Canterbury Rural Police have arrested and charged a 26-year-old Christchurch man in relation to a series of alleged thefts targeting electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Christchurch. 

Over recent weeks, Police have received numerous reports of EV charging cables being cut and stolen from charging stations across the district. 

The offending has caused significant disruption to EV users and substantial costs to charging network providers through damage and replacement of infrastructure. 

The 26-year-old is facing multiple charges, including five counts of theft over $2,000. He is due to appear in Christchurch District Court tomorrow.

Police continue to make enquiries into incidents across Christchurch.

Inspector Peter Cooper, Canterbury Rural Area Commander, says the offending has had a significant impact on both businesses and members of the public.

“The offending has caused significant disruption to EV users and substantial costs to charging network providers through damage and replacement of infrastructure.

“Police have been working closely with victims and industry partners to identify and locate those responsible to hold them to account.

“While an arrest has been made, our enquiries are ongoing and we are not ruling out further arrests.”

Police encourages anyone who has information about suspicious activity around EV charging stations, or may have information relating to stolen items, to please contact Police.

Anyone with information can contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

As the matter is before the courts, Police are unable to comment further.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/12/man-charged-following-series-of-ev-charger-thefts-christchurch/

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Rochelle Ross, Manawatū CIB:

Police are continuing to investigate a reported assault in Norsewood, reported around 10.30am on Saturday. 

The victim’s condition has improved, and he is now stable.

Police continue to investigate the matter and are keen for anyone who may have been travelling through the area at the time, and seen anything that may help us, to get in touch – particularly if you have dash cam footage.

When emergency services were called to the incident on State Highway 2, the alleged offenders left in a vehicle. 

Any information may be able to help officers find the offenders. 

You can contact Police via 105 online, selecting ‘Update Report’ and referencing P06783179.

ENDS

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/12/update-norsewood-assault/

Police can now release the name of the child who died at Tangimoana Beach on Friday.

He was seven-year-old Ryder Hayden Coley-Clark from Whanganui District.

Our thoughts are with his whānau and friends at this difficult time.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/12/name-release-fatal-water-related-incident-tangimoana-beach/

Police can confirm the name of the woman who died after a crash in Temuka on Thursday 8 October. 

She was 54-year-old Michelle Tracey Hopkins, from Pegasus. 

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

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/12/name-release-fatal-crash-temuka/

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown:

Police have charged a 25-year-old man with murder after a fatal crash in Te Puke.

On Saturday 10 October, Police were called to a single vehicle crash at the intersection of Te Puke Highway and Rangiruru Road about 10.50am. 

Sadly, despite best efforts by emergency services, one person was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination following the incident. 

A homicide investigation has been launched, and Police continue to make enquiries into the crash. 

As part of our investigation, Police ask anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage of a white 2005 Toyota Caldina travelling in the Brown Road area to come forward. 

Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial for our enquiries. 

The 25-year-old is due to appear in Tauranga District Court today.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105, quoting file number 261010/7623.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/12/murder-charge-laid-and-homicide-investigation-launched-after-fatal-crash-in-te-puke/

One person has died in a serious crash on Orete Point Road, Waihau Bay.

Emergency services were alerted to the crash involving a single vehicle about 12.05pm.

Sadly, one person has died at the scene. Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this difficult time.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised and enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/12/fatal-crash-opotiki-eastern-bay-of-plenty/

An early morning vehicle theft has resulted in charges for five youth in Te Atatū South.

Senior Sergeant Jon Winthrop, Waitematā West Area Response Manager, says just after 3am Police received a report of two people allegedly stealing a vehicle on Te Atatū Road.

“Units were quickly in the area and while looking for this vehicle they spotted a car with a broken quarter light on Edmonton Road.

“Eagle monitored this vehicle as staff attempted to initiate a traffic stop.”

The vehicle has then failed to stop for Police and fled.

“Eagle took over and followed the vehicle as it travelled around west Auckland and onto the motorway,” Senior Sergeant Winthrop says.

“As it exited State Highway 20 at Walmsley Road, it was successfully spiked.”

The vehicle stopped a short time later on James Fletcher Drive.

“All five of the occupants exited the vehicle and were taken into custody without issue,” Senior Sergeant Winthrop says.

Five youths, all aged 15, will be referred to Youth Aid Services.

“This was good work by our staff, apprehending these alleged offenders and preventing further offending,” Senior Sergeant Winthrop says.

“However, it is disappointing to see young people engaging in this type of activity.

“They will now face the consequences of their actions.”

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/12/vehicle-theft-ends-in-custody/

Attribute to Acting Detective Sergeant Chris Guild: 

Police are appealing for witnesses after a minor was seriously assaulted at Queens Park in Invercargill last week. 

The assault occurred on Friday 2 October and two youth were arrested in relation to the incident. They appeared in Invercargill Youth Court on Wednesday this week and are due to reappear on 23 October. 

Police are now appealing for any witnesses of the assault to please come forward, in particular, we want to speak with the good Samaritans who picked up the victim and took them home. 

The pair was described to be a couple in a vehicle that was possibly orange or of similar colour. They picked up the victim sometime between 10pm and midnight on Friday 2 October. 

Police have been unable to confirm where exactly she was picked up from, but believe it was either on Kelvin, Gala, or Herbert Street around Queens Park. 

If this was you, or you witnessed the incident or anything else out of the ordinary between 10pm and midnight on Friday 2 October between 10pm and midnight, please get in touch. 

Information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, referencing file number 261004/6085. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/12/appeal-for-witnesses-following-serious-assault-of-minor-invercargill/

Two people have died in a serious crash involving a vehicle and a motorcycle near Matamata last night. 

Emergency services were alerted to the crash near the corner of State Highway 29 and Pond Road at about 8pm. 

The motorcyclist and their passenger were pronounced dead at the scene, and another person was transported to hospital in a moderate condition. 

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised. 

Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/12/fatal-crash-sh-29-matamata/

Police were called to Scarborough, Christchurch about 12:10pm yesterday to reports a person in the water may have suffered a medical event.

Coastguard Sumner assisted in bringing the person to shore at Sumner, where sadly the man was unable to be revived.

Police extend our sympathies to the man’s loved ones.

His death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/12/sumner-beach-incident-scarborough-christchurch/

Police investigating a serious vehicle crash earlier today in Twyford are seeking help from the public.

Emergency services were alerted about 12:05pm to a crash involving a motorcyclist and a vehicle on Evenden Road, between the Expressway roundabout and Percival Road.

The motorcyclist received serious injuries and they are currently being treated in hospital.

Detective Katie Francis says the vehicle involved left the scene, and it’s believe the crash itself occurred some time between about 11:40am and 12:05pm. 

Police are working to identify and locate the vehicle and driver and are seeking assistance from the public.

If you were travelling along Pakowhai Road, Evenden Road, or the Expressway around this time; if you witnessed the crash, or if you have dash cam footage, please contact Police.

You can get in touch either online at 105.police.govt.nz and select ‘Update Report’, referencing event number P067903799, or call 105.

Information can also be passed anonymously if necessary to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-nz.org/

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/11/police-investigating-serious-hawkes-bay-crash-seeking-public-assistance/

Police are appealing for members of the public who may have CCTV or dash cam footage of the Dyers Pass Road area on Friday morning to come forward.

This follows further enquiries into a fatal crash involving a cyclist, who Police can now name as 79-year-old Michael James Hancock of Christchurch.

Police were first made aware of the incident at approximately 10.20am on Friday, on the Governors Bay side of the hill.

Police are also still seeking to speak to the driver of a white hatchback who may have information that could assist with enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking ‘Update Report’, or call 105 using file number 261009/4488.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/11/footage-sought-following-fatal-crash-on-dyers-pass-road-canterbury/

Attribute to: Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Will Loughrin

A man has been arrested this morning after a firearm was presented at a Rotorua Police officer yesterday.

Police staff first noticed a vehicle being driven dangerously through Rotorua yesterday at approximately 3pm. 

Approximately 30 minutes later the driver allegedly pointed a sawn-off shotgun at a Police officer in the Owhata area, and continued driving.

Enquiries then determined the driver was a person wanted in relation to breaching release conditions.

This prompted a significant Police response involving the Armed Offenders Squad, Tactical Dog teams and Police Eagle helicopter.

A general arming order for staff was put in place shortly after in the Rotorua area due to the potential risk to our staff.

Police efforts to locate the man centred on the Owhata area. Officers were in the area for several hours, however he was not located at the time.

Further enquiries throughout the evening led Police to locating a man on a motorbike at 1.40am in Owhata. He was taken into custody with the assistance of the Tactical Dog team.

“Keeping both our people and the community safe is paramount.

“This was a real concern for us yesterday as anyone that presents a firearm at Police officers clearly has no regard for public safety. I want to acknowledge our staff who worked quickly and carefully to effect an arrest in this matter.

“Our officer and other staff are receiving welfare support.”

The general arming order was lifted after the man was taken into custody.

Enquiries are continuing and charges are pending.

ENDS

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/11/man-arrested-following-firearms-incident-in-rotorua/

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown:

Police are appealing to the public for information following a fatal one-vehicle crash on Te Puke Highway yesterday. 
At about 10.50am a white 2005 Toyota Caldina crashed near the intersection of Te Puke Highway and Rangiuru Road after being driven down Brown Road at high speed. 

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the crash or saw the white Toyota Caldina travelling on Brown Road or the surrounding area in the moments before 10.50am. 

Police would also appreciate being able to review any dashcam or CCTV footage you may have of the vehicle. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105, quoting file number 261010/7623.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/11/appeal-for-information-following-fatal-crash-te-puke/

The following can be attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Veronica McPherson:

Police investigating a serious assault in Mangere yesterday are appealing to the public for information.

At about 12.30pm, Police responded to reports of an altercation outside a private address in Harwell Place. It is understood a firearm was involved.

Two people required medical attention and are understood to both be in a stable condition.

Police are now seeking the public’s assistance to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

If you have information that could assist Police, please contact us via our 105 service, referencing P067894182.

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/2026/10/11/appeal-for-information-after-serious-incident-in-mangere/

One person has died in a serious crash in Te Puke this morning. 

Emergency services were alerted to the crash near the corner of Te Puke Highway and Rangiruru Road at about 10.50am. 

One person was pronounced deceased at the scene, and another person was transported to hospital in a critical condition. 

The road is closed and diversions are in place. The Serious Crash Unit has been advised. 

Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/10/fatal-crash-te-puke-3/

Police investigating an assault in Norsewood earlier today are reiterating our appeal for information from the public.

Cordons have been lifted following the altercation around 10:30am today at the side of State Highway 2 which left one person in a critical condition, but the public can expect to see officers in the area as we continue our enquiries.

The alleged offenders left the scene in a vehicle and enquiries are ongoing to locate them. 

As part of Police enquiries, we are keen for anyone who may have been travelling through the area at the time, and seen anything that may help us, to get in touch – particularly if you have dash cam footage.

You can contact Police via 105 online, selecting ‘Update Report’ and referencing 261010/7441. 

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/10/police-reiterate-appeal-following-norsewood-assault/

Attributable to Sergeant Ryan Harrison:

A man is in critical condition after a reported assault in Norsewood.

Police and ambulance were called to reports of disorder around 10:30am on the side of State Highway 2, following which the alleged offenders have left in a vehicle.

The victim has suffered critical injuries and has been transported by helicopter to Wellington Hospital.

Enquiries are ongoing to identify and locate the vehicle and those involved.

A Police presence remains at the scene of the assault, just north of Kopua Road.

Traffic is being diverted around the scene while officers conduct a scene examination.

As part of our enquiries, Police are keen for anyone who may have been travelling through the area at the time, and seen anything that may help us, to get in touch – particularly if you have dash cam footage.

You can contact Police via 105 online, selecting ‘Update Report’ and referencing P06783179.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/10/serious-assault-in-norsewood/

Emergency services are in attendance at a serious crash on Te Puke Highway near the corner of Rangiruru Road. 

The crash was reported to Police at 10.50am. 

Initial indications are there are critical injuries. 

The road is closed and there are diversions are in place.

Police advise motorists to avoid the area and expect delays. 

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

ENDS.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/10/serious-crash-te-puke-highway/

Attribute to: Detective Inspector Greg Murton

A 58-year-old man has been charged in relation to a double homicide in Phillipstown, Christchurch this morning.

The man will face two charges of murder, one charge of attempted murder and one for wounding with intent.

He will appear in the Christchurch District Court on Monday 12 October.

Police were called the Ollivers Road address at about 12.50 this morning.

Two people died at the scene, while two others were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Police believe this is an isolated incident and are not seeking anyone else in connection to this matter at this stage. 

Police want to reassure the public there is no risk to their safety but also appreciate this incident will be deeply upsetting and unsettling for those who reside in the area.

Residents should expect an increased police presence in the coming days and appreciate their co-operation as scene examinations continue.

Police ask anyone who may have seen anything or may have CCTV of the area to contact 105 and quote file number 261010/6589.

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/2026/10/10/charges-laid-in-phillipstown-double-homicide/

Attribute to: Detective Inspector Scott Anderson

A 60-year-old Christchurch man has been charged in relation to the disappearance and subsequent death of 21-year-old Braydon Hepworth.

The man is facing charges relating to the concealment of Hepworth’s body and making a false statement.

He will appear in the Christchurch District Court this morning.

As this matter is now before the courts Police are unable to make further comment at this time.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/10/person-charged-in-relation-to-braydon-hepworth-death/

Attribute to Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves

Two people have died and two others are in custody following a serious incident in Phillipstown, Christchurch this morning.

Police were called to an address on Olliviers Road at about 12.50am.

Two people died at the scene, while two others were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Two other people are in custody assisting Police with enquiries.

Police believe this is an isolated incident and are not seeking anyone else in connection to this matter at this stage. 

Police want to reassure the public there is no risk to their safety but also appreciate this incident will be deeply upsetting and unsettling for those who reside in the area.

Residents should expect an increased police presence in the coming days and appreciate their co-operation as scene examinations continue.

Police ask anyone who may have seen anything or may have CCTV of the area to contact 105 and quote file number 261010/6589.

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/2026/10/10/homicide-investigation-launched-phillipstown-christchurch/

Two people are in critical condition after a two-vehicle crash in Mahoe, Stratford this evening.

Emergency services were called to Palmer Road shortly before 4:30pm today.

Two people have been taken to hospital where they remain in critical condition.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised. Palmer Road remains blocked at either end while emergency services work at the scene.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/09/serious-crash-stratford/

Media are advised that due to staffing constraints, the Police Media Centre will close at 7pm on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October.

As always, information about any critical events outside our operating hours will be released proactively as soon as possible.

Otherwise, any requests received after 7pm will be triaged the next morning.  

Our team will also be operating at reduced staffing levels throughout the weekend, so your patience is appreciated. 

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/09/media-advisory-police-media-centre-hours-this-weekend/

Police can confirm the identity of the man that was found deceased on Leckhampton Court on Wednesday 30 September.

He was 40-year-old David Noah, from Dunedin.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances around Mr Noah’s death, and enquiries are ongoing.

A recent post-mortem has not determined a cause of death and our appeal for information remains current.

If you observed anything unusual in the Leckhampton Court area between 8 and 11pm on Wednesday night, please contact Police.

We don’t believe that a vehicle was involved in the death but we do seek information from drivers. If you were driving in the area between 10.40 and 11.10pm please get in touch.

Anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the area during that timeframe is urged to contact Police via 105, either by phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, select ‘Update Report’. Refer to file number 261001/3548.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/09/name-release-unexplained-death-dunedin/