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.
Law Enforcement / New Zealand Four arrested, firearms seized in Gisborne investigation into shooting of Bill Maangi Police carried out multiple search warrants and a river search; four people now face aggravated robbery, firearms and drug charges as the homicide inquiry continues.
Law Enforcement / New Zealand Police name Lake Crescent homicide victim, seek Subaru Impreza KZH714 The man who died was 55-year-old Jason Poa, also known as Jason Tipene; investigators want sightings of a Subaru Impreza as the inquiry continues.
Law Enforcement / New Zealand Four new Police District Commanders named for Waikato, Wellington, Bay of Plenty and Eastern The provisional appointments are set to begin in February 2026, reshaping senior leadership across four districts.
Law Enforcement / New Zealand Two arrested after alleged knife-point e-bike robbery of teens in Belmont; bike still missing Police executed warrants in Belmont and Ōtara, arresting a 28-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, and locating other stolen items.
Law Enforcement / New Zealand Missing Avondale teen found safe after public information The 16-year-old reported missing in Avondale has been located safe and well, Police say.
Government / New Zealand Waitangi Tribunal annual report outlines 2025–2035 strategy and recent inquiry work The Matariki-to-Matariki report details completed inquiries, recent reports and 50th anniversary projects, with the English edition out now and a bilingual version due in early 2026.
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.
Law Enforcement / New Zealand Commodore with flashing lights joins Police convoy; officers find loaded firearm, 3D-printed gun and meth A non-police vehicle pulled in behind officers outside Kawakawa Police Station, prompting a stop that uncovered weapons, ammunition and drugs.
Law Enforcement / New Zealand Police name Ruatiti double-homicide victims; search for 29-year-old Mitchell Cole continues Brendon and Trina Cole have been identified; Police urge the public not to approach Mitchell Cole and to call 111 with sightings.
Law Enforcement / New Zealand Police turn to coffee cup stickers to push speed message on SH6 tourist route Drinks from Garston’s Coffee Bomb will carry a 100km/h reminder as Police try to reach the daily flow of visitors heading between Queenstown and Fiordland.
Government / New Zealand Parent Portal now maps full Year 0–10 curriculum; free maths tool for Years 3–8 due Tuesday The Ministry’s online guide adds all learning areas from the refreshed curriculum and will roll out summer practice resources, starting with maths.
