Northland Police

12/06/2026

Is it play time yet? 🧸

11/06/2026

A man heard calling for help in an oyster farm in Whangaroa Harbour sparked a full scale rescue mission involving the locals overnight.

Just before 3am, Police received a report of a male heard calling for help from a member of the public who believed the person was somewhere between Waitaruke and Whangaroa.

Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, Northland Police Search and Rescue lead, says the informant told Police she could hear, but not see, the man who said his kayak had sunk and he was not wearing a life jacket.

“Search and Rescue were notified and a response plan was discussed, which included contacting Coastguard and Northern Rescue.

“However, officers on the ground arrived and spoke with the informant and with the assistance of a group of local residents were able to use a small boat to start the search.

“During this time the male’s responses were becoming less frequent, raising significant concern for his wellbeing.”

Detective Sergeant Overton says locals headed out, with assitance from officer's on the shore, and located the man quickly.

"He was extremely cold, but otherwise uninjured.

“He was incredibly lucky.

“This is a great example of our community reporting information in a timely manner, which potentially led to saving this man’s life.

“This was outstanding work by the locals, and we’re so appreciative to them for their willingness to assist Police with this rescue.”

11/06/2026

A rider who allegedly pulled out a firearm before taking off on a dirt bike in Whangārei on Wednesday will now face court.

At about 3pm, Police were notified of a person on a blue dirt bike who had allegedly presented a firearm at a member of the public in Woodhill before leaving and heading towards Maunu Road.

Whangārei Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Rene Rakete, says Police quickly spotted the rider on Raumanga Valley Road riding his dirt bike along the footpath.

“No pursuit was initiated, however the rider has seen Police and taken off.

“A short time later a unit has spotted him in a carpark before observing him driving across a reserve and into Mahana Place.”

Senior Sergeant Rakete says the man was taken into custody and a search of his bag located an imitation firearm.

“This should serve as a reminder that presenting a firearm will initiate a strong response from Police and can result in charges.

“Police take any report of the presence of fi****ms in the community extremely seriously.”

An 18-year-old male will appear in Whangārei District Court on 15 June.

He has been charged with behaving threateningly, driving while suspended and presenting a thing likely to be believed to be prohibited firearm at person.

11/06/2026

Police are appealing for information following an aggravated burglary in Kensington last night.

Just before 6.30pm, a group of males armed with what appeared to be a machete and hammer, have attempted to enter a dairy on Mill Road.

Detective Senior Sergent Shane Pilmer, Northland CIB, says the group took a number of items before the store keeper activated the fog cannon.

“Thankfully no one was injured.

“The offenders have then fled in a stolen grey 2020 Mitsubishi Pajero Station wagon, which officers located abandoned in Otangarei a short time later.”

Detective Senior Sergent Pilmer says the vehicle has since been towed for forensic examination, however Police believe it was stolen in the early hours of Wednesday 10 June from the Kensington area.

“We are now appealing to anyone who witnessed anything in the area at the time to please contact Police,” he says.

“Police would also like to hear from anyone who may have information about any sightings of this vehicle before or after the aggravated burglary.”

Detective Senior Sergent Pilmer says are also reminding dairy owners to be vigilant, particularly around closing times, for any suspicious activity or vehicles.

“Please don’t hesitate to contact 111 immediately if you feel concerned.”

Police also urge members of the public to phone 111 immediately if they observe any suspicious behaviour outside dairies.

Anyone with information in relation to the aggravated burglary or the vehicle is asked to contact Police on 105, quoting file number 260610/6122.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

10/06/2026

NZ Civil Defence are testing the Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) system on Sunday 14 June, between 6-7pm ⚠️📲

If you have a hidden second phone for your safety, we recommend turning it off or putting it in flight mode for the duration of the test (6-7pm on Sunday 14 June) to ensure it’s not discovered when the nationwide Emergency Mobile Alert is sent.

Some mobile devices set to silent mode will still emit a sound when the Emergency Mobile Alert test is sent, so switching to flight mode or turning off your device is the only way to avoid the loud sound of the alert.

You can find more information about the Emergency Mobile Alert system, including a factsheet and list of FAQs at 🚨 https://getready.govt.nz/en/prepared/ema

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

Police are seeking information on the movements of a homicide victim’s vehicle following her death in the Far North last week.

Operation Peony is investigating the alleged murder of 76-year-old Tārati (Dorothy) Buckley in Whirinaki.

Pictured is her vehicle, a Toyota RAV4 - DOTSKA.

Police would like any information on the vehicle’s movements across Sunday night, 31 May, and the following morning, 1 June.

We are seeking any information on the movements of the vehicle between the Whirinaki and Kaikohe areas between 8pm and 6am.

Information is also being sought on its movements as it travelled south. It travelled through Kawakawa at around 6.50am on 1 June.

“It has continued south through the Maungatapere and Dargaville areas,” Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston says.

“We would like to hear from anyone who has seen the vehicle travelling at these times or who might have dash camera footage they can provide.”

Police later located the RAV4 burnt out on Ounuwhao Road, near Dargaville, after 9.10am on 1 June.

Meanwhile, Police enquiries are continuing into locating a dark red mountain bike the alleged offender was seen riding that morning.

If you have information to assist Police, please update us online now or call 105 using the reference number 260601/3972.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

09/06/2026

Emergency services are in attendance at a serious crash in Hikurangi.

Police were notified of the two vehicle crash, on State Highway 1, just after 3pm.

At this stage it appears a number of people have been seriously injured.

State Highway 1 has been closed and diversions are in place via King Street and George Street.

Motorists are advised to delay travel or seek an alternative route.
The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

08/06/2026

10-2. Constable Jake is back on shift in Papakura. Watch the full episode on our Youtube channel 📽️ https://youtu.be/7GH494JFhB8

08/06/2026

Police investigating a serious assault in Whangārei in April have arrested one person.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei CIB, says a 22-year-old man has this morning been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He says Police previously asked the public for assistance following a person being seriously assaulted by an unknown man outside a Riverside Drive store on 22 April.

“The victim was transported to hospital with serious injuries and is thankfully recovering.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to the public for all the information provided, which assisted Police in apprehending the alleged offender.”

The man has been remanded in custody and will appear in Whangārei District Court on 29 June.