Police have laid a raft of charges against a man who allegedly rammed a Police vehicle twice early this morning. 

A white ute first came to Police’s attention at 4.30am after it was observed travelling at excessive speeds along Whangaparāoa Road, Manly. 

Senior Sergeant Carl Fowlie, Waitematā North Area Response Manager, says the vehicle allegedly reached speeds of up to 100kmph in a 50kmph zone. 

“A patrol unit signalled for the vehicle to stop but the driver ignored instructions. 

“The driver then conducted a U-turn and rammed the patrol car before fleeing.”

The unit involved followed the driver towards Gulf Harbour before the vehicle turned and struck the patrol car head-on, causing significant damage

“The officer received moderate injuries and was transported to hospital where they are currently being assessed.

“The suspect then left his vehicle on Tiri Road and fled on foot,” Senior Sergeant Fowlie says. 

Eagle tracked the man from above as he scaled nearby fences, keeping watch as the suspect threw items out of his satchel before abandoning the bag entirely. 

The man attempted to flag down passing vehicles without success and he was quickly apprehended. 

Officers retraced the man’s steps and located the satchel and other discarded items, including methamphetamine, scales, and thousands of dollars in cash. 

“This was an incredibly dangerous act which could have resulted in serious harm to the officer who was doing their job. 

“Police have zero tolerance for reckless behaviour on our roads or towards our staff, and we will hold these offenders to account,” Senior Sergeant Fowlie says. 

A 33-year-old man has been charged with reckless driving, aggravated failing to stop, injures with intent to injure – first responder, failed to stop and ascertain injury after crash, and possess methamphetamine.

ENDS.

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/man-charged-after-police-unit-rammed/

Police are seeking information from members of the public following a fatal crash on State Highway 1 on 25 July. 

The single-vehicle crash, near the East Tamaki off-ramp, was reported to Police just before 9pm. 

The sole occupant of the vehicle, a 22-year-old man, sadly died at the scene.

Detective Sergeant Wayne Gear, Serious Crash Unit, says Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash, and has not yet spoken with Police, to come forward. 

“We would like to thank everyone who has spoken to us so far, however we understand there were a number of vehicles in that area at the time.

“Enquiries indicate there may have been a race or altercation involving another road user prior to the crash, and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage that could assist the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police via 105 and reference file number 260726/7341.

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

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/appeal-for-witnesses-fatal-crash-southern-motorway/

Hastings Police continue to appeal for information after a 47-year-old man has been charged in relation to seven alleged arson incidents this weekend.

On Saturday 15 August, Police were made aware of multiple arsons in the Hastings area between 2am and 3.15am. 

 These incidents occurred around the Hastings CBD and Akina residential areas. 

Following further enquiries and information provided by the public, Police have charged the man in relation to seven alleged arson incidents. We would like to thank those who have provided information that has assisted in our investigation.

Police would now like to speak with anyone who went to the Common Room Bar on Heretaunga Street East between late Friday 14 August and 2am Saturday 15 August, as they may have information that can assist our enquiries.

We also ask those in the Hastings CBD, Hastings residential, and the Havelock North Community to review any CCTV footage they may have of their properties between 2am and 6am on Saturday 15 August.

If you see any suspicious activity, including a man of slim build wearing a long-sleeved black shirt, black pants, and dress shoes, please get in touch with us. 

Hastings Police would also like to hear from anyone who believes the underside of their vehicle, a section of their property, or their rubbish bins may have been involved in an arson incident. 

Information from the public is crucial in helping us determine the circumstances and timelines of these incidents. 

The 47-year-old man has been remanded in custody, due to reappear in Hastings District Court on 8 September, facing multiple charges including four counts of wilfully setting fire to property and endangering life, two counts of arson, and attempted arson.

Further charges have not yet been ruled out.

If you have any information that can assist our investigation in relation to these matters, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105, or you can head to the front counter at Hastings Police Station. 

Please use the reference number 260815/7973.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/police-continue-to-appeal-for-information-from-the-public-following-series-of-alleged-arson-incidents-hastings/

A 54-year-old man has been arrested after attempting to steal copper cable from the rail corridor, damaging the safety signals system.

At about 4am on Friday 3 July, Police received a report about a person unlawfully entering the rail corridor at Takapu Road Station in Tawa, Wellington. A heavy signalling cable was damaged, however the alleged offender left the scene before Police arrived.

The severed cable caused signalling faults which required train services to be suspended while emergency repairs were undertaken.

Wellington Police’s Investigation Support Unit yesterday executed a search warrant at an address in Porirua, and the man was subsequently arrested.

Kāpiti Mana Area Commander Renée Perkins says the cost of the damage to the infrastructure is about $3000, but the delay and loss in productivity to early morning commuters cannot be appropriately quantified.

“It’s very disappointing that people are causing damage to public transport services and are willing to put other people’s lives at risk.”

Andy Lyon, KiwiRail’s General Manager Wellington Metro, says anyone interfering with rail equipment is putting themselves and others at risk of serious harm.

“Copper theft from the rail corridor is extremely serious. As well as posing a significant safety risk, this type of offending can cause delays, additional costs, and disruption to the community.

“We are grateful to Police for their swift action in making an arrest and will continue to work closely with them on offences of this nature.” 

The 54-year-old man will appear in Porirua District Court on 2 September on a charge of Endangering Transport.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/attempted-railway-copper-theft-lands-man-in-court/

Source: Workers First Union

Retail workers in understaffed stores are more than twice as likely to have experienced a safety incident as those in well-staffed stores, a major new survey of 2,403 retail workers has found.

The survey, released today by Workers First Union and one of the largest of retail workers conducted in Aotearoa, points to a single underlying cause running through nearly every finding: understaffing. Workers in stores that are always understaffed reported a safety incident at more than twice the rate of those in well-staffed stores (70% vs 30%) and were nearly five times less likely to always feel safe at work (11% vs 52%).

Read the full report.

More broadly, 59% of all respondents have experienced customer abuse or harassment in the last two years, and only 21% say they always feel safe at work.

Asked what single measure would most improve their safety, the top answer by far was simply more staff (38%) – ranking well ahead of cameras, guards, or any other specific security measure.

“Understaffing is the common driver of violence and abuse of retail workers, of feeling unsafe in stores, and of workers wanting to quit their retail jobs,” said Rudd Hughes, Workers First Deputy Secretary.

“What this shows is that understaffing is a health and safety issue and not some kind of smart business decision for an employer who’s looking to cut costs.”

“Employers must be held accountable for understaffing their stores and putting workers’ safety at risk to save money.”

Steve Day, a Nelson retail worker, was violently assaulted by a stranger in January 2025 while stocking shelves in a supermarket. His attacker, who the judge later described as committing an act of “persistent violence”, was sentenced to prison, and Mr Day said he still struggles with what happened.

“It was sheer luck for me that our night-fill staff were nearby, including one who happened to be a pub bouncer – he stepped in, or it could have been even worse,” said Mr Day.

“We were regular 111 callers for violent or disorderly customers. With limited Police resources to dispatch, you need good staffing levels to protect retail workers.”

“We don’t even need to intervene – just having more staff present and watching can make it much less likely that people kick off in the store.”

“Colleagues leave their jobs because of understaffing. It makes the job more stressful as well as increasing the amount of conflict and confrontation with customers.”

Workers First Union is calling on retailers to treat safe staffing levels as a health and safety issue, not a discretionary cost. Mr Hughes suggested several solutions to the persistent problem of dangerous staffing levels and abuse and violence against retail workers:

• Increased prosecutions of employers who risk staff safety by perpetually understaffing stores.
• Increased powers for workers to strike on health and safety grounds (described in more detail in Workers First’s ‘Take the Power Back’ paper).
• Increased responsibility and scope for Worksafe to investigate understaffing as a health and safety issue in workplaces.
• Requiring employers to provide additional EAP and medical costs for retail workers who experience assault and abuse in their workplace.

Mr Hughes said a sectoral bargaining mechanism like the Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) framework, was also key to setting minimum expectations and standards across the industry.

“Retail workers are not adequately paid for the risks they have to shoulder in stores,” said Mr Hughes.

“We depend on them as providers of an essential service, but the vast majority do not earn a living wage and are living week-to-week during a cost-of-living crisis. This has to change.”

“Anyone can be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time – but that should never be someone’s workplace.”

The survey also found:

• 43% of workers have been verbally abused or assaulted by a customer in the last two years, and 27% have had to confront a shoplifter.
• Only 57% of workers who experienced a safety incident reported it to their employer, and of those who did, only 49% were satisfied with how it was handled.
• Among workers who experienced a safety-related problem, 61% felt stressed or anxious as a result, and 35% said they dreaded coming to work.
• 61% of respondents said things had gotten worse for retail workers over the last year, and 53% expect things to get worse again over the next year.

The full report, Understaffed and Under Threat: Retail Staff Safety Survey 2026, is available at: https://workersfirst.nz/retail-staffing-2026

MIL OSI

A couple allegedly responsible for a string of offending at central Auckland supermarkets have been arrested after fingerprints pointed Police in their direction.

Late last week, Police got a forensic lead after multiple burglaries at two of the chain’s stores.

Sergeant Tash Dallow, Avondale Tactical Crime Unit, says a Westmoreland Street West supermarket had been targeted multiple times in recent weeks, including a burglary at 3am on 31 July where a large quantity of meat was allegedly stolen.

“We had positive forensic results and on reviewing CCTV footage we firmly identified a person of interest in our investigation.”

Police believed the person of interest, a Black Power member, was responsible for a series of offending at the supermarket’s Grey Lynn and Mount Eden stores, including three burglaries; one shoplifting offence; and an aggravated assault which occurred during the shoplifting.

The man’s partner was also wanted for shoplifting.

With new information to hand, a search warrant was prepared and executed at a Ponsonby address on 14 August. 

“The female suspect answered the door and refused to cooperate. She was arrested,” Sergeant Dallow says. 

A Constable well-versed in hide and seek located the man hiding under a pile of clothes in a wardrobe, and he was also arrested.

The couple had allegedly stolen a combined total of $9,000 worth of meat, which was allegedly sold in exchange for methamphetamine and cash. 

“This was a great result as these offenders repeatedly made staff feel unsafe at their place of work.

“Retail crime is not a victimless offence, and Police will continue to hold offenders to account,” Sergeant Dallow says. 

Police are making further enquiries into the sale of the stolen goods.

A 40-year-old male has been charged with shoplifting; three counts of burglary; and aggravated assault. He was remanded in custody and will reappear in Auckland District Court on 14 October.

A 43-year-old woman has been charged with shoplifting and will appear in Auckland District Court on 20 August. 

ENDS.

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/19/prints-point-to-perpetrators/

One person has died following a crash in Peka Peka tonight.

The single vehicle crash on Pawtawa Road was reported just after 7pm.

The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

The road is currently closed and members of the public are advised to avoid the area.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/18/fatal-crash-peka-peka/

State Highway 1, Hundalee remains closed following an earlier crash.

The two-vehicle crash near the intersection with Claverley Road was reported at around 3:15pm.

Two people have been seriously injured, a third person sustained moderate injuries. 

Motorists are advised to expect ongoing delays, and are asked to avoid the area where possible.

ENDS  

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/18/state-highway-1-hurunui-closed-following-crash/

State Highway 51, Awatoto is currently closed following a crash.

The two-vehicle crash, involving a car and a motorbike just south of Waitangi Road was reported just after 4:30pm.

Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

Diversions are in place via Waitangi Road and Farndon Road.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/18/serious-crash-hastings/

Police investigating a crash earlier today in Timaru are seeking information from the public. 

At around 11:40am today (18 August) Police were called to a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian near the intersection of Wai-iti Road and Wilson Street.

The pedestrian was critically injured and remains in hospital.

We’re seeking information from anybody who witnessed the crash, including any CCTV or dashcam footage.

If you have information to assist Police, please contact 105, either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, referencing the file number 260818/9739.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/18/appeal-for-information-following-crash-timaru/

Christchurch Police investigating a reported assault on Saturday 8 August are seeking the public’s assistance. 

The assault was reported to Police at around 1:20am and occurred on the corner of Hereford Street and Shands Lane.

In addition to any witnesses who may have information to assist Police enquiries, we are also working to identify and locate the victim of this assault, so we can speak with them, as well as ensure they have received the relevant medical treatment. 

If you have any information, or can help Police identify the victim, please contact 105, either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz

Please reference the file number 260814/6195.

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/2026/08/18/appeal-for-information-following-assault-christchurch/

Police saw right through an alleged burglar’s excuse in Wiri, issuing him a red card to court.

A call was made to Police at 11.30pm on Monday by a security company monitoring a site on Kerrs Road.

Acting Senior Sergeant Jane Cornish, Counties Manukau Police, says an unknown man was seen on CCTV inside a commercial building.

“The building is currently under construction and units were quickly on the scene, and Eagle was overhead within minutes.”

Eagle monitored the vehicle as it began to leave the premises.

“Police staff arrived and blocked the van from leaving,” Acting Senior Sergeant Cornish says.

“The alleged offender told officers he was there to play soccer.”

With the unlikely excuse in hand Police invoked a search of the man’s vehicle.

“Inside the van was a number of industrial panel lights that matched those used in the building,” Acting Senior Sergeant Cornish says.

“A further search of the vehicle uncovered an amount of methamphetamine, cannabis and a meth pipe.”

Police then took the man into custody.

“This was a good catch by our staff who attended the scene quickly,’ Acting Senior Sergeant Cornish says.

“This man has not learnt his lesson so will now head to court and explain his actions.”

A 39-year-old man will appear in the Manukau District Court today charged with burglary, possessing methamphetamine, possessing cannabis and possessing utensils for drug use.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/18/police-not-playing-ball-with-burglars-excuse/

Motorists are advised to expect delays on State Highway 16 following a crash this afternoon.

Police were notified at 12.35pm, after a northbound vehicle hit the median barrier near the St Lukes off-ramp. 

There were no reports of injury.

A northbound lane is currently blocked and traffic is building.

Heavy delays are expected, with Police advising motorists to avoid the area or seek an alternative route.

ENDS.

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/18/delays-expected-sh16-point-chevalier/

Hamilton Police are continuing to respond to a recent increase in incidents involving young people using bicycles in the city area.

Over recent weeks, Police have seen an increase in anti-social and disorderly behaviour involving youths riding bicycles around the central city, along with thefts of bicycles from the city and surrounding suburbs.

Hamilton Police are working closely with Hamilton City Council and its City Safe team to utilise council CCTV to identify those responsible. A number of offenders have already been identified, resulting in arrests and referrals to Youth Support and Intervention Services.

“We will not tolerate this type of behaviour including riding dangerously on the roads and confronting members of the public and understand that it is of concern to our community,” says Senior Sergeant John Hill.

“Those involved can expect to be identified and dealt with accordingly.”

We really want to hear from members of the public to report any disorderly, threatening, or suspicious behaviour involving bicycles. Information from the community plays a vital role in helping Police identify offenders and prevent further offending.

If the incident is happening at the time and there is an immediate risk to safety, call 111. For non-emergency matters, information can be reported online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/18/hamilton-police-appeal-for-information-after-increase-in-anti-social-incidents-involving-young-people-and-bicycles/

A body has been located in the water near Lawyers Head, Dunedin today.

Police were called to John Wilson Ocean Drive at around 3:20pm after a member of the public discovered the body.

The body has since been recovered, and a formal identification process is underway.

The road was cordoned off for a time while the body was recovered, but has since reopened.

The public may see an increased Police presence in the area while enquiries continue.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/17/body-located-dunedin/

Attribute to: Inspector Phil Edwards, Bay of Plenty Area Commander

Police are asking for the public’s help following the arrest of a gang member who fled Police then stole a vehicle in Taupo today.

Police are asking for any motorist who might have dashcam footage of this morning’s incident. It occurred between Tūrangi on State Highway 1 and Pohokura on State Highway 5 (Napier-Taupō Road) between 8.50am and 10am.

Police first tried to stop the vehicle in Tūrangi for suspicious behaviour, but the man fled Police, heading north towards Taupo.

Police were able to deploy spikes near Waitahanui Bridge, State Highway 1, disabling the first vehicle.  

The man decamped, then approached a commercial vehicle. He pulled the occupant – who was uninjured – from the driver’s seat and fled again, first toward Taupō airport then along State Highway 5. 

He exceeded speeds of more than 130km and regularly drove on the wrong side of the road. In one instance, he travelled more that 5.5km on the wrong side of the road.

Units from Taupō and Hawke’s Bay were deployed, with the second vehicle spiked approximately 9km south of Pohokura on State Highway 5.

The man was taken into custody just before 10am.  

Police did an excellent job in resolving this offending as quickly and safely as possible.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage is encouraged to contact Police via 105 online or by calling 105. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Please reference case 260817/5917 

Charges are pending.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/17/police-ask-for-publics-help-following-dangerous-driving-arrest/

Three youths were taken into custody last night after their reckless ride in a stolen car spanned two cities. 

The journey began in Whangārei, where at around 5.10pm a Toyota Aqua was stolen from outside an address on Okara Drive. 

Acting Senior Sergeant Jane Cornish, of Manurewa Police, says prior to the vehicle theft, two youths were allegedly observed shoplifting a screwdriver from a nearby supermarket.

“Just after 10.30pm, officers in Counties Manukau observed the stolen vehicle travelling near Weymouth Road without its headlights on. 

“Eagle was deployed and tracked the vehicle from above as it drove dangerously across Manurewa.”

Spikes were successfully deployed on Great South Road, and the vehicle came to a stop on McAnnalley Street.

The occupants fled on foot, but Police quickly located all three hiding behind commercial premises nearby. 

A screwdriver was located at the scene. 

“This was a dangerous display of driving that put the vehicle’s occupants and the public at risk,” Acting Senior Sergeant Cornish says. 

The three young offenders, aged 13, 14 and 15, were referred to Youth Aid. 

ENDS.

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/17/across-city-lines-but-not-beyond-polices-reach/

Opunake Road in Cardiff, Stratford, is blocked after a truck has rolled this afternoon.

Police were notified of the crash, between Hastings Road and Ronald Road, around 12.30pm. 

One person, who was the sole occupant of the truck, received moderate injuries.

Diversions are in place at Hastings Road and Ronald Road, and Opunake Road is expected to remain closed for some time while the truck is being recovered.

Motorists are advised to take alternative routes and expect delays.

ENDS

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/17/road-blocked-opunake-road-cardiff-stratford/

Taranaki Police have charged a man and seized firearms and drugs following a traffic stop in Stratford overnight. 

Around 1.40am today, Police conducted a routine traffic stop near the intersection of Cordelia Street and Fenton Street. 

During the stop, Police noticed drug paraphernalia and the smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle, and the driver and passenger were detained while a search was carried out on the vehicle. 

As a result of the search a .22 3D printed firearm, a shotgun, ammunition, numerous other offensive weapons, an amount of methamphetamine, and an amount of cannabis, were located and seized. 

Senior Sergeant Malcolm Collins says one of the firearms was reportedly located tucked up in the driver’s footwell. 

“There is no good reason for a firearm to be so easily accessible to a driver – this was a great catch, and I want to commend staff for their vigilance and excellent work to get these firearms out of the community.” 

A 37-year-old man was arrested and is due in New Plymouth District Court today, charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis, two counts of unlawfully possessing ammunition, and five counts of possessing an offensive weapon. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/17/man-charged-firearms-and-drugs-seized-stratford/

Police can now release the name of the person who died following a crash in Waimangu on Tuesday 11 August. 

She was 39-year-old Clara Joan Apiata, of Whakatane. 

Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time. 

Enquiries remain ongoing into the circumstances of the crash. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/17/name-release-fatal-crash-waimangu/

A surfer was safely recued after getting into difficulty approximately 200 metres offshore from Fitzroy Beach, New Plymouth.

Police were notified at about 3.20pm yesterday after a concerned member of the public observed the surfer appearing unable to make it back to shore in challenging sea conditions.

At the time, winds were estimated to be 30 to 40 knots with swells of around two metres.

Detective Nathan Hessell of Taranaki Police Search and Rescue says his team contacted Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ), who promptly deployed an inflatable rescue boat (IRB) to the area.

Three surf lifeguards responded, two in an IRB and one onshore with an ATV. 

The surfer was successfully recovered from the water 40 minutes after SLNZ were notified and he was brought safely back to shore.

He was assessed and treated by ambulance staff at the scene and while he was very cold, he thankfully did not require transport to hospital.

Detective Hessell says the incident highlights the importance of speaking up when someone appears to be in trouble.

“We’re grateful to the member of the public who called Police after recognising the surfer may be in difficulty.

“Their quick actions helped get assistance deployed promptly.”

Detective Hessell also praised the response from Fitzroy Surf Life Saving Club volunteers who carried out the rescue in difficult conditions.

“The conditions were extremely challenging, with strong winds and significant swells.

“Surf Life Saving’s swift and professional response ensured the surfer was brought safely back to shore.

“We’re pleased this incident had a positive outcome and thank everyone involved for their efforts.”

Police remind people planning to head into the water to check weather and sea conditions beforehand, understand their limits and to always take appropriate safety precautions.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/17/surfer-rescued-off-fitzroy-beach-new-plymouth/

Attribute to Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Ian Foster: 

A postmortem examination is expected to take place tomorrow after a body was found in a car fire in Aria, Waitomo, yesterday. 

Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand were alerted around 6am on Sunday 16 August to a car on fire on Mokauiti Road. 

Fire and Emergency responded to tend to the fire. Upon their arrival, a person has been located deceased in the vehicle and they advised Police. 

Cordons were in place yesterday on Mokauiti Road, between Waitahi Road and Oniao Road, while Police worked at the scene and the road was reopened by 8.30pm. 

Formal identification is underway and a postmortem is expected to take place tomorrow. 

At this stage, the death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/17/update-car-fire-body-located-in-aria-waitomo/

Charges have been entered for the 23-year-old man in relation to the serious incident in Maeroa on Saturday night. 

He is due in Hamilton District Court today, charged with aggravated burglary, two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and attempted murder. 

One victim remains in hospital in stable condition, and the three other victims have been discharged.  

Police have concluded scene examinations but will be continuing to conduct enquiries in the Churchill Avenue area, and the public can expect an increased Police presence during this time – we appreciate the ongoing support from the community.  

Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Ian Foster says he would like to acknowledge the community and Churchill Avenue residents who witnessed this distressing incident and have assisted with our enquiries. 

“If you are yet to speak with us and witnessed the incident or captured video footage, including CCTV, of the events that unfolded around 8.50pm on Saturday 15 August, please get in touch. 

“I would also like to commend the Police staff that responded to this incident and worked hard to stop the alleged offender before anyone else was hurt.” 

Any information regarding this incident can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, and reference file number 260816/0504.  

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/2026/08/17/update-2-maeroa-incident/

A Palmerston North shearer has been placed on 6 months’ community detention, along with 12 months’ supervision for physically abusing 3 lambs while shearing them.

In December 2024, animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) provided 560 hours of video footage of sheep being abused by shearers to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). MPI responded by launching a nationwide investigation of shearing practices.

Today, Dylan George Manthey (30) was sentenced in the Palmerston North District Court on 3 charges of ill-treatment of sheep under the Animal Welfare Act, following a successful prosecution by MPI. He pleaded guilty to all charges. The end sentence took into account two driving offences he was charged with by Police.

MPI director of investigations and compliance support Gary Orr says today’s sentence is the first to come as a result of a thorough investigation. 

“We spent thousands of hours studying video footage of shearing operations and Mr Manthey was identified in footage deliberately abusing lambs on 3 occasions. This is unacceptable and falls well short of our expectations.”

Video footage captured at shearing sheds in South Canterbury showed Mr Manthey lift a lamb to shoulder height and throw the animal headfirst onto the hard wooden shearing platform. On the same day, he was also captured grabbing another lamb by both front legs, swinging the animal and then throwing it over a metre high wall into a pen.

“A veterinarian who viewed the video footage says the abuse would have caused unnecessary pain and distress to these lambs,” says Mr Orr.

“On another day at different shearing sheds, he was captured on video grabbing a lamb’s back and neck area and throwing it forcefully at the wooden doors of a pen, which would’ve caused similar pain and distress for this animal.” 

“We know the vast majority of shearers don’t resort to abusing an animal when the work is challenging. When we find evidence of deliberate abuse, we take action,” says Mr Orr.

Three other shearers are still before the court and facing charges under the Animal Welfare Act.

Animal welfare is everyone’s responsibility and MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 008 333.  

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/16/shearer-placed-on-6-months-community-detention-12-months-supervision-for-deliberate-physical-abuse-of-lambs/

Attribute to Inspector Mark Miller, Taranaki Area Commander:

Taranaki Police issued dozens of infringements, impounded vehicles and charged unlawful drivers following a road policing operation over the weekend.

Checkpoints were conducted on Friday and Saturday nights throughout New Plymouth, Ōakura, Bell Block, Inglewood and Waitara with assistance from the Manawatū and Whanganui Impairment Prevention teams.

The operation resulted in:

• A total of 460 compulsory breaths tests, and six drivers were charged with drink driving offences as a result.
• Police issuing 24 drivers with infringement notices for excess speed, and 41 infringement notices were issued for other offences.
• Five vehicles impounded for a variety of offences, with one driver being summoned for sustained loss of traction.
• Charging seven drivers who were unlawfully out and about with driving whilst forbidden, suspended or disqualified.

Two vehicles tried to evade Police and skip the checkpoints. They were soon located and the drivers arrested.

The driver and a passenger of the first car were connected to an incident in Manaia the previous day. They were charged with unlawfully taking a vehicle and burglary.

The 15-year-old driver of the other car has been referred to youth aid.

Police remind road users that checkpoints are set-up for the safety of all. Taranaki Police remain committed to keeping our roads and communities safe. The best way to approach a checkpoint is driving legally and sober.

If you see dangerous or anti-social road use, please ring 111 immediately.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/16/checkpoint-dodgers-among-dozens-caught-in-taranaki-road-policing-bid-to-keep-roads-safe/