One person has died following a crash in Kinleith on yesterday.

Police were called to the single vehicle crash on Kauri Road around 3.40pm.

Sadly, the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was found deceased at the scene.

The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination and was reopened around 9.40pm.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/fatal-crash-kinleith-2/

Police can confirm a person has died following an earlier crash in Red Beach.

The single vehicle crash was reported on Red Beach Road at 12.26pm.

The crash occurred at a shopping complex, where the vehicle has impacted a food outlet.

Despite medical assistance being provided at the scene, sadly the driver has died.

Enquiries will be carried out into the crash.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/17/fatal-crash-red-beach-2/

Three Police officers had merely minutes to prevent a tragedy.

All three members from the Auckland Police Maritime Unit sprang into action as a vehicle was quickly pulled under water in Okahu Bay on Monday afternoon.

“The first officer entered the water almost immediately and swam to the vehicle,” District Operations Manager, Inspector Vaughn Graham says.

“A second officer entered shortly afterward, with the third officer getting onto the radio calling for additional resources to the scene.”

Seconds became critical.

“The vehicle was quickly going under water, and the driver was unable to get out of this car, so time was very much of the essence,” he says.

Additional Police units were at the Okahu Bay boat ramp within minutes, with a Police Maritime vessel also arriving into the bay.

A rescue operation was well underway, with frontline Police staff and members of the public lending a hand from pontoons.

Inspector Graham says the vehicle had become submerged.

“An officer used an axe to smash a window to create an escape path for the driver, before swimming him to the pontoon.

“Other officers have provided first aid before ambulance staff were on scene a short time later.”

Inspector Graham commends the Maritime crew’s courage.

“Our team have encountered a risky and life-threatening situation that was rapidly evolving in front of them,” he says.

“They have not hesitated to respond and without a doubt have helped saved a life.”

Police can advise the man was transported to hospital and is receiving support.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/17/seconds-become-crucial-as-tragedy-avoided/

Emergency services are at the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Kauri Road, between Waikato and Peach Roads.

Police were called about 3.40pm.

One person has suffered serious injuries.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/17/serious-crash-kauri-road-kinleith/

The Government’s ongoing focus and investment on getting Police back to basics and focused on frontline policing is yielding impressive results, with the new Taradale Police Station opening today, says Minister of Police Mark Mitchell.

“In Budget 2024, the Government put $34.6 million of capital investment aside for frontline policing. That included the new Taradale Police Station, which replaces the old one that was closed in 2023.

“In the constrained fiscal environment that we are in, my message to Police has been that they need to deliver cost-effective and modern solutions, sometimes thinking outside the box, in order to deliver projects on time and within budget.

“The station opening today is both on time, and approximately five per cent under its project budget with a total cost at this stage of $7.2 million.

“Police have done an outstanding job delivering a modular, modern and fit-for-purpose solution that maximises value for taxpayers and ensures that our Police have a world-class working environment in the Hawke’s Bay.

“By using a modular build, with modules constructed in Wellington and assembled onsite, Police have shown impressive innovation and pace in getting the station opened again. Demolition commenced in September 2025 and the new station is now open, only eight months later.

“The station provides additional assurance for the Hawke’s Bay community during the severe weather events that they have come to know too well, that Police will be responsive to their needs as a community.

“Budget 2026 furthered our investment in core Police infrastructure, with replacements on the way for the ageing Greymouth and Whanganui stations.

“This Government is restoring law and order by fixing the basics, making sure that our Police staff who do incredible work to keep their communities safe have fit-for-purpose and efficient workplaces.”

Note to editors: 

• The new station has been funded from the Government’s Budget 2024 investment in frontline policing (from the capital investment of $34.6 million). It cost $6 million to construct, with the total project cost, at this stage, at $7.2 million. The total cost of the new build has come in under our projected budget by approximately 5 percent.
• Police collaborated with Niche Group, who delivered the build.
• The building is constructed from a rigid steel frame which provides great seismic robustness and allowed the 19 modules making up the building to be bolted together on site. Conventional construction materials such as gib, timber and insulation were then added to complete the building.
• Police staff will be using the new station from Monday 8 June.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/17/new-taradale-police-station-opens/

An $8 million investment in community programmes using sport and physical activity to reduce child and youth offending has been announced by Sport and Recreation Minister, Mark Mitchell.

The Reducing Child and Youth Offending project is a Sport NZ initiative using physical activity and sport to support children and young people who experience higher risk factors relating to offending or reoffending.  

“This initiative aims to improve outcomes for children and young people and contributes to the Government’s target of reducing youth offending by 2030. 

“We are investing in trusted community organisations with proven capability and strong local connections to support children and young people through the positive vehicle of physical activity and sport,” says Mr Mitchell.

The project is part of a wider, joined‑up approach that works alongside whānau, communities and government partners (NZ Police, Department of Corrections, Oranga Tamariki) to strengthen positive opportunities and reduce harm over time. 

“The project focusses on secondary and tertiary prevention, which helps ensure support is focused where it can make the biggest difference. It supports community-led solutions and aims to help prevent young people from entering or re-entering the youth justice system.

“I have seen firsthand the difference that sport and recreation can make in the lives of young people.  This investment means more support, greater access, and real opportunities for those who need it most.”  

The funding will be delivered across four waves through Community Impact Investment, as part of a Sport NZ led Reducing Child and Youth Offending Project.  The first wave has been approved that will see $2.2 million support five organisations.

Note to editors:

Five organisations have been approved for Wave One of the Community Impact investment:

• Pūmanawa Āwhina works in partnership with NZ Police and other community organisations to deliver community‑led, physical activity‑based programmes that support connection, wellbeing, and positive life outcomes for rangatahi, alongside whānau and communities in Auckland and Northland.
• Live for More (Tauranga), which uses surf therapy to support young men aged 16–25 who are at risk of offending or reoffending, and who are experiencing challenges such as substance use, justice system involvement, and gang affiliation.
• Champions Initiative – Billy Graham Youth Foundation (National), which empowers young people through boxing, building confidence, resilience, and community across New Zealand. 
• Te Rāhi a Māui (Canterbury) a kaupapa Māori organisation that uses physical activity (ki-o-rahi and other traditional Māori activities) to support young people within Youth Justice settings and the Corrections Youth Unit.
• Blue Light Ventures (National) is a youth organisation (who works in partnership with NZ Police) to provide a range of Youth Camps, Programmes & Support. RISE is Blue Light’s bespoke national initiative aimed at using physical activity and sport, alongside quality mentoring, to support 10–18‑year‑olds at risk of offending or reoffending through Life skills Camps and Individualised Pathways.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/17/reducing-child-and-youth-offending-through-sport-and-recreation/

Emergency services are at the scene of a crash on Red Beach Road, Red Beach.

Police were called at 12.26pm after a car impacted a building.

One person has suffered serious injuries and is being treated at the scene.

Enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances of the crash.

Police are asking motorists to expect delays and avoid the area where possible.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/17/serious-crash-red-beach/

Police have busted an offshore criminal cell operating across Auckland, allegedly producing and distributing methamphetamine.

Known as Operation Haste, eight search warrants were executed across various locations in Auckland on Tuesday morning, including Avondale and Pakuranga, resulting in 11 people being arrested.

Detectives from the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) identified individuals linked to a Transnational Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) cell who had travelled to New Zealand.

Detective Inspector Tom Gollan says Police will allege these people are responsible for the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine in Auckland.

“We believe this group entered the country specifically to manufacture illicit drugs, supported by several New Zealand-based facilitators.”

He says during the search warrants, which were supported by the Armed Offenders Squad, Police located and seized clandestine laboratory equipment and materials, including an operational laboratory.

“Approximately $200,000 in cash, pseudoephedrine and about 10 kilograms of methamphetamine have also been recovered.”

Detective Inspector Gollan says scene examinations at several of the locations remain ongoing and further charges are likely.

The 11 men, all Chinese and Taiwanese nationals, are aged between 21 and 53 and have since appeared in the Auckland District Court.

They have been charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine, importing precursors and participating in an organised criminal group.

“This operation highlights the ongoing value of strong cooperation with our international partners to rapidly identify and dismantle transnational organised crime groups,” Detective Inspector Gollan says.

“Police have zero tolerance for individuals who come into this country to profit from the harm illicit drugs cause.

“We are very pleased to arrest and hold this group to account.”

Operation Haste marks the 32nd TSOC cell dismantled by NOCG since 2018.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Note for media:

A TSOC cell is a small, organised crime team, sent from overseas, working together in New Zealand to carry out serious criminal activity. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/17/police-operation-shuts-down-auckland-methamphetamine-ring/

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

17 June 2026 – The non-confidential payout received this week follows negotiations after last year’s IPCA (Independent Police Conduct Authority) report finding that police use of pepper spray against Mr Minto at a protest on 6 February 2024 was “excessive use of force and therefore unjustified”.  

The Authority also found that Minto’s “arrest for obstruction was unlawful” and “that the force used against you and your arrest were both unlawful”.

“I’m pleased this issue is now resolved but disturbed that even after the IPCA report the police have not accepted responsibility for what in this instance was thuggish behaviour,” says Minto.

“The police say they don’t accept the IPCA report findings and conceded only that they didn’t provide “aftercare” following their gratuitous use of pepper spray on several people in the protest.”

“I’m writing to the Police Minister to ask for legislative change so IPCA findings become legally binding on police.”

The $10,000 will be donated to PSNA to advocate for a one-state solution to Israel’s hundred-years of land theft, dispossession and colonial violence against the Palestinian people.

Under a one-state solution everyone living between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea would have equal rights under a democratic constitution where ethnic and religious rights are protected. (Note: Israel has made a two-state solution impossible by building hundreds of illegal Israeli settlements housing more than 700,000 Israelis across the occupied Palestinian Territories.)

John Minto

National Campaign Co-ordinator

Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

MIL OSI

Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan will hold a media stand-up this afternoon regarding missing Canterbury woman Rowena Walker.

The stand-up will be held at Christchurch Central Police Station at 1pm today. 

Due to other commitments, this will be the only opportunity for media to speak to Detective Senior Sergeant Carolan today.

Media are asked to report to reception by 12.45pm.

Please RSVP to media@police.govt.nz if you are planning on attending.

ENDS
 

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/17/media-advisory-missing-canterbury-woman-rowena-walker/

Attributable to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Wilson, Auckland City CIB:

A man has been arrested following a death in Central Auckland last night.

Emergency services were called to Wellesley Street East about 6.45pm after a report of a grievous assault involving people known to each other.

A man was located with critical injuries and was transported to hospital but had passed away upon arrival.

One person was taken into custody, and Police are not looking for anyone else in relation.

A scene guard is in place while our enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

A 23-year-old man will appear in the Auckland District Court today charged with murder.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/17/arrest-made-after-death-in-auckland-cbd/

Emergency services are at the scene of a two-vehicle crash on SH20, Māngere.

Police were called to the crash between a car and a motorbike at about 6.50am.

While there have been no significant injuries reported, both right hand Airport bound lanes were temporarily blocked causing significant traffic build up.

Motorists should avoid the area or expect delays.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/17/expect-delays-following-crash-on-sh-20-mangere/

Police are renewing an urgent appeal for information on the whereabouts of missing Canterbury woman Rowena Walker.

Monday 15 June marked 10 months since Rowena went missing from a Burwood address in Christchurch.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan said that no digital footprint and no verified sightings of Rowena have been made in that time. This absence of contact is deeply concerning for investigators and her family.

“Today is Rowena’s 40th birthday. What should be a time of celebration for her whanau is instead one of sadness and desperation.

“A search of part of the Christchurch red zone in April did not yield any positive results. Our team is planning a further search in the coming weeks.

“The investigation team is working our way through a vast amount of digital information, and we continue to speak with witnesses and identify new enquiries.

“There is still a lot of work to do, and the investigation team is dedicated and motivated to find Rowena,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Carolan.

Enquiries have led Police to believe that on or around 15 August 2025, Rowena was the victim of foul play and is no longer alive.

The investigation has indicated that there is someone in the community who knows what happened to Rowena, and it’s time for them to step up and talk to Police. Rowena has family, including young children, who deserve answers about what has happened to her.

Rowena’s partner at the time has so far declined to assist Police with our enquiries. No person can be compelled to speak with Police under any circumstances, and it is that person’s right to maintain his silence. However, as the last person known to have seen Rowena alive, his assistance is crucial to the investigation, and it is disappointing and frustrating that he is unwilling to assist us.

“I would strongly urge him to reconsider and do the right thing by Rowena and her family,” Detective Senior Sergeant Carolan said.

As has been the case from the outset, Police appeal to the public to report any information they think may be relevant, no matter how big or small.

If you have information that can assist, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 251022/9026.

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

“We are grateful for the information received so far, and we continue to ask the community to help us bring answers to Rowena’s family.”

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/17/police-continue-search-for-missing-woman-rowena-walker-on-her-40th-birthday/

A second person has died following a crash in Taupō on Te Heuheu Road on 29 May.

Emergency services were called to the two vehicle crash just before 6.30pm.

She was 79-year-old Pamela Alexander, from Taupō.

Pamela was transported to hospital with critical injuries, however has since died.

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

Police continue to make enquiries into the circumstances of the crash.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/16/second-person-dies-after-taupo-crash/

Police are seeking Daniel Rawiri, who is actively avoiding authorities.

The 29-year-old Papakura man has failed to return to prison, after being granted compassionate bail by the courts on 27 May.

A warrant has been issued for Rawiri’s arrest.

“We know he is aware Police is looking for him and he is actively avoiding us,” Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor says.

“The public should not approach Rawiri, but if you do see him call 111 instead.”

Rawiri has connections across the south Auckland and Waikato regions.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts can also contact 105 using the reference number 260528/0700.

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

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/16/wanted-to-arrest-daniel-rawiri/

Police eyes in the sky nabbed a stolen motorbike while in the process of searching for another in east Auckland last night.

The Eagle helicopter was deployed over Point England searching for a motorbike that had earlier fled from Police.

Officers on the ground attempted to stop a motorbike of interest on Tripoli Road just after 10pm, however the bike accelerated away.

“Eagle has tracked the motorbike, which was travelling at speed and often on the wrong side of the road,” Auckland City East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Tony Ngau Chun says.

“The rider has continued through Panmure before he lost control near Stewart Avenue and subsequently slid into a patrol vehicle, causing minor damage to both vehicles.”

Senior Sergeant Ngau Chun says officers quickly took the man into custody.

“As it turns out the bike had also been reported as stolen.

“This is a good example of great Police work from staff across multiple work groups who brought this incident to a safe conclusion.

“This incident also serves as a reminder that its always best to stop when signalled by Police to do so.”

A 25-year-old man charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop will appear in Auckland District Court today.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/16/search-ends-in-seized-stolen-bike/

Two Hondas swapped the road for a tow truck, after an unmarked patrol detected them allegedly travelling at nearly twice the speed limit.

Police responded to reports of illegal street racing in Rosedale, on the North Shore, on Saturday night.

“An unmarked road policing unit responded to the calls on William Pickering Drive and came across both Hondas allegedly lining up to race,” Waitematā Road Policing Manager, Inspector Jason Edwards says.

“Concerningly, they were allegedly detected travelling at 92 km/h.”

Two men, aged 21 and 33, will now face court.

Inspector Edwards says both men will appear in the North Shore District Court next month, charged with operating a vehicle in a race.

“We have also impounded both Hondas, suspending both drivers’ licences as well.”

Police are aware that William Pickering Drive is regularly used for this illegal activity, and patrol accordingly.

“It’s fortunate that an unsuspecting member of the public has not come across this pair travelling at high speed,” Inspector Edwards says.

“Let’s be very clear that public roads are not for racing.

“We will continue to respond to this dangerous activity, and you will be held accountable, including taking your pride and joy off your hands.”

Police encourage the public to continue reporting illegal street racing activity on 111 as it is happening.

Information can also be reported online or by calling 105.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/16/pair-charged-over-north-shore-racing/

Police are urging south Auckland residents to remain vigilant following reports of scammers targeting trusting people.

Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor, of Counties Manukau CIB, says Police are aware that some members of the community, particularly older people, are becoming the victim of a “leave your bank cards in your letterbox” scheme.

“In this scam, offenders contact victims by phone while pretending to be investigating fraudulent use of their bank card.

“They convince the victim that their bank account has been compromised and instruct them to place their bank card in their letterbox so it can be ‘collected for investigation’.”

However this is a scam, he says.

“Offenders then later attend the property, retrieve the cards, and use them to withdraw cash or make purchases.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says Police have seen similar scams used previously across New Zealand, where offenders impersonate authorities to gain victims’ trust and access to their finances.

“These scams can result in significant financial loss and are particularly distressing for victims.”

Police advise people to:

•              Never follow instructions to leave your bank cards or personal information in your letterbox or outside your home.

•              Do not provide your PIN, passwords or banking details to anyone over the phone.

•              If you are unsure, hang up and contact your bank using the official phone number, or the phone number recorded on the back of the bank card.

•              If someone contacts you claiming to be Police, you can verify this by calling 105.

“Police are asking family members, neighbours and caregivers to check in with elderly or vulnerable people and ensure they are aware of this scam.

“By doing this, you could potentially stop someone you love from becoming a victim.”

If you or someone you know has been targeted or fallen victim, please report it to Police via 105 or online at 105.police.govt.nz, and contact your bank immediately.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/16/police-issue-warning-to-not-leave-bank-cards-in-letterboxes/

Three people have been charged after Police busted a suspected cannabis growing operation in Te Atatū overnight.

Just before 1.30am, Police received information about suspicious activity occurring at a property on Nui Mana Place.

Acting Detective Inspector Megan Goldie, Waitematā CIB, says a group of people were seen removing property from the address and loading it into a truck.

“Given the time of night and information received, officers arrived at the address quickly.

“One person was seen running into the house and attempting to flee via a rear window, however he was quickly taken into custody.

“Entry was then made into the house and two more people were located hiding – one in the ceiling and one in a room behind a false wall.”

Acting Detective Inspector Goldie says cannabis cultivation equipment was located inside the property and the truck.

“This was a good result and Police will continue to target people producing and distributing illegal drugs in our communities.

“We would like to acknowledge the member of the public for reporting the suspicious activity to us.”

Police continue to encourage people reporting suspicious activity in their communities by calling 111, or reporting information through 105 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Three men, aged 22, 32 and 40, have been charged with cultivating cannabis and possessing equipment for cultivating cannabis.

They will appear in Waitākere District Court today.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/16/police-bust-suspected-grow-house/

Police have stopped a vehicle on Auckland’s Southern Motorway following numerous driving complaints this evening.

Police began receiving calls just before 5pm.

“It was reported the Mercedes-Benz was swerving across southbound lanes, and narrowly avoided hitting several vehicles on the motorway,” Senior Sergeant Dave Readings says.

Police units have stopped this vehicle south of the Papakura on-ramp, near Drury.

Senior Sergeant Readings says the male driver, and a passenger, are now in custody and Police enquiries are ongoing.

“We acknowledge those motorists who called 111 this evening so that we could prevent any harm from occurring.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/15/vehicle-stopped-after-driving-complaints/

Attribute to Inspector Simon Feltham, Marlborough Area Commander:

Police making enquiries into the discovery of the body of an infant on Wairau Bar Road on 19 May have now determined the baby’s cause of death.

Sadly, a post-mortem examination has found that the baby was stillborn.

Police are still urgently appealing for the family of the infant to come forward, as we are concerned for the welfare of the mother. We would like to ensure she is safe and can receive any appropriate treatment or support.

We would also like to discuss options with them around the baby’s remains.

If this is you, or you’ve got any information that might help us locate the mother or other family, please get in touch through our 105 service, either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz.

Please quote the file number 260519/9172.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/15/update-body-of-baby-found-in-blenheim/

Police have referred two youths to Youth Aid Services following a large hedge fire at an Oamaru secondary school on Tuesday 9 June.

Emergency services were initially called to a fire involving a line of trees between Virgil Street and Waitaki Avenue at around 9am.

Police determined the fire was suspicious.

Waitaki District Detective Sergeant Rory McGeown says enquiries subsequently identified those responsible.

“Our investigation has established the involvement of two youths, who will now be dealt with through the Youth Aid process,” he says.

“Fire can cause serious damage very quickly, and it’s fortunate no one was injured in this incident.”

Police would like to thank members of the public who came forward with information that assisted the investigation.

“We appreciate the assistance from the community, which was instrumental in helping us resolve this matter,” Detective Sergeant McGeown says.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/15/police-thank-community-for-school-fire-assistance/

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Glen Lindup, Nelson Bays Organised Crime Unit:

Nelson Police have arrested and charged a second person in relation to importing and supplying class B drugs in the Nelson area this morning.

Nelson Bays Organised Crime Unit, with the assistance of staff from the Police Prevention Team, returned to the scene of last weeks’ Redwood Valley search warrant address today.

The search warrant was in relation to the importation and supply of GBL in a district-wide operation to find and take enforcement action against those that bring and sell drugs in the area.

A 34-year-old man was arrested and will appear in Nelson District Court on 16 June, charged with importing GBL and possession of GBL for supply.

He is charged jointly with a 36-year-old female, who Police charged on Friday.

Police and Customs have no tolerance for this type of offending, and we continue to collaborate and investigate the importation and supply of illicit drugs and substances in the Nelson area.

Investigations will continue, and Police do not rule out further arrests.

Anyone with information on the importation or supply of drugs is urged to call 111 for urgent offending that is happening now, or for non-urgent information you can contact 105, either online or over the phone.

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/2026/06/15/second-arrest-in-nelson-drug-operation/

Police are continuing to appeal for information after an unattended dinghy was found at Hihi Beach on 11 June.

The owner of the light blue dingy, approximately 6 feet with a worn off-white interior, has since come forward, however Police are still after witnesses who may have seen the dinghy prior to it being located. 

New information suggests the vessel had been stolen prior to it being found abandoned.

A fishing net with floats, three freshly caught fish, a loose seat cushion and a wooden bench seat were located inside.

The general appearance of the dinghy indicates it was in use, so Police would like to rule out the vessel being linked to anyone missing or in distress.

As a precaution, we would like to appeal to the public for any information that may assist in identifying anyone seen in the boat or its recent movements.

Police urge anyone with information to contact Police and quote file number 260613/4295.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/15/police-seeking-information-on-dinghy-hihi-beach/

Police investigating a suspicious fire in Gore are seeking information from the public.

Southland Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Gary Iddenten says at around 5am on Friday 12 June, emergency services were called to a house fire on Lawrence Street.

“Fortunately, nobody was injured in the fire, however it has since been deemed suspicious.

“To assist our enquiries, we’re seeking any information from members of the public who witnessed the fire or saw any suspicious activity around the Lawrence Street area in the early hours of Friday morning.

“We’re also appealing for any dashcam or CCTV footage from the area.”

Police can be contacted via 105, either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz.

Please reference the file number 260612/0976.

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/2026/06/15/appeal-for-information-following-gore-fire/