New Zealand Police

03/06/2026

Police are praising rescue staff who retrieved four teenagers from Mid Wairoa Hut in the Richmond Ranges over the long weekend.

A personal locator beacon (PLB) was activated in the Richmond Forest Park area, Tasman at about 10.50 Monday morning.

Police worked alongside the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ), and Land Search & Rescue New Zealand (LandSAR) teams to launch a rescue operation attempting to access the four 17-18 year olds.

A rescue helicopter tried to access the area on Monday but was unsuccessful due to inclement weather. The party of four had to spend Monday night in the hut after choosing not to cross a flooded river.

Yesterday Heli Charter Nelson helicopter and one medically trained LandSAR member flew to the hut while LandSAR ground teams went in on foot.

Nelson Search and Rescue Coordinator Constable Johnathan Fris says, “About midday yesterday, Heli Charter helicopter successfully located the group and carried out an extraction – they were lucky - the party was returned home safe and well by lunch time.

The LandSAR foot teams were unable to reach the hut due to flooding, so returned to base.

“Although the four teens made a good decision not to cross the flooded river and return to the hut for safety to activate the PLB, they needed to be better prepared with two forms of communication.

This incident highlights how difficult assistance can be if you have an emergency like severe weather. Even when help is on the way, adverse weather can delay rescue efforts.

It’s a timely reminder for people heading into remote areas to plan well and monitor weather closely – if the forecast looks bad, don’t go,” says Constable Fris.

It’s important to carry the appropriate emergency equipment such as a PLB and a satellite communication device. Mobile phones don’t always have service in remote areas.

Police encourage outdoor enthusiasts to leave their intentions with a trusted person, take extra food and clothes and always check weather conditions in advance.

More safety tips and relevant information can be found on the Mountain Safety Council Website ⛰️ www.mountainsafety.org.nz

02/06/2026

That awkward moment when you realise you've tried to scam the police.. 📞😅

These scammers have absolutely nothing to do with Spark.

It’s really important that people are wary and know what to look out for, as this is the best way to protect themselves.

💸 A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you to ask for your PIN, password or to move money to another account.

💸 Never click on a link in an unexpected email or text – you could be giving access to your personal and financial details.

💸 Always question uninvited approaches in case it is a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.

💸 Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic – just because someone knows your basic details (name and address, or mother’s maiden name) it doesn’t mean they are genuine.

💸 Don’t be rushed into making a decision or financial transaction on the spot – a genuine bank or trusted organisation would never do this.

💸 Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong then it generally is.

Visit the www.scamwatch.co.nz for more information on how you can prevent yourself, family and friends from being scammed.

If you are unsure if a call is genuine, the best thing you can do is hang up.

Anyone who believes they are a victim of a scam, in person, over the phone or online, should immediately report it to their bank, and then to their local Police.

02/06/2026

01/06/2026

Here are just a few headlines from the week just been ⏪

🔹Avondale burglar cops a trip to court
🔹First charge for stalking and harassment
🔹Operation Spear pumping the brakes on illegal chop-shop
🔹Arrest made following Mount Wellington incident
🔹Teen arrested following stolen vehicle incident
🔹Offenders caught after unlawful hunting
🔹Property seized in Kawerau linked to Operation Notus

Stay up to date via www.police.govt.nz/news or download the NZ Police app - available for free download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

01/06/2026

Police in Manawatū have spent King's Birthday weekend successfully disrupting and deterring anti-social road user gatherings.

On receiving information that events were planned, Police stood up an operation to ensure high visibility and broad coverage.

Our communities won’t stand for menacing motoring behaviour - and neither will we.

Our staff have done an incredible job of suppressing these groups who tyrannise residents, businesses, and other road users.

Any dangerous driving, unauthorised street racing, intimidating convoys, burnouts, skidding, and excessive noise will be met with zero-tolerance.

While visible, we have taken enforcement action against other drivers to keep our roads safe:

🚫 101 infringement notices were issued, including 29 for excess breath alcohol.
🚫 30 vehicles were ordered off the road.
🚫 10 vehicles were impounded.
🚫 4 driver licences were suspended.

Local officers have been supported by colleagues from Wellington and Eastern Districts.

As part of the operation, the Police helicopter Eagle was temporarily deployed to the region to provide assistance.

We will continue to monitor the area for any activity.

01/06/2026

A horror night on the roads with three fatal crashes is a sobering reminder for those travelling home today to drive safely.

Five people have lost their lives overnight.

One person died in a crash in Wairakei, one on Waiheke, and tragically, three people were killed in a crash in Waiouru.

That is absolutely gutting.

We are thinking of their families today, while they deal with the awful reality that their lives will never be the same.

This comes after deaths in two earlier crashes this King’s Birthday weekend, bringing the provisional number of deaths to seven.

Police are urging motorists travelling home today after the long weekend to please, take every safety precaution you can.

We say it all the time but we’re going to say it again – there are four main things that contribute to death or serious injury on the roads.

Those are speeding, not using your seatbelt, driving distracted, or driving impaired, including by tiredness.

If you’re getting on the road today, please – buckle up, put your phone away, watch your speed, and if you are at all impaired by alcohol, drugs or tiredness, stop – don’t get behind the wheel.

These things might be the difference between you getting home safely or not.

31/05/2026

Police are reminding motorists of their obligations around kea crossings, also known as school pedestrian crossings.

Kea crossings operate before, after, and sometimes during school hours.

As a motorist, you are required by law to abide by the crossing patrols rules – when the red stop signs are out, you must stop behind the white line painted on the road. Failure to do so can result in being fined or charged with dangerous driving.

When approaching a kea crossing that is operating but has the stop signs drawn in, you must slow down and prepare to stop – only carry on through the crossing once it’s clear the stop signs are not being put out.

If one sign is out and the other is not, you should take care and stop, as a child or supervisor may be preparing to set up or pack down.

For more information on kea crossings, go to: kea crossings: school crossing points - www.nzta.govt.nz/travelling-on-our-roads/keeping-children-safe/school-patrols/kea-crossings

31/05/2026

Commissioner Richard Chambers has congratulated two members of Police who are today recognised with royal honours.

Inspectors Ross Grantham (Central District) has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) and Neru (Nu) Leifi (Canterbury District) a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).

Ross has been honoured for services to New Zealand Police and Nu has been honoured for services to New Zealand Police and the community.

Commissioner Chambers says these awards are well-deserved recognition for their decades of Police service and deep connections made in their communities.

Read more here - www.police.govt.nz/news/release/stalwarts-service-honoured

31/05/2026

Things you shouldn't do after a night out....

❌ Drive drunk
❌ Text your ex

Always drive sober or have a plan on how you will get home safely so you can end your night with no regrets.