Emergency / Law Enforcement Sliver of cellphone reception leads to overnight rescue in Hutt River gorge Police and LandSAR reached the trio at 3am after an NH90 was turned back by low cloud, with a rafting team extracting them at first light.
Emergency / Law Enforcement Police ask for sightings of 16-year-old Larissa, last seen in Avondale The teen was last seen about 10pm Sunday near Tiverton Road; anyone with information is asked to call 111 quoting reference 251222/7046.
Emergency / Law Enforcement Boatie rescued after an hour in Lake Taupō without lifejacket; Police warn after boat fire The sole occupant was found about a kilometre from his burning boat near Kinloch, prompting reminders on lifejackets, comms and bylaw compliance.
New Zealand / Emergency Coastguard targets zero boating deaths after 26% rise in life‑threatening incidents The service expects a busy summer on the water and is urging lifejackets, waterproof communications and trip reports, warning that well‑meant tows can quickly put people in danger.
Emergency / Law Enforcement Search under way off Thames Coast after person reported missing in the water near Waikawau Police, Coastguard and Fire and Emergency are searching near Waikawau boat ramp after one of two people made it to shore and raised the alarm around 9.45am.
Law Enforcement / Emergency Person pulled from water dies near Waiotapu; Police treating death as unexplained Emergency services were called about 6.15am, a scene examination is underway, and one person is assisting Police.
Emergency / Economics Boxing Day and 2 January firefighter strikes set; FENZ says latest hour saw 14 incidents managed by contingencies The service credits volunteers and plans with covering today’s stoppage, as pay talks move to ERA facilitation in late January.
Emergency / New Zealand Urban fire response to be slower at midday as paid firefighters strike for an hour Fire and Emergency will rely on volunteers during the union’s sixth one-hour walkout, and is asking the public to avoid fire risks, check smoke alarms, and evacuate early if a fire starts.
Emergency / Law Enforcement Two climbers on Aoraki/Mount Cook believed dead after ice avalanche; recovery not yet possible Searchers found climbing gear and avalanche debris on the upper Linda Glacier; unstable terrain is preventing a recovery.
Emergency / New Zealand Muriwai Beach vehicle access closed over New Year, 31 Dec–12 Jan Coast Road and Wilson Road entrances will be shut, with walking and horse access only as agencies focus on safety and fire risk.
Emergency / Law Enforcement One dead after single-vehicle crash on Ngawaka Road, south of Flemington Police say the sole occupant died at the scene; the road was closed for a scene examination and the death has been referred to the Coroner.
Emergency / Law Enforcement Two injured after shots fired in Gore; cordon in place near Aparima Street Police say there is no wider risk to the community as they investigate the evening incident.
