Police presence at Ōrere Point, Auckland

Hawke’s Bay Expressway blocked by truck breakdown

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March 2, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A truck has broken down on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, between Kennedy Road and the Meeanee Road overbridge.

The southern lane is completely blocked and there is significant traffic in the area.

Towing is being arranged for the truck and could take up to an hour.

Motorists heading south between Napier and Hastings are asked to take alternative routes in the meantime.

ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.

Appeal for information following possible sightings of missing man Travis Langford

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March 2, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police have today been notified of several possible sightings of Travis Langford, who has been missing since 17 January.

Travis travelled from Wellington to the Waikato region, where his car was located burnt out at a farm on Tolley Road in Ngaroma on 18 January.

The sightings reported today were of a man matching Travis’ description, wearing a poncho, and were at the following locations: on State Highway 30, approximately 20-25 kilometres south of Te Kuiti; the Kopaki rail overbridge; near Powell Road; and near Mangaokewa Road, where he appeared to be hitchhiking. The attached images show the locations of these sightings.

Based on these sightings, Police believe the man was heading north, and may have been picked up by a passing motorist.

We want to hear from anyone who was travelling on State Highway 30 between 9.30am and 12pm today, who may have seen this man; anyone who picked up a hitchhiker matching the description of this man; or anyone that has dashcam footage from the area that may be relevant.

If you can help, please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 250119/4439.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.

Serious assault, Palmerston North

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March 2, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Shelley Ross:

Police are making enquiries after a man was found with critical injuries at a Cloverlea address yesterday.

He was transported to hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.

A scene guard is in place at the address, and a scene examination will be carried out over the coming days.

We would like to reassure the public that preliminary enquiries have established this is an isolated incident.

Residents will notice an additional Police presence in the area while our enquiries are carried out.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

New Auckland facility to support Police training

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March 2, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

A new training base to open in Auckland is another example of what can be achieved with a Government that is backing Police, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello says.

“Opening up training in our largest city provides Police with the opportunity to attract, train and get quality new officers from our largest market and will supplement the training that occurs at the Police College in Porirua.

“The coalition Government has a commitment to increase frontline Police numbers by 500 and provided $191 million in last year’s Budget to fund recruitment and training, and $34.6 million in capital to ensure that they are properly equipped to do their jobs.

“That investment has enabled Police to focus on doing what they need to to improve the recruitment pipeline and attract quality new recruits and get them out on to the streets faster.

“We want Police to do all that they can to drive recruitment, increase the number of Police and to make our communities safer and that’s exactly what they’re doing,” Ms Costello says.

“The announcement of the new training base is a concrete example of that. As well as training recruits, the Auckland facility will be used for senior training courses, and I am confident that it will also be a useful resource for other agencies.

“This Government will continue to back Police and make changes to improve law and order in New Zealand.”

Coming soon to Auckland

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March 2, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

New Zealand Police will open training for new recruits in Auckland this year as growing numbers of people pursue careers on the frontline.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers is making the announcement ahead of running in the Auckland Round the Bays event this morning.

Commissioner Chambers says making training available in Auckland, in addition to the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC), is another positive step toward delivering our target of 500 additional officers.

“Having a training wing open in Auckland is an important part of our plan. It will increase our training capacity and open the doors for even more quality applicants.

“We know that being away from home for 20 weeks has been a deterrent for many people wanting to join Police. This will open the door to their dream job that might not otherwise have been possible.

“The new training based in Auckland will provide an opportunity for recruits to train closer to home and from the outset be immersed in the communities they’ll be serving once they graduate.

“This extra training location will support us to get applicants through the pipeline and into training faster. The median time between application and starting at RNZPC has already reduced by more than 90 days over the last year and we’re looking to cut that down even further.

“The Auckland base will also be used for senior courses as the RNZPC prioritises recruit training.”

Those in the Auckland wing will be able to stay at their own home during training. From tomorrow, there will be an option when applying on Newcops.govt.nz that allows recruits to indicate they are open to being trained in Auckland. The location for the new training base is still in the final stages of being confirmed and will be announced soon.

“Extensive planning and organisation is essential to delivering this new training base. It was important that we share this news as early as possible so we can prepare and promote this option to people considering joining,” Commissioner Chambers says.

“We’re doing a huge amount of work to deliver on the 500. Although the number of graduates from RNZPC has been impacted by an increase in the length of training early in 2024, the number of constables has continued to trend upwards since we resumed our regular graduation cadence.

“Last year we saw record numbers of applications to join Police. In the period July to December 2024, Police received 5277 applications, which is more than double the same period for 2023.

“We expanded our talent pool through updates to the application criteria and our recruitment marketing. Last month, we launched the remake of our 90s classic advertisement, which has seen huge support among staff and the public. Another exciting recruitment campaign is due to launch later this month.

“We’re making our recruitment process more agile and fit-for-purpose. Our recruitment booth at the Round the Bays event today will enable qualified and ready candidates to meet the first six steps of the recruitment pathway in a single day.

“Having more officers on the beat is important for deterring crime, enforcing the law and increasing feelings of public safety. We’re committed to delivering on the 500 target.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Advocacy – Skating the length of New Zealand to support youth mental health

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March 1, 2025

Source: Authority PR

Best friends and skaters, Ben Lewis and Jed Scott-Stafford, are embarking on an extraordinary challenge—skateboarding from Bluff to Cape Reinga to raise awareness and funds for youth mental health.

Having faced their own battles and lost loved ones to mental health struggles, Ben and Jed know first-hand the silent suffering many young Kiwis endure. Through their journey, they hope to break the stigma around vulnerability, encourage open conversations, and provide real support for those in need.

Starting on March 1st, Ben and Jed will hitchhike to Bluff before skating the entire length of the country. At each stop, they’ll visit skateparks, host free BBQs, and connect with local communities, creating spaces where young people feel safe to open up about their struggles.

“So many young people suffer in silence because they feel like they have to be strong, like their pain isn’t valid, like no one will understand. We’ve been there, and we know what it’s like to think you have to face it alone,” says Lewis. “But vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s the first step to healing. We want to show young Kiwis that they are not alone—that their struggles are real, their pain matters, and that there is help available.”

Mental health advocate and I Am Hope founder Mike King has praised the duo for their courage in taking on this journey to help others.

“Ben and Jed are showing young people that struggling doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human. The biggest killer of our kids isn’t mental illness; it’s the belief that they’re a burden, that their problems aren’t worth talking about,” says King. “What these two are doing is not just inspiring—it’s lifesaving. They’re meeting young Kiwis where they are, in skateparks, in their communities, and letting them know they’re not alone. We’re proud to support them on this journey.”

The Tour

North Island Route:

The journey will continue from Wellington, heading up the Kāpiti Coast before crossing to the East Coast, stopping in Tauranga and other major skate communities.

South Island Route:

Bluff
Invercargill
Winton
Gore
Dunedin
Queenstown
Wānaka
Fairlie
Ashburton
Christchurch
Rangiora
Kaikōura
Blenheim
Nelson

All funds raised go directly to I Am Hope to provide mental health support for young Kiwis who are stuck on long waiting lists, unable to access the help they desperately need.

Donate here: https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/skateboarding-up-nz-bottom-to-top-grilling-up-at Instagram page: @tgcunz

“Together, we can turn suffering into strength and loneliness into hope—one skatepark at a time.”

Congratulations to Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue

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March 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Kua tū te haka a Tāne Rore me ngā mahi a Hine Rēhia!
The pinnacle of Māori performing arts was on full display at Te Matatini today – big congratulations to Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue for earning the top honour, Māori Development Tama Potaka says.
“They were one of those groups who just took to the stage and made it their own. Their uniqueness, their wairua Māori, shone throughout their performance and that was a poignant point of difference. I heard a beautiful expression that stuck with me earlier this week: ‘The waiata goes into my ears and out my eyes’. Seeing the passion in their performance and being part of that sold-out crowd was an awesome feeling.
“This was the culmination of the biggest Te Matatini we’ve seen: Fifty-five kapa haka performing with Te Mahau under the watch of Te Kāhui Maunga.
“We’ve seen whānau lining up for hours in the mornings to get the best spots. We’ve seen Ōpotiki Mai Tawhiti give an emotional tribute to their lost loved ones including former leader Ricky Mitai. And we’ve seen those just at the start of their reo journey; they might not understand all the kupu yet but they can feel it and know they’re resonating with something magic.
“That’s why the Government made the largest ever investment in Te Matatini at the last Budget: $48.7 million over three years. We want to make sure that this event can continue to grow and thrive.
“I hope that the region enjoys the economic boost this event is expected to bring – about $26 million – and I hope that you all got the chance to enjoy this event as much as the visitors.
“Big thanks to our Te Kāhui Maunga whānau for hosting us all, Carl Ross and his team’s hard mahi, and to all the performers and supporters. Ngā mihi aroha ki a koutou katoa.”
Me mihi ka tika a Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue
Kua tū te haka a Tāne Rore me ngā mahi a Hine Rēhia!
I eke ai te mana, te ihi, te wehi, te tapu i ngā mahi a Rēhia, a Tānerore ki tōna keokeotanga ki te papa tūwaewae o Te Matatini i te rangi nei – me mihi te toa whakaihuwaka a Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue ka tika i eke panuku, i eke tangaroa ki te tihi o Taranaki te mihi a te Minita Whanaketanga Māori Tama Potaka.
“Ko rātou tētahi o aua momo rōpū, ka tū ana ki te papa tūwaewae nō rātou te atamira. Mārama te kitea ko te ahurei, ko te wairua Māori e hikohiko mai ana mō te roanga o tā rātou tū koia pū te whakarerekētanga. I rongo au i tētahi kīanga rerehua i tēnei wiki i tāia ki te rae: ‘Ka uru mai te waiata i ōku taringa puta atu ana i ōku karu’. Ko te kitenga o te ihi me te wehi i tā rātou tū ki te atamira, me taku noho ki te tini o te marea (i pau katoa ai ngā tīkiti) ka tū te wanawana!
“Ko te whakatutukinga tēnei o Te Matatini pēnei rawa te nui kua kitea ake nei e tātou: E rima tekau mā rima ngā rōpū kapa haka e tutū ana i te puehu ki Te Mahau i raro i te maru o Te Kāhui Maunga.
“Kua kitea ngā whānau e whakarārangi ana mō te hia haora i ngā atatū ko ngā tino wāhi noho pai mutunga te take. Kua kitea a Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti e poroporoaki ā-ngākau ana i ō rātou mate tae atu ki tō rātou kaitātaki tāne o mua a Ricky Mitai. Kua kitea hoki te hunga kei te tīmatanga noa o tō rātou hīkoitanga reo Māori, kāore anō pea kia mārama i a rātou ngā kupu katoa, heoi anō, kei te rongo rātou i te wairua, me te mōhio ko te kōwarotanga tēnei o tētahi tūāhuatanga mīharo.“Koia te take i tukuna ai e te Kāwanatanga te tahua nui rawa o ngā tahua ki Te Matatini i Te Tahua ā-Motu: $48.7 miriona i roto i te toru tau. Kei te hiahia mātua whakarite mātou e tipu e rea tonu tēnei taumāhekeheke, haere ake nei, haere ake nei.
“Ko te tūmanako ka pārekareka te rohe i te horanga o te whiwhinga ōhanga e whakapaetia ana – ko tōna $26 miriona – ka mutu, i whai wā hoki koutou kia haere kia rongo i te wairua whakangahau i rongohia ai e ō tātou nei manuhiri.
“Nei hoki te mihi maioha nui atu ki te whānau o Te Kāhui Maunga, ki a Carl Ross me tōna tira me tā rātou whakapau werawera ki te manaaki i a mātou katoa, tae atu rā hoki ki te katoa o ngā kaihaka me ngā kaitautoko, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou. Ngā mihi aroha ki a koutou katoa.”

Fatal Crash, Birch Hill Road, Loburn

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March 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

One person has died following a two-vehicle crash involving a motorbike at the intersection of Birch Hill Road and Yaxley’s Road, Loburn, Waimakariri District.

Emergency services responded around 1pm.

One person was located in a critical condition but was unable to be resuscitated, and sadly died at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit has conducted a scene examination and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

The road remains closed, but should reopen shortly.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Serious crash near Pōkeno after driver flees police

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March 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A member of the public has been critically injured after a driver fleeing police crashed head-on into their car near Pōkeno this afternoon.

The crash occurred on State Highway 2 at 3pm, when the fleeing driver attempted to avoid road spikes that had been laid across the road and swerved directly into the path of the oncoming car.

At around 1.20pm today, the stolen car had been observed on traffic cameras on Dominion Road. As a police car approached the stolen car, the driver began driving at high speed and on the wrong side of the road.

Due to the manner of driving, Police did not pursue the car, but monitored it via Eagle helicopter as it travelled through surrounding suburbs, before heading south on the Southern Motorway, then on to State Highway 2.

Officers deployed road spikes at two locations on State Highway 2 in an attempt to stop the fleeing driver.

The driver successfully avoided the first set of road spikes. He also attempted to avoid the second set of road spikes, swerving into the opposite lane and directly into the path of the oncoming car driven by an innocent member of the public.

The driver of that car suffered critical injuries and has been transported to hospital. The fleeing driver also suffered critical injuries and has been transported to hospital.

State Highway 2 is closed in both directions between Avon Road and Koheroa Road and diversions are in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.