Further victims identified in Tasman fraud investigation

Appeal for information following shots fired at Wigram house

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August 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Luke Vaughan:

Christchurch Central Police investigating an incident where shots were fired at a house in Wigram are appealing to the public for information.

Police responded to the incident on Brian Keogh Lane around 12:45am on Thursday 14 August, after receiving multiple 111 calls reporting loud bangs being heard in the vicinity of the address.

Thankfully, no one at the address was injured.

We would like to speak with anyone that may have seen a person, or people, running west towards Carrs Road along the Southern Motorway near the Awatea Road overbridge, or any suspicious activity in the Carrs Road or Wigram Road areas.

Police are also appealing for anyone that may have dashcam footage, who were traveling on the Southern Motorway between 12:35am and 1am on Thursday 14 August, to please contact Police immediately.

If you have any information that could assist Police, please contact us via 105, either over the phone or online. Please reference file number 250814/6432.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Cabinet approves next steps on greyhound racing industry

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August 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Cabinet has formally agreed this week to the closure of the greyhound racing industry in New Zealand.

A bill will be drafted to bring this decision into law. The move follows last December’s announcement of the Government’s in-principle decision to end greyhound racing as of 31 July 2026.

The decision was made following ongoing concerns about animal welfare and three reviews of the industry (2013, 2017, 2021) which all outlined significant safety issues.

Cabinet also agreed in full to the recommendations contained in an interim report of the Ministerial Advisory Committee – set up to plan the transition away from greyhound racing

Racing Minister Winston Peters says the Committee’s report provides a clear path to ensure the welfare of the dogs, and certainty around the wind-down process.

“Having a comprehensive plan is crucial. First, a key part of this work is the re-homing of racing greyhounds and now we have a clear way forward. Second, it gives those involved in greyhound racing the certainty to plan their transition to other work,” Mr Peters says.

The Committee has been consulting with representatives of the greyhound racing sector, rehoming agencies, animal welfare groups and government agencies to develop its recommendations.

The Committee’s report outlines the changes to the law needed to close the industry. These recommendations include setting up a Transition Agency funded by the TAB. The agency would manage the re-homing programme and support of industry participants through the closure process.

Mr Peters says he intends to appoint Committee members Heather Simpson (Chair), Murray Johnson and Lindsay Burton to the board of the Transition Agency when it is established.

The Bill to formally end greyhound racing will be introduced to Parliament later this year. The public will be able to make submissions to the select committee as part of the process.

“It is important people get the opportunity to have their say. The decision to end greyhound racing was not one Cabinet took lightly. I acknowledge the impact that closing the industry will have on those involved.

“But globally the industry is winding down, with Tasmania recently announcing an end to greyhound racing. The bottom line is too many dogs continue to die and be seriously injured, and it is time to do the right thing,” says Mr Peters.

The Ministerial Advisory Committee’s report can be found here. Further information on the review of the greyhound racing industry can be found on the Department of Internal Affairs website.

Canterbury Police thank public and staff for feedback on proposal

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August 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Submissions on Canterbury Police’s redesign proposal closed on Monday, and Police are now working their way through the feedback.

Canterbury Police District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill thanks staff and the public for their engagement as local Police leaders look to ensure our people and resources are well organised to meet the community’s needs.

“We received around 200 staff submissions and 800 submissions from the public or external parties, including some petitions.

“This was a very important process for our staff, as the people directly impacted by these proposals. Staff sent in very well considered, high quality feedback.

“Members of the public have also sent in some outstandingly articulate and thoughtful feedback which demonstrated people have taken the time to look over the proposals in detail.

“All this feedback has been invaluable and has reinforced for me that we need to take more time with some aspects of the proposal and to keep tracking with others.

“While we are keen to provide decisions as soon as possible, we also need to allow enough time to consider all the feedback thoroughly.

“Our team is now working through the feedback for us to consider before any final decisions are made. I hope to be in a position to provide an update on next steps and indicative timeframes in the coming weeks.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Whitebaiter tales urge respect for the river

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August 20, 2025

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date: 20 August 2025

Two blokes with a tale to tell are urging whitebaiters to stay safe on the river this whitebaiting season (1 September to 30 October).

Stephen Leggett has been whitebaiting for about 35 years. “I love it. One of my favourite parts is the camaraderie,” he says.

Early one morning in October last year, Stephen was at the Styx River, Canterbury, manoeuvring his whitebaiting gear, when he slipped, went down on his knees and couldn’t get up. The water was rapidly filling his waders.

Fortunately for Stephen, there were people on the shore who rushed to help him.

“Three pairs of hands lifted me. If they hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t be here today. I would have drowned.

Stephen says he didn’t go back on the river until he had a life jacket. “Respect the river, wear a life jacket and respect the underfoot conditions.”

Brent Hogg has a similar story.

“At Tukituki River (Hawke’s Bay), apart from eating whitebait, it’s about the camaraderie. We all help each other.”

Last year, Brent witnessed a near miss at the river.

“I was helping another fisherman put his whitebaiting stand in. When he got into the water, he slipped backwards. The water came up and into his waders.”

Luckily, Brent and two other whitebaiters were on the bank to help, otherwise, he says, it could have been tragic.

“Before you go whitebaiting, pack your commonsense in your bag first. Always take it with you,” Brent says.

Water Safety NZ’s Communications Lead Elizabeth Collins says safety around water is a shared responsibility.

“Every community, whānau, and individual enjoying the beauty of whitebaiting can be helped by strengthening safety culture.

“Unfortunately, New Zealand’s drowning data reveals some stubborn patterns in land-based fishing drownings. Neglect of safety gear is a big one – lifejackets are the single preventative measure that could drastically reduce fatalities.”

DOC Freshwater Species Manager Emily Funnell says whitebaiting is a great way to catch a good feed and enjoy being in nature.

“Make sure your memories of this whitebaiting season are happy ones. No matter where you’re whitebaiting this season – whether it’s on the shore, in the surf or on a stand – be water safe.”

Whitebaiting safety tips:

Don’t fish from wet rocks – waves are likely to wash over them.
Wear a life jacket and wader belt.
Carry two waterproof communication devices at all times, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof bag, a VHF radio, or a distress beacon.
Fish with a mate who knows the area, and share any plans and expected time of return with a trusted person. Ask them to look for you at your expected location and to call 111 if you don’t return.

Whitebaiting rules, safety information and check, clean, dry guidance are available at www.doc.govt.nz/whitebaiting.

Email whitebait@doc.govt.nz for a brochure on the rules.

You can also visit Water Safety NZ’s websites for practical information about keeping safe near, in or on the water: www.watersafetynz.org.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

Concoction of drugs found in stolen vehicle

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August 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Driving in a stolen vehicle is the least of one Auckland man’s problems, as he faces serious drugs charges in court today.

On Tuesday afternoon, Police received information about a stolen vehicle travelling in the Ellerslie area.

Auckland City East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rachel Dolheguy says the vehicle was located on Robert Street by the Police Air Support Unit.

“Ground units were directed to where the vehicle was stopped, and the sole male occupant was spoken to,” she says.

“Police established the vehicle had allegedly been stolen during a burglary in Onehunga earlier this month.”

The predicament quickly changed for the 28-year-old man.

Inspector Dolheguy says a belt bag the man was allegedly carrying was found to contain a crystal-like substance.

“It was suspected to be methamphetamine, and a further search of the vehicle was invoked.

“There, Police found a large quantity of methamphetamine, cocaine and cash.”

The 28-year-old man will face the Auckland District Court today.

He has been charged with possession for supply of both methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as possession of cannabis and methamphetamine utensils.

“Possession for supply of class A controlled drugs is a serious offence, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment,” Inspector Dolheguy says.

Police enquiries remain ongoing into the earlier burglary in Onehunga.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

New Zealand welcomes first-ever visit from IMO Secretary-General

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August 20, 2025

Source: Maritime New Zealand

Earlier this month, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) visited New Zealand for the first time.

The IMO is the United Nations’ specialised agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping, as well as the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.

As part of his ongoing engagement across the global maritime system Mr Dominguez undertook a Pacific regional mission in August 2025. He arrived in New Zealand on Friday, 8 August, spending two days in Auckland before heading to Wellington.

While in Auckland, Mr Dominguez participated in a stakeholder workshop led by Maritime NZ Chair, Dame Jo Brosnahan. The workshop was attended by representatives from a number of key sector bodies, including Shipping New Zealand, the NZ Shipping Federation, the NZ Cargo Owners Council, and the NZ Marine Transport Association.

Maritime NZ Director Kirstie Hewlett described the session as energetic and engaging, providing the sector with an opportunity to discuss future challenges and priorities, and to hear directly from the IMO.

“The theme for the session was: Collaborative pathways to global regulation: Keeping Aotearoa New Zealand resilient and prepared for global challenges and technology change.

“This was a strong opportunity to show how there are linkages between the work that is undertaken by the IMO, down through to local operators here in New Zealand.

“Mr Dominguez was genuinely interested in what our sector had to say and this was appreciated by those in attendance,” Ms Hewlett says.

For Mr Dominguez, he viewed this as a great opportunity to listen and understand what is top of mind for key players in the New Zealand maritime sector.

“This workshop was a thoroughly enjoyable way not only to engage with the sector in New Zealand but also to learn and get a better understanding of the main priorities for the country and the region,” Mr Dominguez says.

During his time in Auckland, Mr Dominguez attended several engagements, including a ride on the new Fullers’ 360 electric hydrofoil ferry, meetings with key response sector stakeholders, and a visit to the Auckland International Seafarer Centre.

“Everyone I interacted with in New Zealand was very welcoming and ready to engage and share their knowledge and experience, and I had a fantastic time meeting and getting to know those who help keep New Zealand’s waters safe, secure, and clean.

“Getting out on the water on the police launch, and the Fullers’ 360 hydrofoil was a particular highlight, as it provided me with a practical example of the actions taken to implement the IMO regulations,” Mr Dominguez says.

Mr Dominguez also attended official engagements in Wellington, including meetings with key government stakeholders and the Associate Minister of Transport, Hon James Meager.

“These fruitful meetings allow me to dive deeper into common areas of interest, such as maritime security, shipping decarbonisation, seafarers’ welfare and the effects of the current geopolitical climate to international shipping, and how IMO and New Zealand can further cooperate to address such issues,” he says.

For Maritime NZ, this has been a great opportunity to promote the work in our country to the IMO.

“With this being the first time an IMO Secretary-General has visited New Zealand, the feedback from our people and the sector was that the visit was hugely valuable,” Ms Hewlett says.

Boundary Creek Bridge deck replacement to restore 2 lane access on SH25 ahead of summer

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August 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Drivers of the scenic Thames Coast highway are all too familiar with stop/go interruptions due to damage to State Highway 25 (SH25) in recent years, but one disruption will soon become a distant memory with the replacement of the Boundary Creek Bridge deck.

The bridge itself, wedged tight between the cliffs and the sea, has been reduced to a single lane since 2023 while it patiently waits for a new bridge deck and repairs to its abutments.

“Drivers will be pleased to know a new bridge deck and strengthening work is planned to be completed ahead of summer, meaning SH25 will once again revert to 2 lanes here,” says Darryl Coalter, Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

This work will also see the restoration of the slow traffic bay on the southern bridge approach, which has been temporarily closed.

“It’s great news for everyone. The new, safer 2 lane bridge and passing bay will be in place ahead of the holidays and peak summer period, making this section of state highway safer, more resilient, and one less pinch point during busy times.”

With the contract for the works now awarded, NZTA expects repair work will begin in October. A full road closure of up to 7 days will be required to allow for the demolition of the old bridge deck and installation of the new one. The closure is currently anticipated for the week immediately after Labour weekend.

“In this location it isn’t possible to build the new bridge deck in a way that allows continued access for road users. Without suitable local detours, we appreciate this will mean a lengthy detour around the peninsula for a short duration” Mr Coalter says.

NZTA has considered a range of construction options after talking with emergency services, stakeholders, businesses and the community, to understand how the closure will impact them and has incorporated their preferences into the planning.

“We will use a prefabricated bridge deck and other key components, as well as work extended hours to speed up construction, meaning the road will be closed for the least amount of time as possible,” Mr Coalter says.

NZTA will provide regular updates to the community and stakeholders as more details are confirmed.

Elsewhere across the peninsula, our Coromandel Recovery project to repair storm damage caused by cyclones Gabrielle and Hale in 2023, is now nearing completion.

A summer maintenance programme is scheduled to begin across the Coromandel, with up to 10 worksites planned between Wharehako (north of Whitianga) and Waihī as well as on State Highway 25A.

These works are part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and resilience and will be communicated widely once work schedules are confirmed.

Teachers strike important to ensure quality education

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August 20, 2025

Source: NZCTU

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is today supporting PPTA members across the country who are striking for fair pay increases, more subject specialist advisors, and greater teacher-led professional development funding.

“The union movement stands in solidarity with secondary teachers who are fighting for a quality education system,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

“Workers never make the decision to strike lightly. PPTA members are rightly taking action to ensure that schools can attract graduates and retain experienced teachers.

“It is unacceptable that teachers are being offered the lowest pay increase in a generation at the same time as they are facing an overhaul of NCEA.

“A quality education system affects all of us. Students, parents and communities all benefit from teachers having what they need to support our young people.

“The Government is prioritising tax cuts for the rich over essential public services. Everyone should be grateful to the teachers who are taking strike action this week,” said Wagstaff.

Lane blocked, SH10, Waipapa

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August 20, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A section of State Highway 10, north of Waipapa, is currently blocked following an earlier crash.

At around 8am, a truck and trailer has rolled north of the township.

The driver is thankfully uninjured, however one lane is currently blocked.

A road closure is being put in place while the truck and trailer are uprighted and the scene is cleared.

Diversions around Waipapa will be put in place for light vehicles.

Heavy vehicles should expect delays in the area, however Police don’t anticipate that the closure will be extensive this morning.

Police appreciate motorists’ understanding.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police