Attributable to Inspector Wade Jennings:

Today Wellington Police have attended five incidents where individuals are believed to have overdosed on a substance that is thought to be GHB, commonly known as fantasy or liquid ecstasy.

Sadly, one person has died in relation to this matter.

Three others remain in hospital, and one other person has been treated and discharged from medical care.

These incidents have occurred across the district, from Miramar, Brooklyn, Johnsonville, and Upper Hutt.

An investigation is underway and Police are treating the matter as a priority given the risk to the public.

Police are urging the public to exercise caution, and anyone who may have this type of substance are urged not to consume it.

If you, or someone you know, are feeling unwell, please go to your nearest healthcare provider urgently.

People are able to get support by calling free and confidential services, such as:

• Alcohol and Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797
• Narcotics Anonymous: NZ 0800 628 632
• 1737 – free text/phone to speak with a trained counsellor
• Youthline: 0800 376 633

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/26/police-urge-caution-following-multiple-potential-overdoses/

Māngere Road is blocked following a crash in Ōtāhuhu this evening.

Emergency services were called to the crash involving a vehicle and pedestrian about 5.50pm.

One person has received critical injuries and has been transported to hospital.

The road is blocked and motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS.

Jo Wilson/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/26/crash-otahuhu/

Attribute to Senior Sergeant Nathan Snell, Wairoa Area Response Manager:

Eastern District Police have arrested two men in relation to investigations to disrupt the supply of drugs and gang violence into the area.

Over the past two days, Police executed search warrants across addresses in Wairoa and Raupunga.

Police located a quantity of methamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis. A further search has located ammunition and a large amount of cash.

As a result, two men aged 18 and 24 have been charged with a range of offences include possession of methamphetamine and cannabis for supply and unlawful possession of ammunition.

They are due to appear in Gisborne District Court today.

Two additional men have been arrested on outstanding arrest warrants during the operation.

Further arrests and charges are likely as investigations continue.

Police are actively investigating the supply of drugs and violence in our communities.

Gang violence and drugs cause serious harm in our community and Police will not tolerate this behaviour and will continue to work tirelessly in these investigations.

Police remind our community that we all play a part in reducing the social harm.

If you are able to provide Police with any information, please call 111 if it’s happening now or use the 105 service if it’s after the fact.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/26/two-men-face-drug-charges-following-wairoa-search-warrants/

Motorists travelling on State Highway 2 in Wellington are being advised to take extra caution on the road this afternoon.

SH2 is impacted both directions by flooding and rockfall, between Ngauranga and Aotea Quay southbound, and just before Petone northbound.

Drive to the conditions and remember your following distances.

Please avoid all unnecessary travel.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/26/motorists-urged-to-take-extra-caution-on-state-highway-2-wellington/

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal crash in Wellsford in April.

Emergency services responded to the single vehicle crash on Waiteitei Road at about 10.20pm on 23 April.

Sadly, one person died at the scene.

Senior Sergeant Wayne Gear says the Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

“However, Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or who might have dashcam footage.

“It’s highly possible there were a number of other vehicles travelling that stretch of road at that time who may have seen something.

“If you can assist, please get in touch with us via our 105 service and reference file number 260424/0992.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/26/witnesses-sought-following-fatal-crash/

District:

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/26/crash-cleared-takanini/

Motorists are being advised to expect delays following a crash on the Southern Motorway this afternoon.

Police received a report of a single vehicle crash on the Southern Motorway near the Takanini on-ramp at about 12.50pm.

Two lanes are blocked and motorists are being advised to expect delays or seek an alternative route.

One person has received minor injuries.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/26/delays-expected-following-crash-takanini/

One person has died following a crash in Westland this morning.

The single vehicle crash on State Highway 6 just north of Kumara was reported at around 5:30am.

The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

One lane of the road has since re-opened, the Serious Crash Unit are on scene conducting a scene examination.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/26/fatal-crash-westland/

A driver who allegedly rammed a Police car in central Auckland before fleeing is now before the Court.

At about 1.30am this morning, officers noticed a Mazda Axela travelling on Victoria Street West with no lights on.

Impairment Prevention Team coordinator, Senior Sergeant Jesse Mowat, says the patrol vehicle followed the driver was it continued onto the motorway travelling west.

“The vehicle then travelled past an unmarked patrol car, who were able to follow it as it exited at Lincoln Road and stopped at the lights.

“The Mazda has then reversed into the front of the patrol vehicle before taking off and heading at speed back towards the city.”

Senior Sergeant Mowat says Police signalled for the vehicle to stop, however it continued on eventually heading south along State Highway 1.

“The vehicle was then spiked after exiting at Drury, before coming to a stop near Young Crescent and the driver was quickly taken into custody without incident.

“It’s incredibly lucky that the only damage was to a vehicle and no one was hurt.”

A 21-year-old man has been charged with failing to stop, reckless driving and failing to comply with prohibition.

He will appear in Auckland District Court today.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/26/fleeing-driver-to-front-court/

As the wind and rain lashes the lower North Island, Police are reminding motorists to take extra care on the roads.

Inspector Mark Oliver says Police has been made aware of power lines down, debris on the roads, and some surface flooding, particularly across the Hutt Valley and in Taranaki.

“Remember your following distances, ensure you drive at safe speeds for the conditions, and consider avoiding unnecessary travel,” he says.

ENDS

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/26/lower-north-island-weather-prompts-police-reminder/

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash just south of Whatawhata this morning.

The crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on State Highway 39 was reported at around 6:40am.

The pedestrian died at the scene.

State Highway 39 remains closed between Koromatua Road and Higgison Road with cordons in place. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/26/fatal-crash-whatawhata/

State Highway 39/Kakaramea Road, south of Whatawhata is closed following a crash.

The crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian between Koromatua Road and Higgison Road was reported at around 6:40am.

Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

Diversions are in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/26/state-highway-39-closed-south-of-whatawhata-following-crash/

State Highway 6/Taramakau Highway is blocked northbound following a crash just north of Kumara.

Police were notified of the single vehicle crash just north of the intersection with State Highway 73 at around 5:30am.

Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/26/crash-blocking-state-highway-6-taramakau-highway-westland/

Attribute to Acting Sergeant Prevention Mike Pouwels:

Hamilton Police have impounded another dirt bike as part of an ongoing enforcement operation to target illegal and dangerous dirt bike behaviour in the city’s neighbourhoods.

Yesterday, Hamilton City Prevention Teams executed a warrant at a property following multiple complaints of driving behaviour in the Bader area.

Complaints related to a red dirt bike being ridden in a dangerous manner, placing pedestrians and other road users at risk, as well as causing a nuisance.

Staff made enquiries and a warrant was obtained to seize and impound the dirt bike. To date, 16 dirt bikes have been seized as part of the operation.

A 13-year-old was spoken to and has been referred to Youth Aid in relation to dangerous driving.

Hamilton Police would like to encourage residents to report this type of activity as soon as possible.

Our dedicated crime prevention team are committed to addressing unlawful and dangerous driving behaviour that threatens public safety and community wellbeing.

If you know the addresses where offending dirt bikes are stored, please contact Police.

If you see dangerous driving happening now, please call 111. For non-emergencies or to provide information on the dirt bikes, use the 105 service either over the phone or online. On the website, click ‘Make a report’. 

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/2026/06/25/dirt-bike-seized-following-dangerous-riding-complaints/

Police are urgently seeking information on the whereabouts of Emily.

The 13-year-old girl from Opaheke was reported missing on the afternoon of 24 June.

Police believe Emily was in the area near Sylvia Park in the early hours of this morning.

Police and Emily’s family are concerned for her welfare, and we ask anyone with information to contact us.

She was last seen wearing a red jumper, blue denim three quarter pants, black sneakers and a grey net bag.

If you see Emily, please contact 111 immediately.

Information on her whereabouts can also be provided via 105 on 260624/4277.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/25/have-you-seen-emily/

A west Auckland man has been charged in an investigation into alleged offending at a therapy clinic.

Waitematā Police have been investigating alleged offending and made an arrest this month.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, Waitematā West Area Investigations Manager, says a male aged in his 40s has been charged with two counts of indecent assault.

He remains before the Auckland District Court, reappearing September.

“The man is described as offering services including acupuncture and holistic therapy from a clinic in the Glen Eden area,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.

“Police acknowledge the courage of those who have come forward. Reporting incidents of this nature can be difficult, and support is available.”

As enquiries continue, Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting is appealing to anyone who may have had a similar experience, or who has information that could assist the investigation, to make contact.

“Even if you are unsure whether what occurred was an offence, Police encourage you to come forward so the matter can be assessed.”

Information can be provided by calling Police on 105 and quoting the relevant file number 260519/0075.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/25/man-charged-over-alleged-indecent-assaults/

Kumara Junction Highway (State Highway 6) is down to one lane following a serious crash this evening.

The crash, involving two cars, occurred between Chesterfield Road and Stafford Road and was reported to Police at 5.30pm.

One person sustained critical injuries and one person has minor to moderate injuries. Both have been transported to hospital.

The Serious Crash Unit will be examining the crash scene and the road is expected to be down to one lane for some time tonight.
 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/kumara-junction-highway-sh-6-down-to-one-lane-following-crash/

The first 2026 wing to graduate from the New Zealand Police Auckland campus will be acknowledged and celebrated this Friday 26 June.

They will soon be boosting the frontline with two new constables bound for Northland District and 32 deployed across Tāmaki Makaurau. 

The 32 Auckland-trained graduates will join 21 Porirua-trained graduates from the 396 Chiquita Holden Wing who are also bound for Tāmaki Makaurau. The 396 wing are graduating tomorrow from the Royal New Zealand Police College in Porirua.

This makes a total of 53 new constables starting their duties in the wider Auckland region the week beginning Monday 6 July.

Media are invited to the graduation of the 397 Rod Bell ONZM Wing

What:    Graduation of the New Zealand Police 397 Recruit Wing
Who:     For families and friends to celebrate with the new graduates
Why:     Completion and graduation from their initial training course
Where: Barfoot and Thompson Stadium, 203 Kohimarama Road, Kohimarama, Auckland
When:   Thursday 26 June at 11am – media will need to be in place by 10.45am
How:     RSVP if you’re attending: media@police.govt.nz

Wing 397graduates

Five of the graduates are following in the footsteps of family and joining the front line. Fifteen were born in countries other than New Zealand – many of them from England.  Seven of the new graduates are ex-military and 20 have tertiary qualifications.
One graduate bound for Counties Manukau is Taina Fox-Matamua: Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu. Taina was a professional NPC rugby player who played for the Tasman Mako and played professionally in Italy for three years. He will be based in Manurewa.

Wing Patron

Rod Bell ONZM is a former New Zealand Police officer and long-standing youth advocate. A past CEO of Blue Light, Rod is currently Blue Light’s Operations Manager.

Rod joined New Zealand Police in 1983 as a member of Wing 87. Following graduation, he worked on the frontline in Auckland Central and Takapuna, later moving into the Criminal Investigation Unit. In 1989 he was appointed Officer in Charge at Wellsford Police Station, leading a small team and covering communities including Mangawhai and surrounding districts.

Returning to Auckland in the mid-1990s, Rod held a range of leadership roles from Section Sergeant to Sergeant in Charge of Team Policing and Youth Services. He retired from Police in 2001 after developing and overseeing the Crime Control Unit.

Alongside his policing career, Rod built a business that grew from a hobby into a company with 35 staff before being sold in 2005. He went on to establish, grow and later sell two further businesses. During this period, Rod also became the inaugural CEO of Blue Light National, serving in a voluntary capacity until 2012 and helping lay the foundations for the organisation’s national growth.

In 2014, Rod was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to youth and the Police. At the end of 2023, he stepped down as CEO of Blue Light after expanding the organisation to more than 120 staff and supporting the establishment of the Blue Light Foundation to help fund the work of Blue Light’s 75 branches across New Zealand. Along with his Operations Manager role, he is currently a Trustee of the Blue Light Foundation.

ENDS

If you’re interested in joining police check out newcops.govt.nz

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/media-advisory-auckland-based-wing-welcomes-34-new-cops-to-the-frontline/

Kiddle Drive at the intersection of Invergarry Road is closed following a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.

The incident was reported to emergency services around 3.15pm.

One person sustained serious injuries and ambulance services are on scene.

The Serious Crash Unit have been notified.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area, and traffic management services will be directing traffic at this time.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/road-blocked-kiddle-drive-taupo/

Far North Police are being met with a wall of silence nearly two months on from a fatal hit and run.

An investigation team has been working to investigate the sequence of events leading up to Jahkani Hamilton suffering fatal injuries, near Kaikohe, on 5 May.

The 18-year-old was found deceased on Ngapipito Road at around 11.10pm, after being knocked off a dirt bike.

An associate of Jahkani was found in the nearby area with serious injuries after also being knocked off a dirt bike.

Operation Concert commenced in the immediate aftermath of the events of that Tuesday night.

“We have a dedicated team of investigators continuing to work on this case,” Detective Senior Sergeant Christan Fouhy, Far North Area Investigations Manager, says.

“However, our investigation is being hindered.

“Witnesses and their supporters are choosing to say nothing, actively resisting the investigation into the events leading up to a young person’s death.

“This is incredibly frustrating for our team, who are working to seek answers on behalf of a grieving whānau.”

Police are sending a strong message to anyone involved in hindering the Police investigation.

“There are people within the Mid North community that know exactly what’s gone on here, and they are choosing to remain silent,” Detective Senior Sergeant Fouhy says.

“No matter what’s happened, a young person has lost their life and people need to start talking.

“Misleading Police or concealing evidence is a criminal offence, and taking part in this may mean you find yourself being prosecuted.”

Police continue to appeal for anyone with information to come forward and speak with the investigation team.

“Our investigation won’t be going away.

“Police are committed to finding answers for Jahkani’s whānau and I acknowledge the patience they have shown in this investigation.”

If you can assist Police, please update us online now or call 105 using the reference number 260506/1270.

Anyone who wishes to provide information anonymously can call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/police-frustrated-as-witnesses-silent-in-hit-and-run-investigation/

Police are advising the Port link to the Southern Motorway, at Grafton, is currently closed.

A pedestrian has been critically injured, and diversions have been put in place in the area.

Traffic travelling southbound, connecting from SH16 to SH1, is currently impacted.

Please expect delays to your travel this afternoon.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/diversions-in-place-grafton/

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, members of the police executive and wing patron Chiquita Holden will congratulate and acknowledge the 49 graduating constables tomorrow.

Media are invited to the graduation of the 396 Chiquita Holden Wing
What:     Graduation of the New Zealand Police 396 Recruit Wing
Who:      For families and friends to celebrate with the new graduates
Why:      Completion and graduation from their initial training course
Where:   The Royal New Zealand Police College, 24 Papakowhai Road Porirua
When:    Thursday 25 June at 2.15pm – media will need to be in place by 2pm
How:      RSVP if you’re attending: media@police.govt.nz

The new constables will start their first day of duty in their Police districts the week beginning Monday 6 July 2026 and will continue their training on the job as probationary constables.

Wing 396 graduates
Nine of the graduates have family connections to New Zealand Police, following their mothers, fathers and other relatives onto the front line. Constable Mike Rubick’s father was a police officer and Constable Ethan Lawrence followed his great uncle into police.

The graduates also have a number of skills that they bring to the job. Constable Carys Hewetson was a former short distance track sprinter and Constable Matthew McCallum speaks German.

Over a quarter of the wing have a tertiary qualification and a number of the wing have taken part in voluntary service prior to joining.

Wing Patron
Chiquita Holden is a highly respected practitioner of victim advocacy and community response. She has more than 20 years of experience working alongside victims of crime and trauma, particularly in cases of homicide.

She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and brings extensive expertise across frontline support, crisis management, and senior leadership roles.

She is deeply passionate about victims’ rights, ethical and trauma-informed practice, and strengthening community-based responses.

Chiquita’s work has contributed to some of New Zealand’s most challenging and significant events, including the Canterbury earthquakes and Victim Support’s national response to Operation Deans (15 March 2019 Christchurch terror attacks). She offers a unique and deeply informed understanding of victimisation from both professional and personal perspectives.

In 1991, she received the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct following the 1990 Aramoana mass shooting, becoming one of the youngest recipients of this honour.

She was also selected to represent New Zealand in New York as part of a national delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, in recognition of her leadership and contributions to issues affecting vulnerable communities.

Alongside her professional roles, Chiquita has volunteered extensively with organisations including Presbyterian Support, St Kilda Rotary Club, and Challenge 2000, primarily in leadership roles supporting young women.

These roles reflect her long-standing commitment to community wellbeing.

ENDS

If you’re interested in joining police check out newcops.govt.nz

Issued by Police Media Centre

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/media-advisory-forty-nine-constables-to-graduate-at-the-royal-new-zealand-police-college/

Six New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel have this month been part of a multinational effort in Papua New Guinea to destroy about 2200 explosive remnants left over from the Second World War.

Delivered under Australian Defence Force (ADF) leadership, Operation Render Safe brought together military personnel from Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States to locate and safely dispose of about 7550kg of the explosives.

The operation focused on explosive remnants of war – or ERW – identified during previous missions in the Gazelle, Kokopo and Rabaul districts of East New Britain province. They have continued to pose a serious risk to local communities for more than 80 years.

The munitions were moved to pits that had been dug so charges could be placed on them to destroy them.

The smaller and more stable bombs were moved via vehicle and the larger ones carried by several people with slings.

New Zealand Army Captain ‘C’*, Senior National Officer of the Kiwi contingent, said the six-person NZDF Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was embedded within the ADF-led task force, working alongside Papua New Guinea Defence Force and international counterparts.

“It’s a challenging task, in a hot and humid jungle environment and with seriously degraded munitions that have spent 80 years exposed to the weather and sea salt,” Captain C said.

“But it’s an important task to ensure the safety of communities in these areas.”

The NZDF maintains a highly capable EOD service, drawing personnel from the Royal New Zealand Navy, New Zealand Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force.

EOD teams provide regular domestic support to New Zealand Police, including the assessment and disposal of improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance.

NZDF personnel are also very experienced in ERW clearance operations across the Pacific, having undertaken similar work in Bougainville, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Nauru in recent years.

The Force Integration Training conducted in Australia prior to deployment ensured the multinational team could operate effectively together in the challenging Papua New Guinea conditions.

“The training ensured we were not only a strong, cohesive team, but also allowed us to build enduring relationships that will support future operations,” Captain ‘C’ said.

“Every time we work with the ADF and our partner nations, it’s a valuable opportunity to understand each other’s procedures—ensuring we remain interoperable and ready to deploy together when needed.”

Render Safe is a long-standing multinational initiative, running for more than 20 years, aimed at reducing the threat posed by ERW across the Pacific and strengthening regional security through cooperation.

The NZDF contribution reflects New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to regional security and its close defence relationships with Papua New Guinea, Australia and other international partners.

MIL OSI

For the first time New Zealand is starting to see exactly how many and the types of lawfully held firearms in our communities.

New Zealand’s Firearms Registry began operating on 24 June 2023, and as it marks its third anniversary, nearly two thirds of all licence holders (63%) are in the Registry. Latest data* shows 138,115 licence holders are registered from a total population of 219,955 licence holders.

They have collectively registered 683,435 firearms, and a further 18,675 parts. On average each licence holder has registered five firearms. At this current rate, New Zealand will have 1.1 million lawful firearms in its Registry by mid-2028, which is the deadline set by Parliament for having all licence holders registered.

Rifles are the most common type of firearms registered (66%), followed by shotguns (27%), pistols (5%), and then others (1%).

The Territorial Local Authorities (TLA) with the most firearms are:

1. Auckland:   79,955  (12%)

2. Christchurch City:  27,250  (4%)

3. Southland:   22,000  (3%)

Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority Acting Executive Director, Superintendent Bruce Bird, says the third anniversary is an opportunity to look at progress on the five-year journey to fully populate the Registry.

“The purpose of the Firearms Registry is to help make our families and all New Zealanders safer,” says Supt Bird. “Through firearms licensing we’ve known how many people are legally able to use firearms in New Zealand, but until now we’ve not known the locations, numbers, or types of firearms each licence holder has in their possession.

“The Firearms Registry is changing that, and we are well on the way to getting a really good picture of the legally held firearms in our communities.”

Supt Bird says the Authority recognises that most licence holders are law-abiding and responsible and registering a firearm is just becoming another aspect of being a responsible licence holder in New Zealand.

“Licence holders have a key role to play filling in the Registry and keeping their information up to date. In 2028 when we have all licence holders in it will provide a complete record of all lawfully held arms items in New Zealand.”

ENDS

*All data is taken at 22 June, 2026 and rounded down to nearest 5 for clarity.

Issued by Police Media Centre 
 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/nz-gaining-a-complete-picture-of-all-lawfully-held-firearms-for-the-first-time/

The exceptional skill, teamwork and dedication of Kiwi search and rescuers have been on full display at the New Zealand Search and Rescue (NZSAR) Awards, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.

Mr Meager hosted the annual event at Parliament this evening, created to shine a light on the courage, skill, and commitment shown by those who keep us safe.

Three Gold Awards and seven Certificates of Achievement were presented to teams and individuals, acknowledging courageous work in 2025 or significant contributions to search and rescue over many years. 

“Each of these awards tells a story of the extraordinary lengths and efforts people have gone to, to help those in their time of need. I believe they celebrate the very best of New Zealand: our people, culture, values and connection to the outdoors,” Mr Meager says.

“Our country has one of the largest and most challenging global search and rescue regions. It covers more than 30 million square kilometres, which is one twelfth of the Earth’s surface. This makes the sector’s work even more dangerous and treacherous.”

The Operational Gold Award was presented to the team involved in Operation Artigau, the search for Argentine tourist Hector Gaston Artigau who went missing in Mt Aspiring National Park last year. Despite significant efforts, he has never been found.

“This was an intensive and dangerous operation involving five organisations and 40 Wānaka search and rescue volunteers who, over 20 days, contributed 823 hours of their own time. Two search and rescue dogs and their handlers were also brought in to help. It was a huge collaborative effort.” Mr Meager says.

Support category Gold Awards were presented to Keith Allen for more than 40 years of service to search and rescue through NZ Police and Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre, and to Carolyn Tapley for her 12-year contribution to Coastguard Canterbury and Coastguard Tautiaki Moana, including the rebuild of a new $2.6 million Search and Rescue Centre in Lyttelton following the Canterbury earthquakes.

“I congratulate all the Award winners for this well-deserved recognition of their outstanding effort and thank them for their service, professionalism, passion and unwavering selfless commitment to helping others,” Mr Meager says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/23/recognising-kiwi-search-and-rescue-excellence/