

The 398 Wing Patron:

Retired Detective Inspector Chris Cahill gave 40 years of service to New Zealand Police and led the New Zealand Police Association for nine of those years.

Chris joined Police in 1986 as a member of Wing 102 and was first posted to his hometown, Invercargill, later moving to Te Kuiti where he joined the CIB, then to Napier. There he established himself as a highly capable investigator and developed a strong reputation for organised crime investigations. He was subsequently promoted to Sergeant and then Detective Sergeant.

In 2007 he transferred to Auckland and was promoted to Detective Senior Sergeant, taking up the role of Officer in Charge of Investigations – Drugs and Organised Crime – for Auckland Metro. In this position he led some of New Zealand’s largest national and international drug investigations. He received a commendation for Operation Hoffman, in which he led a covert investigative team in Tonga during a major phase of a worldwide investigation.

In 2011 he became the first New Zealand Police officer seconded to the Australian Federal Police as part of joint organised crime and counter terrorism cooperation initiatives. Returning to Auckland Central and promoted to Detective Inspector, Chris was responsible for re-establishing the 24/7 Crime Squads.

In 2016 he was elected President of the New Zealand Police Association. In this role he was a prominent public figure, representing and advocating for members. Following the Christchurch mosque attacks, Chris was a key advocate for reforms to New Zealand’s firearms laws.

Chris was also an executive member of the International Council of Police Representative Associations and of the Police Federation of Australia.

During his tenure as President, he led significant organisational changes. He also created a board position dedicated to police employee representation and championed the appointment of women to governance roles.

More details about statistics, prize winners and other recruits will be shared after graduation on Thursday in a follow up Ten One story. 

ENDS 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/29/media-advisory-more-feet-on-the-beat/

State Highway 57 near Potts Road is blocked following a four-vehicle crash, reported just before 8am.

Two people are injured, one in a serious condition, the other moderate, with ambulance services on the scene.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area or delay travel as emergency services work at the scene.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/29/sh57-blocked-koputaroa/

Attribute to Inspector Hywel Jones, Waikato District Prevention Manager:

Police responding to a report of shoplifting on Victoria Street yesterday caught four people.

Around 12.40pm, Police received a call that three people were grabbing items from a store in a Hamilton central mall.

A shop assistant attempted to block the offenders leaving but were knocked over as they left, sustaining no injuries.

Police tracked the three as they left in a car driven by a fourth suspect.

Patrolling officers quickly narrowed down an address in Hamilton East where the car was parked at.

Upon Police attendance, four males, aged 14, 16, 19 and 21 were taken into custody and charged with shoplifting.

Two have been referred to a youth process and the other two will appear in Hamilton District Court today.

The merchandise, worth over $1,000, was recovered and returned to the store.  

Police take retail crime seriously and have dedicated staff that respond to incidents so that retailers and shoppers can remain safe.

If you see shoplifting, call 111 if it’s happening now, or 105 if it’s after the fact.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/29/four-arrested-in-hamilton-for-brazen-lunchtime-shoplift/

Police investigating a report of wilful damage of a vehicle in Riccarton last month are seeking the public’s assistance.

Police are wanting to identify and speak with the person pictured, as we believe he might have information that could assist our enquiries.

The incident occurred in a carpark on Riccarton Road shortly before midnight on Sunday 14 June.

If anybody has information that could assist Police with our enquiries, or identifying the person pictured, please contact 105, referencing file number 260615/9869.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/28/appeal-for-information-following-wilful-damage-riccarton/

Two fleeing driver incidents led Police to make arrests over an earlier aggravated robbery and burglary in the Auckland region.

The events unfolded at around the same time early this morning in south Auckland.

At around 3.25am, Police units were notified of a stolen vehicle detected exiting the Southern Motorway (SH1) at Redoubt Road.

Inspector Rod Honan, Counties Manukau East Area Commander, says the vehicle began speeding through the Manukau area.

“This vehicle was identified as being sought in relation to an aggravated robbery in Forrest Hill on 26 July where a large amount of property was taken,” he says.

“Units were able to successfully spike the vehicle on numerous occasions, after it was seen being driven on the wrong side of the road and at dangerous speeds.”

The MG came to a stop in the Manurewa area.

The 34-year-old man driving man was arrested and will appear in the Manukau District Court today charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop, resisting police and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

Around the same time, units down the road in Takanini responded to a carload of offenders seen allegedly attempting to break into a vehicle on Walters Road.

The group left the area but was soon picked up by units responding to the area, Inspector Honan says.

“It was not pursued, and officers monitored the vehicle as it travelled through the area.”

Units successfully spiked the vehicle on Great South Road, and it was dumped in Manurewa East a short time later.

“Officers tracking the vehicle and its occupants found a bag containing gloves and multiple sealed mobile phones, as well as discarded clothing,” Inspector Honan says.

“Cordons were established, and area searches located four alleged offenders as they attempted to flee in different directions.”

Enquiries into the property found the alleged offenders were allegedly linked to a burglary at a tech repair shop in Takanini earlier in the evening.

An 18-year-old man and two 17-year-old males will appear in the Manukau District Court today charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and burglary. 

A 13-year-old male will be referred to Youth Aid.

Inspector Honan is pleased with the apprehension of the five alleged offenders.

“This was good work by our staff in holding these individuals to account for their actions.

“Police continue to send the message that we will not tolerate this type of brazen offending in our community.”

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/28/failing-to-stop-ends-in-arrests/

The four recruits of New Zealand Police’s first Accelerated Policing Course will be celebrated this Thursday 30 July as they graduate alongside recruit Wing 398. 

The former Australian officers previously worked for Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia Police services. They will be deployed to Eastern, Central and Wellington District.

The Accelerated Policing Couse was set up to offer experienced officers from overseas fit-for-purpose training by recognising transferrable skills and applying them to the New Zealand policing environment. By focusing on key areas training on the course takes 10 weeks instead of 20. 

Media are invited to attend the graduation 

What:              Graduation of the first Accelerated Policing Course 

Who:               For families and friends to celebrate 

Why:               Completion and graduation from the Accelerated Policing Course 

Where:           Royal New Zealand Police College – Porirua.

When:             Thursday 30 July at 2pm – media will need to be in place by 1.45pm.

How:               RSVP the Police Media Centre if you’re attending: media@police.govt.nz

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/28/media-advisory-accelerated-policing-course-graduation/

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan: 

Police investigating an aggravated burglary incident in Lincoln earlier this month are appealing to the public for information. 

On Thursday 16 July, around 11.15pm, it is reported that a man has entered a home on Jacobsens Place, without permission. When confronted by one of the occupants, the man allegedly threatened the victim with a weapon before quickly fleeing the property on foot. 

The victim was not injured, however they – and the other occupant of the home – were understandably very shaken by the incident. 

Police conducted immediate area enquiries, with assistance from a Police dog, however no one was located. We are now asking for the public’s assistance. 

The alleged offender is described as being a man in his mid-twenties to early-thirties – however could be outside this age-range, roughly 5’6”/170cm tall, of unknown ethnicity. 

He was wearing a dark coloured hoodie, with the hood up, with a black face mask showing only his eyes. 

If you reside on Jacobsens Place, or the surrounding roads, and have CCTV footage from Thursday 16 July, between 10.45pm and 11.59pm, please get in touch so that we may review this footage. 

Anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area around the same time, or has information on this specific incident, who was involved, or the weapon used, is also urged to contact Police. 

Information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, referencing file number 260717/7228. 

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/28/appeal-for-information-following-aggravated-burglary-lincoln/

Motorists are asked to avoid the Glenorchy Queenstown Road after a single bus crash at about 9am today.

Some of the occupants of the bus appear to have minor injuries.

No other vehicle was involved.

The road will be closed for some time while the bus is removed from the road.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/28/bus-crash-on-glenorchy-queenstown-road-southern-district/

Search and rescue agencies from around New Zealand gathered in Wellington in June to recognise the achievements of the sector.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/28/search-and-rescue-awards-highlight-those-who-go-above-and-beyond/

Attribute to Inspector Paul Reeves, Christchurch Police:

Police responded to a report of an incident on Rotherham Street, Riccarton, at around 12.30am today.

It is alleged a vehicle was used to gain entry to a premises and damage a window before leaving the scene.

A member of the public reported the vehicle, which was subsequently located by Police.

Police successfully deployed road spikes and the vehicle continued for a short distance before being abandoned near the intersection of Waltham Road and Austin Street with all four tyres deflated.

Two youths were taken into custody.

They are facing charges including aggravated burglary, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, burglary, failing to stop and dangerous driving.

Both youths are due to appear in the Christchurch Youth Court today.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/28/two-youths-arrested-following-riccarton-incident/

Police in Gisborne worked hard to keep roads and communities safe over the weekend, targeting impaired drivers across Tairāwhiti.

The Eastern District Impairment Team deployed to the region and worked alongside local Road Policing staff and members of the Serious Crash Unit.

Senior Sergeant Trent Higgs says the teams focused on high-volume breath testing and drug impairment checks, setting up multiple checkpoints between Thursday and Sunday.

As a result, more than a dozen drivers were either summoned to court or issued infringement notices for exceeding legal alcohol limits.

“One driver was found to be well over the limit at 8am while in charge of a work truck,” says Senior Sergeant Higgs.

Police urge anyone who has been drinking the night before to understand that a night’s sleep, a coffee or a pie does not mean you are sober enough to drive.

“Time is the only factor that reduces alcohol levels,” he says.

“We’ll continue to actively target impaired driving. Think carefully about whether you’re impaired and, if you’re not sure, don’t take the risk.”

The checkpoints also included roadside drug driving tests aimed at detecting and deterring people driving under the influence of drugs.

One driver returned a positive screening result for the recent use of drugs.

“It’s quite simple,” Senior Sergeant Higgs says. “Don’t get behind the wheel if you’re impaired in any way.”

Police remind motorists that impairment, whether caused by alcohol or drugs, puts everyone on the road at risk and will continue to be a focus of enforcement activity across the district.

Police will continue to actively target impaired driving and unsafe road user behaviour throughout Tairāwhiti, and anyone who witnesses unsafe road user behaviour should call 111 if it is happening now. 

Non-urgent information can be reported through 105, either online or over the phone, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/27/caught-for-drink-and-drugs-drivers-across-tairawhiti/

An online attention-seeker turned viewers into witnesses after allegedly live streaming his illegal activity in west Auckland.

Around 6.10pm on 25 July, a TikTok live stream captured a motorist brandishing a machete while doing burnouts in the Titirangi town centre.

Waitematā West Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Jon Winthrop says a concerned member of the public watched the broadcast and notified Police of the driver’s dangerous actions.

“Shortly after, the vehicle was identified near the location seen on the live stream.  

“The BMW was signalled to stop on Craigbank Avenue, New Lynn, and as officers spoke with the occupants, they were met by the unmistakable smell of cannabis.”

A search of the vehicle was invoked, and officers located over 100grams of cannabis packaged into bags and 18 plastic pods of cannabis oil. 

The machete allegedly seen in the live stream was found wedged between the passenger’s seat and the door, and a 30cm-long knife was located in the glove box. 

The driver was arrested, and on being transported to the custody unit, a significant quantity of cash was found in the man’s belt bag.

Senior Sergeant Winthrop says the offender was caught out by his own content.  

“This was a dangerous, attention-seeking stunt that revealed deeper levels of offending.”

An 18-year-old man will appear in Waitākere District Court today, charged with two counts of possessing an offensive weapon, possession for supply cannabis and possession for supply cannabis oil. 

ENDS.

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/27/live-stream-leads-police-to-the-scene/

Two people have been arrested and charged following a firearms incident in Papakura last week.

Police were called to an address on Hill Crescent at about 6.30pm on 23 July following reports a firearm had been discharged.

Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers, Counties Manukau CIB, says two men were taken into custody in Manukau during the weekend.

“A 26-year-old man has been charged with discharging a firearm with reckless disregard, assaults Police, and breach of EM bail.

“A 32-year-old man has also been charged with being a party to discharging a firearm with reckless disregard, and unlawful possession of two firearms.”

Detective Inspector Vickers says both men are due to appear in Manukau District Court today.

“Thankfully no one was injured as a result of this reckless behaviour, and two firearms have also been recovered.”

He says Police would like to thank those members of the public who have assisted with enquiries to date, however, investigators are still seeking information.

“We would still like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information that could assist the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police via 105, either online or by phone, and quote file number 260723/0842.

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

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/27/two-charged-following-papakura-firearms-incident/

Police foiled a group of alleged offenders’ Sunday night plans following an aggravated robbery in Eden Terrace.

Shortly before 6pm Police received reports three men had entered a liquor store on Symonds Street and threatened the shopkeeper.

“During the course of this altercation the shopkeeper has challenged the alleged offenders,” Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Kirk of Auckland City Crime Squad says.

“One person has then allegedly presented a large knife and threatened him.”

The group took approximately five bottles of vodka and a box of RTDs before leaving on foot towards Grafton Bridge.

“Our units have attended the store and made enquiries via CCTV,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kirk says.

“City camera operators have located the three alleged offenders not long afterwards.”

The men were taken into custody without incident.

“This was a good result locating these three alleged offenders and holding them to account for their actions,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kirk says.

“There is no place for violence like this in our communities.”

Three men, aged 33, 40 and 46, will appear in the Auckland District Court today charge with aggravated robbery.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/27/trios-violent-act-ends-in-court-date/

Police are appealing to the public for sightings of Zhane O’Neill-Harvey, reported missing from the Bay of Islands.

Zhane, 31, was last seen on Monday 13 July around 1.30pm on Opua Marina but hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

While the photo of her is a recent one, we have information she may now be wearing a burqa style covering, fashioned from clothing.

Police are eager to have Zhane reunited with her family, who are worried for her safety.

If you have seen Zhane or know her whereabouts or movements, please call 105 and reference file number 260718/3205.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/27/have-you-seen-zhane/

One person has died following a serious single-vehicle crash on SH2, Otane, on Saturday 25 July.

The crash was initially reported about 3.25pm.

Sadly, one person died at the scene.

Two others were seriously injured.

The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit examined the scene.

Motorists are advised to continue to avoid the area, or expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/27/fatal-crash-sh2-otane/