Attribute to Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Inspector Clifford Paxton: 

Bay of Plenty Police have arrested and charged a man following a breach at the Mount Maunganui landslide site cordon early Wednesday morning.

At around 2.30am, Police were notified that a man had allegedly entered the Mount Maunganui landslide zone which is cordoned off for the public's safety.

Police coordinated a response with Māori Wardens, who are watching over the site, and a 20-year-old man was arrested.

He is due in Tauranga District Court on Tuesday 24 February, charged with breaching the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act and careless driving.

Police remind the public that the landslide site is a restricted area as it remains unstable and poses significant public safety concerns.

The area is cordoned off with clear signage – there is no excuse to breach this.

Any suspicious behaviour around cordoned, or restricted, areas should be reported to Police immediately by calling 111, if it is happening now, or through 105 if it is after the fact.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

A planned protest across the Auckland Harbour Bridge has had its permit declined, and access to the bridge will not be facilitated by Police.

The event is being organised by The Freedom and Rights Coalition for 31 January 2026.

A number of agencies have been working together in planning, and are well placed to respond to any protest activity taking place in the Auckland region.

"As the road controlling authority, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has a responsibility to protect road users on and around the Auckland Harbour Bridge as well as to protect the structural integrity of the bridge," NZTA's National Manager Maintenance and Operations, Andrew Clark says.

"There is a very high threshold for acceptance of requests to access the bridge for special events.

NZTA declined The Freedom and Rights Coalition's request for access because the information provided in the Coalition's Traffic Management Plan did not meet NZTA's strict criteria.

"The Auckland Harbour Bridge is New Zealand's most critical transport asset and is designed for a steady flow of vehicles.

"The bridge is not designed for use by pedestrians.

Large groups of people walking across the Auckland Harbour Bridge generates swaying of the structure, which causes vibrations leading to large movement between the clip-ons and the central truss bridge lanes," Mr Clark says.

The timing and duration of these sorts of events over the Auckland Harbour Bridge also causes substantial and widespread disruption to Auckland's transport network.

Any significant activity planned for any part of the state highway network without prior approval, is referred to Police.

NZTA and Police will not support any unpermitted access to the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

"NZTA does not allow any unpermitted activity that does not meet NZTA's strict criteria for access, including protest activity, across the Auckland Harbour Bridge," Mr Clark says.

A significant Police operation is well-advanced in its planning.

Superintendent Naila Hassan says any unlawful access to the motorway will be met with enforcement action.

"Police recognise the right to peaceful and lawful protest," she says.

"Any access to the motorway network requires a permit, and as no such permit has been issued any protest action on the Auckland Harbour Bridge would be unlawful.

"Police is very clear that we will not support or facilitate any access to the Auckland Harbour Bridge."

Police has made this determination in considering expert advice from NZTA and taking safety into account.

"Police has been advised recent marches on the 'clip-on' lanes posed a risk of damage to infrastructure and put participants at risk of serious injury," Superintendent Hassan says.

"We are not willing to support any action which poses a risk to people's health and safety.

"This advice has changed Police's position on facilitating any future access for marching across the bridge."

The Auckland Harbour Bridge is vital piece of the region's roading network.

"Any protest action through the centre lanes of the bridge would most likely force the closure of at least all lanes in one direction of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the impact on the wider public is too significant.

"This could also potentially put lives at risk due to attendees' proximity to live traffic and disruption to emergency services.

"The right to protest must be balanced against the rights of the community and road users to go about their lawful activities.

"Any attempts to deliberately walk across the bridge or disrupt access for other motorists will be considered unlawful activity."

Police remain in contact with organisers and have reiterated its position and reasoning on multiple occasions.

Superintendent Hassan says Police has offered to work with organisers on finding a suitable location so that they can carry out peaceful and lawful protest.

The PSA has laid an official complaint with the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) after Police failed to assist mental health workers who were assaulted by a distressed patient.

Three emergency calls to Police in 90 minutes by a mental health worker went unanswered on 21 November 2025.

"The PSA laid a complaint with the IPCA about this serious incident and have called for wider concerns with the Police withdrawal from mental health support to be investigated," said Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says.

"We are concerned that the Police Mental Health Change Response Programme is setting a precedent where Police are wiping their hands of callouts relating to mental health, even in emergencies, and so we're asking the IPCA as part of our complaint to review all Police procedures around mental health callouts.

"The IPCA are the right body to investigate this important matter since Police, Health NZ and the Government have all overseen the Police withdrawing from mental health call out work. The independence of the IPCA is needed now."

The mental health worker contacted Police for support through the emergency line and identified themselves as a mental health worker, but no assistance ever arrived.

Fitzsimons says the incident is exactly what mental health workers had feared since the announcement of the Police's Mental Response Health Change Programme a year ago.

"Staff feedback to Health New Zealand and the Police was very clear: more mental health workers will be subjected to violence as a result of these changes. A PSA survey of mental health staff at the time revealed that 91 per cent of workers believed the changes would increase safety risks for them.

"Every mental health worker should be safe at work and be able to get support from the Police when they deem it necessary."

Prior to the Mental Health Change Programme, mental health workers had a direct line to Police for emergency situations. They were also able to request Police assistance ahead of time for transporting patients in crisis or those known to become aggressive.

The Police Mental Health Response Change Programme is currently in its third phase of four, with the final phase slated to start next year.

The PSA has received an acknowledgement of the complaint from the IPCA and the Police.

Other PSA comments on the Mental Health Response Change Programme:

• New phase in Police Mental Health Response Change programme launching today 'leaves unacceptable gaps in worker and patient safety'
• Mental health workers fear for safety of patients after police withdrawal of support - PSA survey

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

Commissioner Richard Chambers has congratulated a Police Youth Aid officer who is recognised today with a royal honour.

Senior Constable Grant Watts, based at Palmerston North in Central District, is made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to New Zealand Police and youth.

Grant has led numerous initiatives to support young people and address youth offending, has created and maintained valuable partnerships and acted as a mentor to his colleagues (citation below).

Commissioner Chambers says: "It's because of outstanding officers like Grant that our Youth Aid system is so admired at home and overseas.

"Grant has committed himself to serving in a demanding and challenging area of policing, providing inspirational leadership in the community and among his colleagues - and doing so without fanfare.

"Grant may never know how many young people he has helped on to a better path but can be assured that he has made a huge difference in many, many lives.

"I congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition."

Grant joined Police as a member of Wing 239 in 2007 and has served in Youth Aid since 2010.

"The fact that this has come from within Police, and from the higher echelons of Police, is huge and very humbling," he says.

"By putting me forward for this honour they have recognised that what I do alongside the team around me can have a positive impact for the community we live in."

Grant has a focus on relationships with other agencies and has served on the board at Palmerston North Boys High School for 17 years.

"There's a whole team of people both in and outside Police who support and encourage me to do what I do.

This honour and recognition belong as much to them as to me.

"What I'm most proud of is being a small part of a large group that come to work every day and try and make a difference in these kids' lives.

"If we all work together we can produce miracles."

CITATION

Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
For services to New Zealand Police and youth

Senior Constable Grant Watts

Senior Constable Watts has worked for New Zealand Police since 2007, serving as a Youth Aid Officer since 2010 and working to improve youth services in the Manawatū.

Senior Constable Watts has built lasting relationships with many organisations to support rangatahi, implementing effective processes with Youth Court, Youth Advocates, Oranga Tamariki and social services.

He has been instrumental in escorting high‑risk youth around the country in collaboration with Palmerston North's Youth Justice facility, often planning and supporting these transports in his own time.

He has been on the Ministry of Education's National Attendance Advisory Group and leads multiple initiatives, including the Rock On Attendance Initiative truancy programme, alternative education and Alternative Action plans.

He mentors Police colleagues on youth‑related matters and mentored a newly formed Police Youth Services team in the Wairarapa, coaching staff through complex court proceedings and Family Group Conferences.

He regularly volunteers to support frontline staff and Police partners needing assistance to ensure young people receive the best support and outcomes.

He is the Presiding Member of the Palmerston North Boys' High School Board and presents educational and safety programmes to high schools regionally.

Senior Constable Watts has coached at the SquashGym Squash Academy since 2005 and has supported the Central District Squash Representative Programme at both junior and senior levels.

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Tangoio earlier today.

The single vehicle crash on State Highway 2 was reported just after 11:40am.

The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

State Highway 2 has since re-opened.

Police are sending a clear message ahead of New Year's Eve: reckless and anti-social behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated.

Officers will be out in force across Gisborne and the wider Eastern District to keep communities safe and hold dangerous drivers to account.

Eastern District Commander Superintendent Jeanette Park says Police are aware of planned gatherings by groups linked to anti-social road behaviour in the Gisborne area.

"Anti-social road user behaviour is reckless and wreaks havoc on our communities.

We won't stand for it."

To support heavily resourced ground operations, the Police Eagle helicopter will be deployed to Gisborne from 30 December, providing aerial support and rapid response capability across the region.

"The Eagle helicopter gives us eyes over the district, helping us respond quickly and effectively to any dangerous activity."

Anyone intending to cause disruption or operate a vehicle in a dangerous or unsafe manner can expect a stern response from Police who have zero tolerance for dangerous driving.

"If you plan to disrupt other road users or drive dangerously, expect consequences.

We will be impounding vehicles, issuing infringement notices and bringing charges in appropriate circumstances."

Police will be out in force actively checking for:

• Driver impairment
• Speeding
• Licence breaches
• Any behaviour that puts others at risk.

"Spectating unlawful street racing and sustained loss of traction encourages those involved in the offending.

It is also incredibly dangerous," says Superintendent Park.

"Our priority is simple: keeping people safe.

If you break the law on our roads, you will face the consequences."

Police urge the public to help keep our roads safe by reporting any unlawful or dangerous driving immediately:

• Call 111 if it's happening now
• Use 105 for non-urgent reports
• Provide information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

"Where we see signs of anti-social road user behaviour, we will act," says Superintendent Park.

"Together, we can make sure everyone gets home safely so we all have a happy new year."

Police successfully coordinated a water rescue of three people in the Manukau Harbour last night after their boat started taking on water.

Three fishermen set off from the Mangere Bridge Boat ramp and were approximately two kilometres away from Puketutu Island when their boat sunk.

They managed to call Police just after midnight but did not know exactly where they were.

A search and rescue operation immediately commenced, coordinated by Police Maritime Unit from the Marine Rescue Centre.

Units were on the ground, Police Eagle in the sky and the Auckland Airport Crash Fire Hovercraft was tasked on the water.

All three were located by Eagle not long after and were safely taken aboard the rescue hovercraft around 1.30am.

Sergeant Jesse Jenden from the Auckland Police Maritime Unit said the fishermen did everything right and helped their own rescue.

"We're happy these fishermen did all the right things when heading out on the water.

Anything can happen and you really need to be prepared for that.

"They ticked all the boxes by having waterproof communication devices, were wearing life jackets, listened to the instructions from the rescuers and kept hold of some chilly bins for extra floatation if needed," said Sergeant Jenden.

Family of the fishermen said they were in good spirits once they were back on shore.

For any water related emergencies, always call 111.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers will be on the beat in Nelson on New Year's Eve working alongside frontline staff, as well as policing at Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne in late December.

Commissioner Chambers says: "Being in Nelson this New Year's Eve is the right place for me to be.

It will be a year since our much-loved colleague Lyn Fleming was killed and I wanted to be there to back up the staff who'd worked alongside her, and to remember her.

"I am also looking forward to helping out with the policing at the Rhythm and Vines festival near Gisborne later this month.

I will be joined by Eastern District Commander Jeanette Park before she  is expected to take up a new  Assistant Commissioner role.

"As Police staff know, I try to get out with the frontline as much as I possibly can because I enjoy it, but also because it is important the frontline is supported well.

"That has been one of my priorities since day one.

"I recently introduced a requirement for all senior sworn staff – regardless of rank or location - to get out to help support the frontline and ensure Police leaders are visible and connected.

"The new Frontline Service Model means over the next 12 months about 600 Level 2 Responders will be deployed for a total of at least 40 hours each.

It applies to sworn staff who work in predominantly office-based roles.

"This will contribute more than 25,000 hours of additional support to our frontline colleagues.

It is a substantial investment in community safety and operational resilience.

"Their duties will include assisting with road policing, working at concerts and sports events, reassurance patrols and being out on the beat.

"Helping out frees up the frontline to do other jobs and provides extra resource for major investigations and busy peak seasons, such as over summer.

"It will also be of benefit to those senior staff.

Many have already stepped up for this, including helping with reassurance patrols after the Bondi attack, at the recent premier of the Avatar movie, working on road policing operations, and area canvassing following major crimes such as homicides.

"Refresher training courses are compulsory, and I am delighted almost all Level 2 responders have now done that training.

"More specialised training is offered if a particular deployment requires it.

For some duties – such as executing search warrants and road policing – they must be accompanied by suitable Level 1 District staff.

Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett will also take part in frontline duties over the New Year's period in Tamaki Makaurau and acting Deputy Commissioner Tusha Penny will be out and about in Wellington.

Attribute to Detective Inspector Daryl Smith, District Manager Criminal Investigations:

Police investigating a homicide in Lake Crescent in Hamilton on Thursday 18 December can now release the name of the person who died.

He was 55-year-old Jason Poa, also known as Jason Tipene.

Emergency services were called to a Lake Crescent address at about 6:15pm last Thursday, where two people had been injured.

One of the victims later died at the scene, and the other was taken to Waikato Hospital in serious condition.

The homicide investigation is ongoing, and Police are appealing for any sightings of a Subaru Impreza hatchback, registration: KZH714.

If you have seen the Subaru or have any other information please make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, and clicking "Update Report", or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number 251218/5897.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has today provisionally appointed four new District Commanders in the regions of Waikato, Wellington, the Bay of Plenty and Eastern District.

Superintendent Scott Gemmell (Ngāpuhi) has been provisionally appointed as Waikato District Commander, where he has previously relieved in the role.

Scott is currently the Partnerships Director across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Scott joined Police in 2002 and brings extensive experience from many areas of policing, including investigations, special tactics, Armed Offenders Squad (AOS), and as Area Commander.

Superintendent Penny Gifford has been provisionally appointed as Wellington District Commander.

Penny began her policing career in the 1990s, became a member of CIB and AOS, and was the Area Prevention manager for Kāpiti Mana.

She has held roles at Police National Headquarters (PNHQ), relieved as the Director of the Royal New Zealand Police College and acted as an Assistant Commissioner.

Penny is currently the Director of Tactical Operations.

Inspector Will Loughrin (Ngāti Whakaue) has been provisionally appointed as Bay of Plenty District Commander.

Will began his policing career in Counties Manukau before moving to Waikato in 2011.

An experienced investigator, he has worked across several investigations workgroups and held senior leadership roles including Area Commander for Waikato West and is currently the Acting District Commander for Waikato.

He has recently acted as Director of Integrity and Conduct at Police National Headquarters.

Superintendent Joel Lamb's provisional appointment is Eastern District Commander.

He has policed in Auckland and in Southern District, where he was the Southland Area Commander and relieved as the District Commander.

More recently, Joel has worked offshore in liaison roles and is currently the Director of Major Operations.

The new District Commanders are expected to start their roles in February 2026.

Northland officers have located restricted weapons after they were unexpectedly joined by a Commodore with flashing red and blue lights.

The non-police vehicle slid into a Police convoy outside Kawakawa Police Station last Thursday evening, catching the attention of officers.

Mid/Far North Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Clem Armstrong, says a quick check of the vehicle revealed the registered owner was disqualified from driving.

The real Police officers signalled the Commodore to pull over.

"The man was arrested and officers carried out a search of the vehicle," he says.

"During this search we located a loaded firearm underneath the driver's seat as well as a 3D-printed gun, a stash of ammunition and methamphetamine.

"It was quite the unexpected find.

"Our team is extremely pleased to be able to remove these items from our community and hold this offender to account."

A 30-year-old man will reappear in Kaikohe District Court on 20 January on charges including personating a Police officer, unlawful possession of a restricted weapon, driving while disqualified and possession of methamphetamine.

Counties Manukau Police have arrested one person in a bizarre incident when carrying out patrols in an unmarked vehicle last night.

Inspector Kerry Watson said officers on duty noticed a station wagon following them equipped with a flashing bar of red and blue lights - a typical Police signal for the vehicle in front of them to pull over to the side of the road.

"Our officers were perplexed and quickly clocked the car was not Police-official.

It took a few moments for the impersonator to realise the vehicle they were signalling to pull over was Police, and they quickly tried to evade the area to avoid being caught."

However, real officers caught up with them a short distance away, where they were arrested without incident.

A 38-year-old man will appear in the Manukau District Court on 24 December on charges of impersonating a Police officer and excess breath alcohol.

"The offender was impersonating Police, and to boot, was over twice the limit for breath alcohol.

It's bad enough that this person thought it was ok to impersonate a Police car.

It's even worse to see impaired and dangerous driving," said Inspector Watson.

Impersonating Police or representing a vehicle as a Police vehicle is an offence under the Policing Act 2008. 

Remember, if you see suspicious or criminal activity, call 111 if its an emergency, and 105 if its after the fact.