Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Police

Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Police Welcome to the official page of Tasman District Police. New Zealand Police is working with the community to make New Zealanders be safe and feel safe.

With over 14,000 staff, we provide policing services 24 hours a day, every day. We operate by land, sea and air, manage over 770,000 emergency calls a year and are always actively preventing crime and crashes.

Search teams returned to Lake Moeraki today as part of the ongoing operation to investigate information relating to the ...
23/09/2026

Search teams returned to Lake Moeraki today as part of the ongoing operation to investigate information relating to the disappearance of Piper Cherokee Six aircraft ZK-EBU in 1978.

Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood, who is leading the operation, says personnel carried out further sonar and dive-related assessment work in areas identified during yesterday's search activity.

“Teams continued searching throughout today and completed further examination of locations highlighted through sonar imaging.

“While a number of features on the lakebed were assessed, unfortunately nothing was located that warranted further investigation.”

The multi-agency operation involved Police, the Police National Dive Squad, Royal New Zealand Navy personnel, Coastguard West Coast volunteers, Hato Hone St John, Police Search and Rescue staff and other partner agencies.

Senior Sergeant Kirkwood says many family members of those on board the Piper have remained closely connected during the operation and have been kept informed as work has progressed.

“We know this search has carried great significance for the families of the seven people who disappeared nearly five decades ago.

“Today a number of family members at the site expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in the operation, including personnel and volunteers who travelled from around New Zealand to assist with the search.

“They asked that their sincere thanks be passed on to all those who contributed their time, expertise and support in the hope of finding answers.”

Senior Sergeant Kirkwood says while the outcome may be disappointing for families keen for answers, the operation has enabled investigators to thoroughly assess information that warranted examination.

“Whenever new information of this nature comes to light, we have a responsibility to assess it carefully and professionally.

“Although we have not located anything that requires further investigation today, the work carried out means we can confidently account for the areas searched and the information that led us here.”

Police acknowledge the support of Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, partner agencies, local landowners, and the wider Haast community throughout the operation.

“We are also grateful to the families for the trust they have placed in us and for the dignity they have shown throughout what has been an emotional and significant few days,” Senior Sergeant Kirkwood says.

Police do not anticipate any further search activity at Lake Moeraki as part of the current operation but data gathered will be analysed over coming days and any fresh evidence brought forward will continue to be considered.

UPDATE - LAKE MOERAKI SEARCH Police divers have further investigated an object detected in Lake Moeraki today in the sea...
22/09/2026

UPDATE - LAKE MOERAKI SEARCH

Police divers have further investigated an object detected in Lake Moeraki today in the search for a Piper Cherokee Six aircraft that disappeared 47 years ago with seven people on board.

Unfortunately, there is no indication so far that the object is an aircraft.

Fine weather on Lake Moeraki aided the multi-agency search operation, led by Police, which got underway this morning.

Today the search operation included 17 personnel who assembled beside the lake by 8am and started the day with a karakia led by local iwi.

Family members of those who were on board the missing plane were also present, and they joined an early briefing. They have been kept up to date with the search as it has rolled out.

Following a blessing at the edge of the lake,Coastguard West Coast volunteers launched their boat into the water about 9.30am with Navy personnel on board. Despite a lot of rain overnight, the weather was settled today and the sun warmed family members as they watched the boat zig zag across the lake.

At about 12.30pm the weather turned, rain started to fall and thunder clapped. The sonar reports showed an object of interest and the dive squad was deployed to investigate it about 1pm.

Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood, who is in charge of the operation, says the object was worth looking at closely, but they are not confident it is an aircraft.

“After 47 years, we understand the significance of this moment for the families of the seven people who disappeared, some of whom are here today, and for everyone who has worked to find answers about what happened to them.

"We will take time tomorrow to have a closer look."

The search operation will continue tomorrow and further analysis of sonar imaging will take place.

"We will continue to search other areas of the lake that we did not search today."

Police continue to ask members of the public to keep clear of the operational area while the work continues.

21/09/2026

Lake Moeraki was calm and shrouded in mist for much of today, providing a reflective setting for family and search members as they considered what the coming days may bring.

Tomorrow will involve a sonar search of the lake and any metal found will be investigated further.

21/09/2026

Police are seeking to identify the operator of a drone following the serious incident earlier this month in Tāhunanui, Nelson that left two people deceased.

Police responded to the fi****ms incident on Parkers Road, around 12pm on Friday 4 September.

“Officers first on the scene noticed a drone flying overhead,” says Detective Jonny Evans.

“We would like to speak with the operator of the drone and review any footage they may have as it could assist in our investigation.”

If this was you, or you have any information that could help us identify this person, please contact 105 – either online or over the phone – and reference file number 260907/8353.

Less speed means less harm. Slow down.
19/09/2026

Less speed means less harm. Slow down.

Anytime, anywhere 👀 Slow down.
18/09/2026

Anytime, anywhere 👀

Slow down.

Police are leading a multi-agency operation at Lake Moeraki, South Westland, from Monday 21 September in their latest ef...
17/09/2026

Police are leading a multi-agency operation at Lake Moeraki, South Westland, from Monday 21 September in their latest efforts to locate a Piper Cherokee Six plane that disappeared 47 years ago on 29 December 1978 with seven people on board.

Acting Inspector Mark Kirkwood is in charge of the operation. He says the search follows information provided to Police recently regarding a 'sonar target' identified during a private survey of Lake Moeraki. The potential object has been assessed as warranting further examination.

Despite extensive searches at the time neither the aircraft registration ZK-EBU, nor its occupants, were ever located. Police are in contact with family representatives and have kept them informed of the planned search activity.

Acting Inspector Kirkwood says the search remains an evidence-gathering exercise.

“At this stage, there is no confirmation that the potential object is the missing aircraft.

"Our objective is to safely assess the location, gather evidence and determine whether there is any connection to ZK-EBU.”

The operation will involve specialists from the Royal New Zealand Navy, Police National Dive Squad, Coastguard West Coast and Hato Hone St John. West Coast Police Search and Rescue is coordinating the operation.

Police have requested the public to keep clear of the area for the duration of the operation to ensure safe movement of personnel and equipment.

Should an object be located, specialist dive personnel will undertake verification work and collect evidential material to assist with identification.

The operation is being undertaken in consultation with Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio and partner agencies including the Department of Conservation (DOC), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) and the Coroner's Court.

Representatives of Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio have been invited to undertake a blessing prior to the commencement of search activities. Westroads Ltd are improving access to the lake to make it safe for personnel.

Police acknowledge the significant efforts of aviation researcher Gavin Grimmer, whose years of research and analysis have contributed to the information now being assessed.

Police are staying in touch with and supporting family members.

"If successful, we hope this search will bring some measure of closure to the families and friends of those on board, as well as the many people who have contributed to efforts to locate ZK-EBU over the past 48 years,” says Acting Inspector Kirkwood.

"Everyone involved wants to find these people and bring them home."

Police are asking members of the public to avoid the boat ramp at the northern entrance to Lake Moeraki next week while ...
16/09/2026

Police are asking members of the public to avoid the boat ramp at the northern entrance to Lake Moeraki next week while a search operation is carried out.

Acting West Coast Area Commander Mark Kirkwood says the search will begin on Monday 21 September and is expected to continue until Wednesday 23 September in the Lake Moeraki area near Haast.

"The boat ramp at the northern entrance to the lake will be used throughout the search.

"To ensure the safe movement of personnel and equipment, we ask that the area be kept clear for the duration of the operation," says acting Area Commander Kirkwood.

Members of the public may notice an increased presence of personnel as Police, alongside the NZ Defence Force and Coastguard West Coast, undertake the operation.

The search operation relates to an aircraft, ZK-EBU, that went missing in 1978.

Police thank the public for their cooperation and understanding while this work is carried out.

Further information will be provided when appropriate.

Have you seen this person? Greymouth Police are appealing for information to identify this person as we have concerns fo...
15/09/2026

Have you seen this person?

Greymouth Police are appealing for information to identify this person as we have concerns for their welfare.

Police believe this person may have been in the Sawyers Creek area about 5pm on Saturday 12 September.

If you are this person, or know who this may be, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105, referencing 260914/3192.

Address

1 St John Street
Nelson
7010

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