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Name release – Fatal Police shooting, Bryndwr, Christchurch

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Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Superintendent Tony Hill, Canterbury District Commander:

Police can now release the name of the woman who died after she was shot by Police at a Christchurch address on Wednesday night.

She was 53-year-old Te Arohanui Pohio, who resided at the address in Bryndwr.

Our thoughts remain with her loved ones at this extremely difficult time, and we continue to offer them the necessary support.

A post-mortem examination was completed today, and her death will be referred to the Coroner.

As of this morning, a 47-year-old man remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital, following surgery yesterday.

Cordons and a scene guard remain in place at the address this morning as Police continue the ongoing scene examination. These cordons will remain in place until the scene examination is completed in the coming days.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre 

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New offence for demonstrations outside homes

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is introducing a new offence for engaging in disruptive demonstrations outside private homes, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“The public’s ability to demonstrate is a cornerstone of our free and democratic society. It is a key way for citizens to express themselves and engage in political activity. 

“However, in recent times, we have seen increased reports of demonstrations targeting private residences, especially of public persons, such as MPs, judges, and other public officials.

“Everyone in New Zealand, and their families, should be able to expect peace and privacy in their own home, no matter what their daytime job is.

“We intend to stop this intrusive behaviour, while protecting the public’s right to demonstrate in a reasonable manner.

“The ability to protest is protected under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and that will not change. All rights are subject to reasonable limitations. This new offence is such a reasonable limitation and provides a good balance of the interests involved.

“The new law will be tightly targeted. It will only apply to demonstrations directed at a person in their home. It will prohibit unreasonable disruptions for residents, and will consider factors like the time of day, duration, the actions of demonstrators, noise levels and distance to the premises.

“Just as we value the right to protest, privacy is also a key value of our society. Unreasonable intrusions into people’s privacy are simply unacceptable.”

The legislation will contain a new offence for engaging in a targeted and disruptive demonstration outside residential premises.

The Bill includes a maximum penalty of three months in jail or a fine of up to $2,000.

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ASMALLWORLD Launches New Membership Tier and New Global Strategic Airline Partner

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Source: Media Outreach

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – EQS Newswire – 15 August 2025 – ASMALLWORLD AG announces the arrival of its Advantage Membership, an exclusive new tier within its membership portfolio, together with the launch of its newest global airline partner, Cathay Pacific.

Designed for travellers looking for premium travel benefits, while earning air miles to fly with some of the world’s most iconic airlines, the Advantage Membership provides an attractive entry point into ASMALLWORLD’s world of elevated travel experiences.

Among other benefits, Advantage members can choose between 35,000 miles in the form of Cathay’s Asia Miles or Miles & More from Lufthansa Group, allowing members to access two of world’s largest airline alliance networks.

Alongside other travel benefits, Advantage members will also receive D$250 (GHA Discovery Dollars), which can be spent at over 850 hotels and 45+ brands around the world participating in the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA).

“ASMALLWORLD Advantage is the next step in our mission to make luxury travel more rewarding and offer valuable benefits to our community members. In addition to expanding our longstanding partnership with Lufthansa Group we have also chosen to launch a new strategic airline partnership with Cathay Pacific, with whom we are excited to grow further in Asia and beyond” said Zain Richardson, CEO of ASMALLWORLD.

Welcoming Cathay Pacific as a New Strategic Partner
As part of the Advantage Membership launch, ASMALLWORLD is pleased to announce a new partnership with Cathay Pacific, one of Asia’s leading premium airlines. Founded in 1946 and based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific has established a global reputation for excellence, with a strong focus on service, comfort, and innovation.

Advantage members selecting Cathay Pacific as their airline partner will receive 35,000 Asia Miles, which can be used towards redeeming award flights or upgrades across the airline’s extensive network. Cathay Pacific is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, which offers access to a global network of 15 member airlines, including British Airways, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines, unlocking additional opportunities for international travel.

Expanding the Miles & More Partnership
The launch of the Advantage Membership also marks an expanded collaboration with Miles & More, part of Lufthansa Group, and one of Europe’s leading frequent flyer programmes. A longstanding partner for the Prestige membership tier, ASMALLWORLD members can now access Miles & More packages of 35,000 miles via the new Advantage tier – perfect for award flights or upgrades.

This evolution of the partnership reflects ASMALLWORLD’s commitment to offering valuable membership benefits at different price points to service different member needs, while continuing to deepen its collaboration with key loyalty partners in the travel sector.

Hotel Benefits Powered by GHA DISCOVERY
Expanding the partnership with Global Hotel Alliance, ASMALLWORLD is now including GHA DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) as a permanent membership benefit for the first time. Advantage members will receive D$250, which can be used for hotel stays, dining, or even spa treatments. Advantage members will also be granted GHA DISCOVERY Platinum Status, offering room upgrades, late check-out, and additional in-stay privileges at over 850 hotels across 45+ brands in the GHA alliance.

Additional Membership Benefits
In addition to airline miles and hotel perks, the Advantage Membership includes a wide range of travel and lifestyle benefits. Members receive:

  • Priority Pass with 4 complimentary airport lounge visits
  • SIXT Platinum Status for enhanced rental car benefits
  • ASMALLWORLD Premium Membership, which includes:
    • VIP hotel benefits and complimentary nights at 1,700+ luxury hotels worldwide
    • Exclusive travel offers and product discounts
    • Access to 800+ global social and cultural events
    • Enhanced features within the ASMALLWORLD platform

With this new tier, ASMALLWORLD continues to develop its global suite of membership offerings, delivering exclusive travel benefits and services, while also deepening and expanding its portfolio of prestigious travel partnerships.

This press release can be found at www.asmallworldag.com.

Disclaimer
The statements contained in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements”. Such can be identified, for example, by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend,” “project,” “target,” “seek,” or “aim,” or the negative of these words or comparable expressions.

Forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Issuer or its industry to be materially different from any future results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

The issuer undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Hashtag: #ASMALLWORLD

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Advocacy – National Day of Action for Palestine – Tomorrow – Saturday 16 August – PSNA

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Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

In more than 25 centres around the country, New Zealanders will be rallying and marching tomorrow in a National Day of Action for Palestine.

(See event details below)

 

“We will be marching to demand our government sanction Israel and hold it to account for the mass starvation and ethnic cleansing in Gaza” says PSNA Co-Chair Maher Nazzal.

 

In the last 24 hours stories from Gaza have been headlined:

 

Gaza hunger “catastrophic” says UN

The day Israeli settlers lynched two young men in the West Bank

 

“These horrific headlines are a direct result of western government failure – our government included”

 

“Prime Minister Luxon has just talked for 22 months while Palestinians have faced mass killing and mass starvation”

 

“Israel doesn’t take any notice of words – only action counts for this genocidal state”

 

“Without sanctions on Israel now, Luxon’s legacy will be complicity with genocide.”

 

All out for Gaza tomorrow!

 

Maher Nazzal

Co-Chair PSNA

 

North Island
Rawene – Winter Films for Palestine
Forth Saturdays of the month
Rawene Hall
5:30 pm
August 23 – No Other Land
 
Kerikeri – Rally
First Saturday of the Month
 
Whangarei – Let Gaza Live – Sanction Israel
Saturday August 16
10:00 am
Gather at the Hatea Carpark
 
Auckland – Stand for Palestine
Monday – Friday
3:00 – 4:00 pm at the US Consulate – 23 Customs Street East
4:00 – 5:00 pm at Te Komititanga Britomart Square
 
Auckland – Leafletting for the Nationwide Rally
Wednesday August 13
Any time of the day
Email AK-Leafletts@PSNA.nz to join in
 
Waiheke – Market Stall – hosted by Stand With Palestine Waiheke!
Every Saturday
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ostend Market, Waiheke Island
 
Auckland – Banners around Tamaki Makaurau
Every Saturday
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join the team – text John on 021 899 659
 
Auckland –Rally and March
Saturday August 16
2:00 pm
Te Komititanga / Britomart Square
 
Thames – Vigil to Stop the war on Children
(Hosted by The Basket – Social and Environmental Justice – Hauraki)
Saturday 16
9:00 – 11:00 am – Then Hikoi to Auckland
Cnr Pollen and Pahau Street
 
Tauranga – Hikoi to Auckland for Nationwide Rally
Saturday August 16
Contact your local organiser for details – Tauranga@PSNA.nz
 
Tauranga – Flag Waving
Sunday August 17
11:00 am
Coronation Park, corner Nikau & Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui
 
Hamilton – Flag Waving for Palestine
Every Saturday
1:00 pm
Flynn Park, Cnr Wairere Drive & Naylor, Hamilton
 
Raglan – Rally
Hosted by Whaingaroa Palestine Solidarity
Saturday 16 August
2:00 pm
Outside Raglan Library
 
Cambridge – Rally for Palestine
Every Saturday
11:00 am
Cambridge Town Hall
 
Rotorua – Rally for Palestine
Every Thursday
4:30 pm
National MP Todd McClay’s Office – Cnr Amohau and Ranolf St lights, Rotorua
 
Gisborne
Saturday August 16
9:30 am
Hikoi around the bridges of Gisborne from Heipipi Park
 
Napier – Rally for Palestine
Every Saturday
11:30 am
Marine Parade Soundshell Roundabout
 
Hastings – Rally for Palestine
No Rally this Sunday.
This has been changed to focused on the Rally in Napier on Saturday
 
Palmerston North – Rally
Every Sunday
2:00 pm
The Square, Palmerston North
 
Ngāmotu-New Plymouth
(Hosted by Palestinian Solidarity Taranaki)
Saturday August 16
1:00 pm
The Landing, 1 Ariki Street, New Plymouth
 
Whanganui – Rally for Palestine
Every Saturday
11:00 am
Riverside Market, Whanganui
 
Martinborough – Vigil for Palestine
Every Wednesday
11:00 am
Memorial gate – Martinborough Square, at the end of SH53
 
Masterton – Gathering for Gaza
Every Sunday
9:30 am
Town Hall Lawn, Masterton
 
Wellington – Flags on the Bridge
(hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)
Every Friday
7:15 – 8:15 am
Hill Street bridge Overbridge, Wellington
 
Wellington – Rally at Wellington Hospital
(hosted by Aotearoa Healthcare workers for Palestine)
First Friday of the month
 
Wellington – Rally
(hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)
Saturday August 16
1:00 pm
Hikoī for Palestine meeting at Te Aro Park at 1:00 pm with a Hikoī on the streets to Midland Park
See https://www.instagram.com/falastin_tea_collective for further details
 
South Island
 
Nelson – Let Gaza Live – Sanction Israel
Saturday August 16
10:30 am
Hikoi along Whakatū Drive
Check out the PSNA Facebook page later in the week – 
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064134091562
 
Blenheim – Rally for Palestine
Every Saturday
11:00 am
Blenheim Railway Station
 
Picton – Rally for Palestine
Every Saturday
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Picton Foreshore
 
Greymouth – Te Tai Poutini – West Coast
Saturday 16
11:00 am
Grey District Council lawn, (in front of fountain), High Street, Greymouth,
 
Christchurch – Flags for Palestine
Every Friday
4:00 pm
Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch
 
Christchurch – Let Gaza Live – Sanction Israel
Saturday August 16
12:30 pm – Flag Waving before the rally – Durham Street side of the bridge
1:00 pm
Bridge of Remembrance
 
Timaru – Let Gaza Live – Sanction Israel
Saturday August 16
10:30 am
Statue for Tranquillity, Sophia Street, Timaru
 
Dunedin – Let Gaza Live – Sanction Israel
Saturday August 16
1:00 pm
Meeting at the Octagon for Flags Waving and making noise – Bring pots to bang
 
Invercargill – Rally
(hosted by Invercargill Stands With Palestine)
Sunday August 17
1:00 pm
Wachner place, Invercargill
 
Invercargill – Council meeting at Environment Southland (delayed to)
Wednesday 20 August
10:00
Meet outside Environment Southland Price St at 9.45 am for 10:30 meeting

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National War Memorial awarded status of National Historic Landmark

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Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

“I am delighted to announce that the National War Memorial at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park has been made a National Historic Landmark of Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.
“Receiving this recognition for our country’s National War Memorial is incredibly significant, and it is only the second place in New Zealand to receive Landmark status.
“The National War Memorial is central to Pukeahu and the story of Aotearoa New Zealand. It speaks to the service and sacrifice made by New Zealanders in efforts to create peace for the future.
“The Carillon Tower is currently being seismically strengthened so that it is preserved and protected for present and future generations of New Zealanders to enjoy,” says Leauanae.
The National Historic Landmark status is awarded by the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage with support from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. The programme celebrates and safeguards our key national sites so everyone can appreciate their stories and significance for generations to come.
National Historic Landmarks are places of outstanding national heritage value that tell the stories of who we are as New Zealanders. “As the agency that administers the programme, we are proud to formally recognise the National War Memorial in this way. This status reflects the memorial’s profound significance to our national heritage, speaking to the sacrifice, resilience and evolving identity of our nation” says Chief Executive Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Andrew Coleman.
“This recognition is the result of a comprehensive and inclusive process, with strong stakeholder and public support from across the motu.
“We thank all those who took part in shaping this important decision – it’s a landmark moment, not just for the National War Memorial, but for the people of New Zealand,” says Coleman.
A formal dedication at the National War Memorial will be made when the building reopens after its seismic strengthening work is complete.

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KiwiRail settlement with Hyundai

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Source: New Zealand Government

KiwiRail and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard have reached a full and final settlement on the cancelled Project iReX ferries, KiwiRail confirmed today.

“The net $144 million final settlement payment is to cover the costs incurred by Hyundai and its global suppliers, and that is only fair as the decision to cancel Project iReX was never a reflection on Hyundai,” Mr Peters says.

“As $300 million was originally provisioned to cover the potential cost of exiting iReX commitments, including settling the contract with Hyundai, more funding is now available for other Government projects.

“Doomsayers said cancelling the contract would cost the taxpayer the full $551 million contract value, but these are some of the same people who accepted Project iReX ballooning from $1.45 billion when approved in 2021 to Treasury warning it was on course to $4 billion in 2023 thanks to eyes-bigger-than-their-mouths ambitions and absentee management. Even their criticisms blew out.

“So the factual final settlement is net $144 million, not:

  • $300 million as reported by RNZ, who said that ‘may not be enough to cover all the costs.’
  • $300 million as headlined by The Post.
  • $1.16 billion as stated by Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere.

“We have brought this project’s costs back to what we established in 2020 and New Zealanders always expected: building what is needed for road, rail and passengers, and keeping the rest so we save the taxpayer billions.

“Ferry Holdings’ engagements with shipbuilders are progressing well, and so is the work to deliver the infrastructure in Picton and Wellington,” Mr Peters says. 

“The settlement with Hyundai ends yet another sorry chapter in the story of the previous government’s mismanagement of the Crown’s books,” Nicola Willis says.

“It signed up to purchase two big new ferries without giving sufficient consideration to the port infrastructure needed to support ships of a much bigger size.

“As a result, the cost of the project had almost quadrupled by the time Cabinet cancelled it in December 2023 and officials were worried about further cost escalations.

“No Government should be advised of billion-dollar blowouts in a major infrastructure programme upon being elected, as was the case after the 2023 general election.

“I am pleased that a more pragmatic solution is now in place that will ensure a safe, reliable Cook Strait service at an affordable price,” Ms Willis says.

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Banking and Finance – ASB drops mortgage rates

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Source: ASB 

ASB has today reduced four of its fixed home lending rates, including some of its most popular terms.

ASB’s Executive General Manager Personal Banking Adam Boyd says “We’ve got tens of thousands of customers due to refix onto lower rates in 2025, and we know any rate reduction is going to help these households, with savings they can put towards other important things. By Christmas, around 90% of customers holding a fixed home loan are likely to be on a rate less than 6%.”

 ASB also reduced some term deposit rates by between 5 and 15 basis points.

All rate decreases are effective immediately.

 

  Fixed home lending term

Previous rate

New rate

Rate decrease

6-month

5.29%

5.12%

– 17 bps

1-year

4.89%

4.79%

– 10 bps

18-months

4.89%

4.79%

– 10 bps

2-year

4.95%

4.89%

– 6 bps

 

 

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Drainage works and road rebuild planned for State Highway 1 at Kuku

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Improvements and road repairs are coming for State Highway 1 between Manakau and Ōhau later this month.

Nightworks will be underway south of Kuku East Road, on Sunday to Thursday nights 8 pm to 4:30 am, from Sunday, 24 August to Thursday, 18 September.

Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager, says contractors will be completing a road rebuild and drainage improvements. 

“This section of State Highway 1 is heavily used and carries around 18,000 vehicles daily. It is now at the stage where it needs a full rebuild.”

“This will mean that contractors will have to excavate around half a kilometre of the highway. This will be disruptive, but the result will be a much improved and more durable stretch of road that will need less maintenance and repairs in the future,” Ms Hilliard says.

The work is being done at night under stop/go traffic management when there are fewer vehicles on the road, and Ms Hilliard says the highway will be open to traffic during the day

“Because there are no local road detours, we have to keep the highway open while we complete this work. It will mean drivers will experience some delays travelling through the area. Outside of work hours, there will also be a reduced speed limit in place during the day.”

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. However, this is essential state highway maintenance, and it is critical it be completed,” Ms Hilliard says.

She says contractors will make the most of the rebuild and also complete drainage works.

“They will be installing a soak pit and sub-soil drains. This helps keep water away from the highway, which is vital for preventing road and pothole damage.”

“It is important drivers take care when driving through this work site. While the rebuild is underway, the highway will have a rough surface. Please, keep yourself and our workers safe, and avoid damaging your vehicle by following the temporary speed limit in place and all traffic management instructions,” Ms Hilliard says.

Works schedule and location map:  

  • Sunday, 24 August to Thursday, 18 September, Sunday to Thursday nights, 8 pm to 4:30 am
  • Stop/Go traffic management and 30 km/h temporary speed limit.
  • SH1 open to two lanes outside work hours under a reduced speed limit

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A new approach for road maintenance and night closures on State Highway 58

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A new way of managing road maintenance is about to be trialled on one of Wellington’s key state highways – State Highway 58, between Hutt Valley and Transmission Gully.

Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager, says the highway carries around 20,000 vehicles daily, and is currently the site of ongoing works for the State Highway 58 Safety Improvements project.

“What we want to do is ensure we carry out other planned state highway maintenance on this route in a way that causes the least disruption and inconvenience for drivers and the community.”

“That’s why we will trial the approach we currently use on State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill  – regularly scheduled nighttime maintenance closures,” Ms Hilliard says.

Benefits

Ms Hilliard says night closures are the most efficient and low-impact way of getting maintenance work done.

“Our traffic data shows that while State Highway 58 carries, on average, 20 thousand vehicles every day between the Hutt Valley and Pāuatahanui, traffic volumes between 10 pm and 4 am are far, far lower – around 330 to 450 vehicles only.”

“It makes sense to do our road maintenance when fewer people use the route, and the most efficient, low-impact way is a night closure,” Ms Hilliard says.

She says they also mean essential safety barrier repairs can be completed faster.

“The wire rope barriers on State Highway 58 are a vital safety feature. They significantly reduce the risk of head-on collisions and deaths and serious injuries when people have a crash.”

“When they are hit, it is important we repair them as soon as possible so they can continue protecting drivers,” Ms Hilliard says.

Resident and business access

Ms Hilliard says residents, business owners, business customers, and emergency services will have access through the closures at all times. 

“They will be supported and have access when they need it. We are working on pilot vehicle solutions and will provide more details before the first planned closure in mid-September.”

She says, unlike the State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill closures, there will not be nightly escorts for other traffic through the work sites.

“People in the Hutt Valley needing to access Porirua or State Highway 1 Transmission Gully will have to travel via State Highway 2 to Ngauranga and then use State Highway 1. People heading to the Hutt Valley will have to use State Highway 1, then State Highway 2.”

“This is a longer trip, and people will need to allow for extra travel time when the closures are in place,” Ms Hilliard says.

Next steps

The new approach will be trialled for three months, with the first night closure scheduled for the night of Sunday, 14 September.

State Highway 58 will be closed between the State Highway 2 Haywards interchange and the State Highway 58 Pāuatahanui interchange.

The closure will run from 10 pm on Sunday night until 4 am Monday morning. Contractors will repair safety barriers, maintain vegetation, complete culvert inspections and compete other general maintenance work.

Ms Hilliard says once the trial is completed in November, a full review will be done.

“We need to take the time to check the approach, make sure it works, and make a call on whether it should be put in place permanently.

These planned closures apply to planned maintenance and are separate from the ongoing State Highway 58 Safety Improvements project.

Date

Closure start

Closure end

Sunday 14 September

Sunday 14 September, 10pm

Monday 15 September, 4am

Sunday 5 October

Sunday 5 October, 10pm

Monday 6 October, 4am

Sunday 9 November

Sunday 9 November, 10pm

Monday 10 November, 4am

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Burglars caught out on the job

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Source: New Zealand Police

Two alleged burglars who broke into a vacant restaurant have bitten off more than they could chew after being caught in the act.

At about 2.47am, Police were alerted to a possible break-in at a commercial premises on Beach Road.

Senior Sergeant Tony Turner, Auckland City Police, says a nearby security guard had witnessed two people inside the building and raised the alarm.

“Officers quickly arrived and located one man carrying a black suitcase filled with property.

“A search of the building then located another man, attempting to hide from Police,” he says.

“I commend our Police staff who flooded the area quickly and located these offenders.

“I also want to extend our thanks to the security guard who observed suspicious behaviour and reported it to Police on 111 straight away, enabling the quick apprehension of the two men.”

Two men, aged 58 and 46, will appear in Auckland District Court today charged with burglary.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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