Upper Hutt Community Patrol

20/08/2026

Have you seen Samuel Joseph Kaka?

Police are appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of Samuel Joseph Kaka, 39, who has a warrant to arrest and is wanted by Police.
It is believed Kaka is in the Wellington and Hutt Valley areas.
If you see Kaka, please do not approach him and instead contact Police immediately on 111 with as much information as safely possible.
Please use the reference number 260811/5119.
Any information regarding his whereabouts can be provided online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111

Have you seen Samuel Joseph Kaka?

Police are appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of Samuel Joseph Kaka, 39, who has a warrant to arrest and is wanted by Police.

It is believed Kaka is in the Wellington and Hutt Valley areas.

If you see Kaka, please do not approach him and instead contact Police immediately on 111 with as much information as safely possible.

Please use the reference number 260811/5119.

Any information regarding his whereabouts can be provided online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111

05/08/2026

Wellington District Police have arrested three repeat offenders within the last two weeks for separate shoplifting incidents in popular retail spots in Upper and Lower Hutt.

On 22 May, Police received a report a recidivist, high-risk shoplifter had taken over $750 of beauty items and candles from a Upper Hutt department store.

Inspector Shaun Lingard says after making significant enquiries, Police arrested the 54-year-old woman, who was charged with shoplifting between $500-$1000. She is due in Hutt Valley District Court on 11 August.

On 24 May, a man was reported to have taken over $250 of products from another Lower Hutt store. Police were quickly on scene and discovered weapons on the person.

The 22-year-old man was arrested and charged with shoplifting, and was due to appear in Hutt Valley District Court today (6 August). He is also charged with 11 other offences including possessing an offensive weapon, drugs, and dishonesty-related offences.

On 29 June, a brand-new laptop and other small items were taken from a Lower Hutt technology retailer. Enquiries revealed the suspect was required to arrest on other active charges.

The 31-year-old woman has been charged with shoplifting along with six other charges, which are drug and dishonesty related. She was also due to appear in the Hutt Valley District Court today (6 August).

Inspector Lingard says Police thank the public that helped in various enquiries throughout these investigations.

If you see shoplifting, we encourage you to report the matter to Police. Use 111 if it’s happening now, or 105 if it’s after the fact.

20/07/2026

A man is due to appear in court tomorrow facing a range of charges following an incident in Silverstream this afternoon.

At about 3.10pm, Police located a stolen vehicle in Silverstream.

During an interaction it is alleged the driver ran over an officer's feet and rammed a Police vehicle, causing minor injuries to the officer and significant damage to the Police vehicle.

The stolen vehicle then fled the scene. Due to the manner of driving, Police did not pursue it.

Instead, staff maintained observation of the vehicle using a combination of Police units, updates from members of the public, and CCTV footage.

The driver later abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. A passenger was taken into custody at the scene.

A Police dog unit was deployed and it successfully tracked the alleged offender, leading to his arrest shortly before 4pm.
The driver was assessed by ambulance staff after sustaining a dog bite during the arrest.

Police would like to thank members of the public who provided information and observations, helping bring the incident to a safe conclusion.

08/07/2026

‼️Weather Update‼️
Parts of Upper Hutt are now under an Orange Rain Warning.
Currently we have no road closures or outages to report but we will continue to update this post if that changes.
In the meantime:
👉 Please take extra care when driving around the region today. Roads will be wet and potential debris can make driving conditions hazardous.
👉 Keep an eye on the weather by following MetService New Zealand
👉 Follow Wellington Region Emergency Management Office official updates
👉 Let us know of any debris or fallen trees in our city.
👉 Look out for each other and stay safe.
Need to report something?
🚧 For flooding or fallen hazards on public roads: Call us on 04 527 2169
🏠 For damage to private property: Call Fire and Emergency NZ + your insurer
💡Power outage updates: Contact Wellington Electricity

30/06/2026

Variable school speed limits are now live across affected Upper Hutt school zones. 🚸

From today, drivers must travel at 30km when school zone are active.

What this means for drivers:

✔️ The 30km limit is now legally enforceable
✔️ The lower speed applies only during signposted school travel times
✔️ Outside these times, normal speed limits apply
✔️ Enforcement is carried out by New Zealand Police

These changes are part of a nationwide Government requirement to improve safety for tamariki, whānau, and everyone travelling around our schools.

If you are unsure whether your local school is affected, check maps and operating information here 👇
https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/vsl

Please slow down, stay alert, and help keep our school communities safe.

26/06/2026

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

11/05/2026

NZ Defence Force explosive demolition will occur intermittently on the Trentham Camp Demolitions Range between 9.00am and 5.00pm on Tuesday, 12 May. 💣🧨

08/05/2026

🚨 ARREST MADE 🚨

Police have been making enquiries into a string of recent incidents at both commercial and residential properties in Upper Hutt.

Overnight a man has been arrested in relation to these incidents.

The 19-year-old man is due to appear in Wellington District Court today with charges including theft and burglary, says Senior Sergeant Sam Avison.

“We know these incidents have been hugely concerning to the community, and we’re pleased to have made an arrest.

“Anyone who has been the victim of such an incident is encouraged to make sure they report it to us so we can investigate.”

Enquiries are ongoing, and Police cannot rule out further charges.

24/04/2026

Dawn Service today 25 April 2026, Upper Hutt City Centre. Patrol present keeping Parade route safe and attending to various small medical issues. Great to see such a large turn out of young people, Scouts, Guides, Cadets.

20/04/2026

Tuesday update – 7.30am

‼️Road closure: State Highway 2 Kaitoke to Featherston, (Remutaka Hill)

Due to a bridge washout, State Highway 2 is closed between Kaitoke and Featherston.

Delay travel if possible and stay up to date on the latest traffic updates via the NZTA Journey Planner 👇
https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner

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🌧️Tuesday update – 6.05am

Good morning, Upper Hutt!

Heavy rain and strong winds are currently forecast to continue across the region today. Conditions remain unpredictable, and the risk of slips, flooding, and surface flooding is still high today.

👉 Avoid unnecessary travel. Stay home if it is safe to do so.

🚗 If you must travel:
• drive to the conditions and slow down
• increase following distances
• watch for debris, surface flooding, and slips
• expect delays and possible road closures

⛔ Local road closures and restrictions:
• One lane is closed at 615 Whitemans Valley Road due to a slip
• The right lane on Wallaceville Hill Road is closed due to a fallen tree
• The parking area under the Silverstream Bridge is closed for public safety

🏫 Check before you go:
• Check with your child’s school or early childhood centre for closures
• Check Metlink for public transport disruptions
• Check with your workplace about alternative arrangements
• Check NZTA Journey Planner for live updates to state highways disruptions: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner

⚠️ Stay safe:
• Do not walk, drive, or play in floodwater
• Stay away from rivers, streams, and bridges
• Do not attempt to clear slips or debris yourself. These areas can be unstable and dangerous
• Please continue to report issues to Council and allow trained crews to respond safely
• Be prepared for possible power outages
• Keep phones charged and emergency supplies ready

🤝 Look out for one another
• Check in on neighbours, friends, and whānau, especially those who may need extra support, when it is safe to do so

📢 Council crews are continuing to monitor conditions and responding where needed. We will keep providing updates through the day

Stay safe, Upper Hutt. 💛

Tuesday update – 2.30pm

Updated weather warnings and watches 🟠🟡

We are now under an Orange Heavy Rain Warning until 6.00pm and a Strong Wind Watch until 9.00pm tonight.

Conditions are still hazardous. Stay alert, always travel to conditions, and be prepared for unexpected impacts on your journey – clean-up works are taking place across the wider region.

Local roading update 🚗

SH2 (Remutaka Hill, Kaitoke to Featherston) remains closed due to a bridge washout. NZTA crews are working on a temporary fix and estimate the route to be closed for 24 hours. For the latest updates on the roading network, check the NZTA Journey Planner 👇
https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner

One lane is still closed at 615 Whitemans Valley Road due to a slip. Work is under way to clear this and expected to be completed this afternoon.

Akatarawa Road, around 1km south of Staglands: debris and small slips have narrowed the road. Stay alert and travel with caution.

Be prepared for slips and landslides 🪨

Ongoing rain has made the ground and our surrounding hills water-logged.

Watch out for the following:
- Small slips, rock falls and subsidence at the bottom of slopes
- Sticking doors and window frames
- Gaps where frames are not fitting properly
- Outside fixtures such as steps, decks, and verandas moving or tilting away from the rest of the house
- New cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces
- Tilting trees, retaining walls or fences

If you notice any of the above, move to safety immediately – do not delay. If life is at risk, ring 111.

Thank you to everyone who has stayed informed with us and followed official advice yesterday, overnight, and this morning. We’ll continue to provide updates as needed here and on our website.

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Tuesday update – 9.50am

Traffic and roading update 🚗

The following roads are currently closed or impacted:

• State Highway 2 (Remutaka Hill) Kaitoke to Featherston is CLOSED due to a bridge washout; delay travel if possible
• One lane is closed at 615 Whitemans Valley Road due to a slip

Wallaceville Hill Road is fully OPEN again.

Our crews continue to be out and about across Upper Hutt checking and assessing infrastructure.

Avoid all non-essential travel and expect delays throughout the day.

If you must travel, stay alert and be prepared for conditions to change quickly.

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Tuesday update – 7.30am

‼️ Road closure: State Highway 2 Kaitoke to Featherston, (Remutaka Hill)

Due to a bridge washout, State Highway 2 is closed between Kaitoke and Featherston.

Delay travel if possible and stay up to date on the latest traffic updates via the NZTA Journey Planner 👇
https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner

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🌧️Tuesday update – 6.05am

Good morning, Upper Hutt!

Heavy rain and strong winds are currently forecast to continue across the region today. Conditions remain unpredictable, and the risk of slips, flooding, and surface flooding is still high today.

👉 Avoid unnecessary travel. Stay home if it is safe to do so.

🚗 If you must travel:
• drive to the conditions and slow down
• increase following distances
• watch for debris, surface flooding, and slips
• expect delays and possible road closures

⛔ Local road closures and restrictions:
• One lane is closed at 615 Whitemans Valley Road due to a slip
• The right lane on Wallaceville Hill Road is closed due to a fallen tree
• The parking area under the Silverstream Bridge is closed for public safety

🏫 Check before you go:
• Check with your child’s school or early childhood centre for closures
• Check Metlink for public transport disruptions
• Check with your workplace about alternative arrangements
• Check NZTA Journey Planner for live updates to state highways disruptions: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner

⚠️ Stay safe:
• Do not walk, drive, or play in floodwater
• Stay away from rivers, streams, and bridges
• Do not attempt to clear slips or debris yourself. These areas can be unstable and dangerous
• Please continue to report issues to Council and allow trained crews to respond safely
• Be prepared for possible power outages
• Keep phones charged and emergency supplies ready

🤝 Look out for one another
• Check in on neighbours, friends, and whānau, especially those who may need extra support, when it is safe to do so

📢 Council crews are continuing to monitor conditions and responding where needed. We will keep providing updates through the day

Stay safe, Upper Hutt. 💛