Lakes News:
National News
Fatal crash near Rotorua
Police and other emergency services are on the scene of a serious crash
involving a truck and a car.
The crash happened after 11am on SH30 just west of the intersection with Lake Rotokawau Rd, Tikitere, Rotorua District.
One person is believed to have died in the crash and others are injured, but
no details about number or their condition are known at this time.
SH30 is now closed and diversions are in place. Police urge motorists to
avoid the area if possible and warn there will be delays.
One person is believed to have died in the crash and others are injured, but
no details about number or their condition are known at this time.
SH30 is now closed and diversions are in place. Police urge motorists to
avoid the area if possible and warn there will be delays.
A Motorist traveling towards Whakatane from Rotorua said she was diverted via SH33 towards Paengaroa on SH2.
Photo/Cameron Avery
Hero officer's thoughts are with family of crash victim
The Tauranga officer who is being hailed a hero for saving the life of a crash victim earlier this week says his heart goes out to the family of Greg Woledge who died in the crash.
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| Deane O'Connor |
Constable Deane O'Connor, who has been a police officer for 13-and-a-half year, is still not ready to speak publicly about his actions. The ordeal has taken its toll both physically and emotionally and he is requesting his privacy to fully recover and spend some quality time with his family.
He is, however very aware of the effect that events on Monday night have had on those involved, the Tauranga community, and in particular the family of Mr Woledge, and the friend who survived, so he has agreed to make some limited comment through the Police.
"It was one of the difficult things while we were in the water because he [the passenger] knew his friend was gone," said Deane. "It's very hard because you feel elated that someone has survived, but you also can't help feeling for the family who have lost someone, especially someone who is a young dad. I've got four kids and I'd be devastated. My heart goes out to his family."
Deane, who wouldn't call himself a strong swimmer, credits his own survival in part to the unnamed passenger. The pair talked the whole time they were in the water.
"It was just about keeping each other happy and keeping going. We just talked about all sorts; I can't remember what. My focus was just on keeping him calm. I knew I could last as long as my body would let me; I wasn't tired at all. He pretty much helped me get out in a sense. It's quite scary; you're really fighting that urge to panic and all my talking to him was actually helping to keep me calm."
Constable O'Connor has also been overwhelmed by the response to his actions. Numerous messages of support and best wishes have been sent to Dean via Tauranga Police Station and social media. "It's quite humbling. I don't like being in the limelight; I struggle with this kind of thing and if I could hide under a blanket I would."
One of the most common questions since Monday has been around Deane's thought process that night and what makes someone make the decision to put their life on the line.
He was first on the scene, arriving just a minute or two after the call went out on the radio. As he got out of the car, people were telling him that someone was in the water, going under and screaming for help. Dean immediately took his police safety vest off.
"I hadn't even made a decision at that point; hadn't thought about jumping in. For some reason I just took the vest off and threw it in the back of the car. I went to the bridge, someone had a torch on him and I saw him go under the water and then come back up again. I just started stripping down. I could hear someone saying 'someone has to do something'; and some people saying 'you can't go in, you won't make it' and I kind of just ignored that. It was a calculated risk – I assessed the situation pretty quickly. I don't think I ever thought I couldn't do; it's hard to explain. I've never felt fear like it. I was shaking and am not sure whether that was the cold or the anticipation of what I was about to do. It was only when I climbed over the rail that I actually started thinking 'what am I doing?' and then I saw him go under again and for that split second everything went calm and I just jumped."
He is, however very aware of the effect that events on Monday night have had on those involved, the Tauranga community, and in particular the family of Mr Woledge, and the friend who survived, so he has agreed to make some limited comment through the Police.
"It was one of the difficult things while we were in the water because he [the passenger] knew his friend was gone," said Deane. "It's very hard because you feel elated that someone has survived, but you also can't help feeling for the family who have lost someone, especially someone who is a young dad. I've got four kids and I'd be devastated. My heart goes out to his family."
Deane, who wouldn't call himself a strong swimmer, credits his own survival in part to the unnamed passenger. The pair talked the whole time they were in the water.
"It was just about keeping each other happy and keeping going. We just talked about all sorts; I can't remember what. My focus was just on keeping him calm. I knew I could last as long as my body would let me; I wasn't tired at all. He pretty much helped me get out in a sense. It's quite scary; you're really fighting that urge to panic and all my talking to him was actually helping to keep me calm."
Constable O'Connor has also been overwhelmed by the response to his actions. Numerous messages of support and best wishes have been sent to Dean via Tauranga Police Station and social media. "It's quite humbling. I don't like being in the limelight; I struggle with this kind of thing and if I could hide under a blanket I would."
One of the most common questions since Monday has been around Deane's thought process that night and what makes someone make the decision to put their life on the line.
He was first on the scene, arriving just a minute or two after the call went out on the radio. As he got out of the car, people were telling him that someone was in the water, going under and screaming for help. Dean immediately took his police safety vest off.
"I hadn't even made a decision at that point; hadn't thought about jumping in. For some reason I just took the vest off and threw it in the back of the car. I went to the bridge, someone had a torch on him and I saw him go under the water and then come back up again. I just started stripping down. I could hear someone saying 'someone has to do something'; and some people saying 'you can't go in, you won't make it' and I kind of just ignored that. It was a calculated risk – I assessed the situation pretty quickly. I don't think I ever thought I couldn't do; it's hard to explain. I've never felt fear like it. I was shaking and am not sure whether that was the cold or the anticipation of what I was about to do. It was only when I climbed over the rail that I actually started thinking 'what am I doing?' and then I saw him go under again and for that split second everything went calm and I just jumped."
No reports of significant damage in Wellington
Wellington District police say there are no reports of significant damage in the city so far following this afternoon's 6.2 magnitude earthquake.
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| Photo - Andrew Burns |
While there a number of incidents involving broken glass in the city, there are no reports of any casualties so far.
A number of people have been freed from lifts in the CBD which stopped when the quake struck.
Inspector Pete Cowan of Wellington District police is urging people to be patient:
"With trains temporarily suspended and many people leaving the city early police are asking people to be patient as they head home this afternoon.
"There is significant traffic on city centre roads and many people walking home and we ask people to take extra care.
A number of people have been freed from lifts in the CBD which stopped when the quake struck.
Inspector Pete Cowan of Wellington District police is urging people to be patient:
"With trains temporarily suspended and many people leaving the city early police are asking people to be patient as they head home this afternoon.
"There is significant traffic on city centre roads and many people walking home and we ask people to take extra care.
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| Photo - Emily O'Halloran |
"We also ask people to check on any vulnerable neighbours and alert emergency services if they need assistance." said Mr Cowan.
Police are working with the fire service and Wellington City Council staff as assessments take place around the city.
The Police communications centre in Wellington has reported no significant increase in calls since the earthquake.
Elsewhere in Tasman district there are reports of some damage to buildings in and around the Seddon area, but there are no reports of any injuries.
SH1 between Weld Pass and Kaikoura is currently closed due to a rockfall.
*A Magnitude 6.6 earthquake centered 10km South East of Seddon has affected the Wellington region and aftershocks are continuing. There are currently no tsunami warnings in place.
Police are working with the fire service and Wellington City Council staff as assessments take place around the city.
The Police communications centre in Wellington has reported no significant increase in calls since the earthquake.
Elsewhere in Tasman district there are reports of some damage to buildings in and around the Seddon area, but there are no reports of any injuries.
SH1 between Weld Pass and Kaikoura is currently closed due to a rockfall.
*A Magnitude 6.6 earthquake centered 10km South East of Seddon has affected the Wellington region and aftershocks are continuing. There are currently no tsunami warnings in place.
We have reports of minor damage to buildings but no reports of severe structural damage.
After some initial disruptions, water and power supplies are now fully operational throughout the region.
There are reports of serious traffic congestion. Expect delays and make room for emergency services to get through.
There are no reports of serious damage or disruptions in Kapiti Coast, Wairarapa, Porirua, Upper Hutt, and Lower Hutt.
Details follow…
UTILITIES:
All power and water throughout the region has been restored after some localised outages initially.
TRANSPORT:
Roads: All roads are open, however there is heavy congestion. Please allow for delays and allow emergency vehicles through.
Buses: Some bus services are operating but expect delays.
Trains: All train services have been suspended till further notice while tracks are inspected.
Airport: The Wellington airport runway has been inspected and is open but many flights will be disrupted.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS:
Phone networks are extremely busy, please stay off the phones unless absolutely necessary. Text instead of calling where possible.
BUILDINGS:
There are no reports of significant structural damage.
Lukes Lane is closed and has been cordoned off due to damage to the lift tower damaged in the July earthquake. Please respect the cordons and do not enter the area.
Chews Lane is closed due to minor debris.
* Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMOnz)
Large quake hits south of Wellington
A large 6.2 magnitude quake has just hit south of 10 km south-east of Seddon.
The quake struck at 2:31:05 pm this afternoon 10 km south-east of Seddon at a depth of 8km.
Reports are there are cracks in the roads and multiple fires have broken out.
Phone lines are down in and around Wellington.
More soon.
Fatal Bridge Crash: Parents pay tribute to their fine son
The parents of Greg Woledge, 24, who was killed after the van he was driving plunged off the Maungatapu Causeway bridge in a horrific crash on Monday night have spoken out.
Parents Kevin and Vivienne Woledge described Greg as a loving, diligent and devoted person and a caring fine son.
"Greg was a healthy 24 year old who had everything to live for. Greg and partner Chelsea were looking forward to the birth of their second child in a few months. He was a gentle caring dad and a loving partner"
Kevin and Vivienne described Greg and his sister Emma love for each other and were the very best of friends.
Greg had just become a qualified electrician and thought the world of the people he worked with and was looking forward to the future. He was a very keen sports person – snow boarding, mountain biking and crossfit. Greg will be sadly missed by us all.
- K2
- Tai High Black
- Giggle
- Kaos
- In Stone
- Anarchy
- Rined Stone Cowboy
- Asylum
- Black Ops
- WTF
- Kaos
- Crazy Cartel
Police say seizures should serve as warning
Waikato's Police and District Health Board are warning retailers failing to comply with the requirements of the new Psychoactive Substances Act that they face a whole of Government response to their illegal activities.
Congratulating his staff, District Commander, Superintendent Win van der Velde, said today's seizure of over 2000 packets of various synthetic cannabinoid products from a dairy in Beerescourt should send a clear message to retailers how serious authorities take the issue.
"The illegal products were taken from a dairy that was not an approved retailer and both Police and the Waikato District Health Board want to assure the public we are focusing on retailers not adhering to the act.
"The fact we became aware this business was selling these products from information supplied by the public speaks volumes of how serious the community takes this issue and the importance of sharing such information."
Waikato District Health Board health protection advisor Nick Young said today’s seizure was another step in the right direction of both agencies working together to eliminate easy access to psychoactive drugs.
“Symptoms seen include a racing heart, anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, paranoia, violence, hallucinations, seizures and unconscious collapses. Cannabinoids are far from natural and we are working hard with police to ensure compliance with the new legislation.”
Products seized included packets of:
"The latest information on substances banned under the act can be found at www.ndp.govt.nz.
People discovering businesses selling such items should contact Police, or if they can't speak to officers directly, leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."
"The illegal products were taken from a dairy that was not an approved retailer and both Police and the Waikato District Health Board want to assure the public we are focusing on retailers not adhering to the act.
"The fact we became aware this business was selling these products from information supplied by the public speaks volumes of how serious the community takes this issue and the importance of sharing such information."
Waikato District Health Board health protection advisor Nick Young said today’s seizure was another step in the right direction of both agencies working together to eliminate easy access to psychoactive drugs.
“Unfortunately there is a misconception out there that these drugs are safe – they're not, and many Emergency Departments will tell you of the adverse and bizarre effects they have on people,” said Mr Young.
“Symptoms seen include a racing heart, anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, paranoia, violence, hallucinations, seizures and unconscious collapses. Cannabinoids are far from natural and we are working hard with police to ensure compliance with the new legislation.”
Products seized included packets of:
Mr van der Velde encouraged concerned parents to take note of the product names and if they had concerns their children may be using them, seek advice from Police or a health professional.
"The latest information on substances banned under the act can be found at www.ndp.govt.nz.
People discovering businesses selling such items should contact Police, or if they can't speak to officers directly, leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."
Police name bridge crash victim
Police can now name the man who died when the van he was in crashed off the Maungatapu Bridge, Tauranga, on Monday evening.
The police officer who helped rescue the passenger from the same van can now be named as Constable Deane O'Connor a member of the Strategic Traffic Unit at Western Bay of Plenty Police.
Constable O'Connor does not wish to speak publicly about his actions at this stage. He is a modest man and the enormity of Monday's events is not lost on him. He is taking some time to reflect on what occurred.
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash and are still keen to hear from any witnesses who haven't yet spoken to the police.
Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.
Police seek further witnesses to fatal bridge crash
Police investigating a fatal crash on the Mangatapu Bridge, Tauranga last evening (Monday, 12 August) are still keen to hear from any witnesses who haven't yet been spoken to by Police.
The crash occurred at approximately 6.10pm in the centre of the bridge. Early indications suggest that a Mitsubishi vehicle travelling east towards Mount Maunganui drifted across the centre line colliding with a Toyota van travelling in the opposite direction. The van left the bridge and plunged approximately five metres into the water which was five metres deep. The Mitsubishi vehicle spun and another car which had been travelling behind the Mitsubishi struck it.
The drive of the van died and police divers this afternoon recovered his body from the submerged vehicle. A passenger in the van managed to get free from the vehicle and was helped to shore by a police officer who jumped into the water to rescue him. The male driver of the Mitsubishi and a man and a woman from the third vehicle were taken to hospital with minor to moderate injuries.
Anyone with any information about this crash is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300.
Body of missing motorist recovered
Police Divers have recovered the wreckage and body of the driver of a van that plunged from the Maungatapu Causeway Bridge last night after a horrific crash.
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| Photos - Cameron Avery |
The passenger aged in his 20's managed to escape from the submerged vehicle. Bay of Plenty Area Inspector Clifford Paxton said a police constable jumped into the water to assist the ,man. The pair drifted some distance and eventually managed to get ashore.
The police constable in his 50's who striped down to his underwear to jump into the water and assist the passenger managed to keep hold of the man as the current took them and pull him on to his back. He saw flashlights on the shore from other police members searching and focused on moving towards those lights. After 20 minutes to half an hour the officer managed to get to shore with the man.
Four occupants of the two other vehicles involved were taken to Tauranga hospital after receiving moderate injuries.
The man in his 20's was located in the van witch was recovered using a crane.
His family are in the process of being notified and a formal identification will need to take place. The man will not be named until this process is complete.
Police wish to acknowledge the assistance of the Tauranga Harbour Master and the Mount Surf Lifesaving Club.
Story - Lani Hepi
Divers work to recover drivers body
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| Photo - Zach Jeffries
Police are praising the actions of a police officer after he striped down to his underwear and jumped into Tauranga harbour to save one of the victims of a horrific crash last night.
One person is dead and five people, including the officer, were rescued and taken to Tauranga hospital after a serious crash last night.
The Police National Dive Team are in Taruanga today working to recover the body of a man after the vehicle he was driving plunged from the Mangatapu Causeway Bridge last night.
The crash involving three vehicles with one vehicle going off the bridge and into the water happened at approximately 6.10pm.
A male passenger in his 20s managed to get out of the submerged vehicle. A police constable jumped into the water to assist him. The pair drifted some distance and eventually managed to get ashore. They were taken to Tauranga Hospital and both suffered hypothermia.
A man and a woman in their 30s, and a man in his 40s, were in the two vehicles that remained on the bridge and they received moderate injuries and were taken to Tauranga hospital.
A search by air and sea for the driver of the submerged vehicle was carried out until further investigation identified the driver was still trapped in the submerged vehicle.
The Police National Dive team will work to recover the body of the driver today.
The Police Serious Crash Unit are investigating the crash.
The bridge is expected to be closed at 10am well police carry out a scene examination and divers work to recover the males body.
Diversions are in place
Reporter Cameron Avery is at the scene and says crane and media are at the scene preparing to recover the submerged vehicle along with the body of the driver.
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'It's not OK message in Central District
Central District Police have taken a creative approach to reinforcing that family violence is not ok in the District by involving the community to spread the message using unique billboards.
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| Pahiatua builder Joss Tua-Davidson and Tararua Family Violence Intervention Coordinator Constable Maxine Walshe install the Woodville billboard. |
The inspiration for the billboard project came after Ohakune iwi supported by local police applied a similar concept in their area.
Billboard Project Coordinator Detective Inspector Chris Bensemann says the aim of the project was to get local people involved to spread the message in their communities and also target those passing through the area.
"We wanted to further ingrain the It's not OK attitude in the roots of the community, and the eight Central District Family Violence Intervention Coordinators involved local people on the billboards to drive that message home," says Mr Bensemann.
"When people are driving through our district they will see the It's not Ok' message consistently."
More than half of the billboards are already up and the others will be erected in the coming weeks. The billboards are situated on main roads throughout the District.
New Plymouth, Stratford, Whanganui, and Palmerston North have two signs each while Feilding, Bulls, Taumarunui, Pahiatua, Patea, Taihape, Woodville, Dannevirke, and Waiouru have one each.
Senior Constable Mike Barnett from the New Plymouth Police took the image for New Plymouth, and Detective Steve Field of the Palmerston North Police took the rest of the images. Local builders and businesses in each of the areas donated timber supplies and materials for the billboard frames.
"The community has been a crucial part of this project and I want to thank those involved for their support and generous spirit. By working together we can foster positive change and break the cycle of violence."
For the 2012/2013 financial year, Police in Central District received on average 542 calls to attend reports of family violence per month; approximately 18 incidents per day.
Nationally, the police respond to a family violence incident every 6 minutes.
On average, 14 women, 6 men, and 10 children are killed by a member of their family every year. About half of all murders in New Zealand are family violence related.
Anyone finding themselves in a family violence situation where they feel threatened for their immediate safety, or a member of the public is aware of a family violence situation unfolding, they should ring police immediately on 111.
"Speaking up is vital and we encourage anyone that has witnessed family violence to contact Police. If you don't speak up you let the vicious and harmful cycle continue," says Mr Bensemann.
There are also a wide range of support services available through the national campaign's helpline — "It is OK to Ask for Help" on 0800 456 450. An alternative is calling your local Women's Refuge on 0800 733 843.
Billboard Project Coordinator Detective Inspector Chris Bensemann says the aim of the project was to get local people involved to spread the message in their communities and also target those passing through the area.
"We wanted to further ingrain the It's not OK attitude in the roots of the community, and the eight Central District Family Violence Intervention Coordinators involved local people on the billboards to drive that message home," says Mr Bensemann.
"When people are driving through our district they will see the It's not Ok' message consistently."
More than half of the billboards are already up and the others will be erected in the coming weeks. The billboards are situated on main roads throughout the District.
New Plymouth, Stratford, Whanganui, and Palmerston North have two signs each while Feilding, Bulls, Taumarunui, Pahiatua, Patea, Taihape, Woodville, Dannevirke, and Waiouru have one each.
Senior Constable Mike Barnett from the New Plymouth Police took the image for New Plymouth, and Detective Steve Field of the Palmerston North Police took the rest of the images. Local builders and businesses in each of the areas donated timber supplies and materials for the billboard frames.
"The community has been a crucial part of this project and I want to thank those involved for their support and generous spirit. By working together we can foster positive change and break the cycle of violence."
For the 2012/2013 financial year, Police in Central District received on average 542 calls to attend reports of family violence per month; approximately 18 incidents per day.
Nationally, the police respond to a family violence incident every 6 minutes.
On average, 14 women, 6 men, and 10 children are killed by a member of their family every year. About half of all murders in New Zealand are family violence related.
Anyone finding themselves in a family violence situation where they feel threatened for their immediate safety, or a member of the public is aware of a family violence situation unfolding, they should ring police immediately on 111.
"Speaking up is vital and we encourage anyone that has witnessed family violence to contact Police. If you don't speak up you let the vicious and harmful cycle continue," says Mr Bensemann.
There are also a wide range of support services available through the national campaign's helpline — "It is OK to Ask for Help" on 0800 456 450. An alternative is calling your local Women's Refuge on 0800 733 843.
Search continues for Edwards
The Police search for Phillip Edwards continues into the evening with the officer in charge, Detective Inspector Scott Beard, strongly advising any family or friends who might be tempted to assist Edwards to think again.
Edwards was wearing a dark blue hoodie, black jeans and Nike shoes.
He also had a grey hoodie with him that he could now be wearing. He
left the address on foot.
Phillip Edwards is believed to be responsible for the abduction yesterday of two year-old Gabriel Witehira-Donnelly, the son of a friend of Edwards. Gabriel was found safe but cold and hungry in a shed on a Panmure property at about 7.15pm yesterday.
Detective Inspector Beard says staff have been out and about all day checking on locations and connections that Phillip Edwards may be trying to link up with.
"If anyone, including family or friends, is tempted to assist Phillip they need to seriously consider the implications for themselves and, instead, contact us or tell him to give himself up."
Investigating officers have set up an 0800 number - 0800 332 334 - and anyone who has information about Philip Edwards is urged to call either that or 111 immediately.
Detective Inspector Beard says staff have been out and about all day checking on locations and connections that Phillip Edwards may be trying to link up with.
"If anyone, including family or friends, is tempted to assist Phillip they need to seriously consider the implications for themselves and, instead, contact us or tell him to give himself up."
Investigating officers have set up an 0800 number - 0800 332 334 - and anyone who has information about Philip Edwards is urged to call either that or 111 immediately.
Update child abduction Panmure
Through Police enquiries, a 2 year old boy abducted from his home today has been reunited with his mother, safe and well.
The offender is still outstanding and Police would like anyone with information that could lead to locating the 33 year old man to come forward. He left an address in Panmure at about 12:45pm today with the child and was wearing a dark blue hoodie, black jeans and Nike shoes. He also had a grey hoodie with him that he could now be wearing. He left the address on foot.
If you see someone matching this description, please call 111 immediately.
If you see someone matching this description, please call 111 immediately.
Fears grow after 2 year old abducted
Auckland City Police have grave concerns for Gabriel DONNELLY, a 2 year old child. He was last seen leaving an address in Coates Crescent Pamure at about 12.45pm today.
Gabriel is Maori, has shoulder length dark wavy coloured hair and was dressed in dark coloured pyjamas. Gabriel left in the presence of Phillip Layton EDWARDS, a 33 year old Maori who is known to Police. Police are treating this as an abduction and the CIB are investigating.
If anyone sees Gabriel or a child matching his description or has any information please immediately contact Police on 111.
Police hail efforts of security guards
Police are hailing the efforts of two security guards who came to the aid of a Police Officer who was assaulted while apprehending a suspect from a stolen car.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Newman, the officer in charge of the investigation said the incident occurred at about 1am at the bottom of the Auckland CBD. The senior Police officer was set upon by the occupants of a stolen motor vehicle after he had chased and apprehended the driver.
During the melee the officer received bites to his arms and legs which needed medical attention. Things would have become serious had it not been for the intervention of two security guards who came to the officer's assistance. Mr Newman said it was welcome relief to the senior NCO who at the time was fending off four assailants. It is selfless acts like this that make you realise that it is more than just Police fighting crime it’s a team effort and a partnership with the community that makes the difference.
The senior officer is recovering at home with moderate injuries and expecting to return to work sometime next week. A 15 year old male has been referred to the youth court on charges of aggravated wounding and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. Three females aged between 19 and 21 will face charges of aggravated assault and unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle.
During the melee the officer received bites to his arms and legs which needed medical attention. Things would have become serious had it not been for the intervention of two security guards who came to the officer's assistance. Mr Newman said it was welcome relief to the senior NCO who at the time was fending off four assailants. It is selfless acts like this that make you realise that it is more than just Police fighting crime it’s a team effort and a partnership with the community that makes the difference.
The senior officer is recovering at home with moderate injuries and expecting to return to work sometime next week. A 15 year old male has been referred to the youth court on charges of aggravated wounding and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. Three females aged between 19 and 21 will face charges of aggravated assault and unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle.
Wet weather on the way
MetService say that a deep sub-tropical low is expected to lie northeast of East Cape at midnight tonight and move further south on Sunday. A strong southeast flow is spreading onto the North Island today, then will turn southwest on Sunday.
A heavy rain warning is in place for Gisborne north of Gisborne city. This watch is for possible heavy falls for the remainder of Gisborne and northern Hawkes Bay. That is the area between Napier and Gisborne city. Rain is expected to spread to these areas this morning, then continue today and tonight, before easing during Sunday morning. Rainfall totals in these regions may come close to warning thresholds ( e.g. 70mm in 12 hours).
Additionally, this watch also covers a risk of severe gales in eastern parts of Bay of Plenty from Saturday afternoon or evening until early Sunday morning. Gusts in the lee of the ranges may reach 100km/h in exposed places.
Rainfalls in the Coromandel Peninsula should remain well below warning levels and the watch for heavy rain in this area is lifted.
People in these areas are advised to keep up to date with forecasts as this event unfolds in case further Warnings become necessary.
Wet weather has caused multiple crashes this morning on the Waikato side of the Kaimai's.
Police from Tauranga were called to assist Waikato police with three crashes on the Matamata side of the Kaimai's just before 10am this morning.
Incident in central Tauranga
Emergency services are attending an incident involving a male in central Tauranga tonight.
Traffic and pedestrians are unable to go past the Police station.
Police, St John and the Fire Service are at the scene.
Police negotiators are at the scene also.
More soon.
Police reach diversity milestone
Constables entering New Zealand Police in the last year have been the most diverse ever.
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| Constables who graduated yesterday (8 August 2013) reflect New Zealand's increasingly diverse communities. Credit: Penny Clevely, NZ Police |
Out of 240 recruits graduating from the Royal New Zealand Police College during the 2012-2013 financial year, 30.8 percent were women, up from 27.3 percent in 2010-2011. The combined proportion of Maori, Pasifika and/or ethnic recruits was also 30.8%, up from the previous peak of 28.5 % in 2009-2010.
The milestone shows the success of the current recruitment strategy, which aims to build a police service that reflects the country's increasingly diverse communities.
"Policing in diverse communities requires problem solving abilities, communication skills and empathy with different cultures. It's these qualities, as well as cultural competencies, that we're looking for in new recruits," says Alan Cassidy, General Manager of HR and Organisational Development.
The best young people have many career opportunities, he says. "It's heartening to know that despite a challenging recruitment environment, the next generation of police officers is on track to better match the make-up of the communities we serve."
At least 400 new people will be recruited in the coming year.
The milestone shows the success of the current recruitment strategy, which aims to build a police service that reflects the country's increasingly diverse communities.
"Policing in diverse communities requires problem solving abilities, communication skills and empathy with different cultures. It's these qualities, as well as cultural competencies, that we're looking for in new recruits," says Alan Cassidy, General Manager of HR and Organisational Development.
The best young people have many career opportunities, he says. "It's heartening to know that despite a challenging recruitment environment, the next generation of police officers is on track to better match the make-up of the communities we serve."
At least 400 new people will be recruited in the coming year.
Local angered at DOC response
A Paraparaumu resident is angered at The Department of Conservation after an incident today.
.JPG) |
| Photo - Ciaran Callaghan |
I was out on the beach with family when he noticed a young seal not moving, "I monitored that the seal was still breathing slightly" Callaghan stated that he moved the seal into the water where he stayed with it for approximately 2 hours.
While he stayed with the seal family members went back to the car to get a phone, "On the phone with DOC they stated that unless the seal had been attacked by a dog then they would not come" Callaghan said.
He said that family members and a local police officer on the beach were shocked by The Department of Conservation's response.
After the phone call to DOC he rung the local SPCA who was angered with DOC’s response and they attempted to make contact themselves.
After contacting DOC a second time and sitting with the seal in the water for 2 hours with no such luck "the seal died in my arms" Callaghan said.
Callaghan and family members buried the seal at the beach.
"I am angered at the Department of Conservations response to the situation mainly because they are supposed to conserve our wildlife and look after everything, although they didn’t seem to care if on-lookers and families witnessed the ordeal. The least they could have done was to come to the beach and remove the Seal from public eye and put it out of its misery. I feel as this would have been the appropriate action. The situation left me distraught, angry and very depressed."
Police seize imitation guns during gang raid
The Organised Financial Crime Agency (OFCANZ) has recovered four military style imitation firearms while searching the home of a member of the Hells Angels Nomad Outlaw Motorcycle Gang in Auckland.
Located during the search were four imitation weapons, including two AK47 assault rifles, a Thompson .45 sub machine gun and a Schmiesser MP38 sub machine gun.
Also seized during the search was clothing emblazoned with the Hells Angels New Zealand logo.
The OFCANZ Motorcycle Gang Unit executed the search warrant at the home of a Hells Angels member following an incident in June.
The firearms seized are being examined and further charges may follow.
Police would also like to talk to a 30-year-old professional kick boxer who until recently lived at the address.
Detective Senior Sergeant Lloyd Schmid said the seizure is thanks to a member of the community reporting intimidation in a public place by a gang member.
“Police would like reassure the community that Police will swiftly respond to any incidents involving intimidation by gang members, which should be reported promptly so we can take appropriate action,” Mr Schmid said.
“These complaints are treated seriously and will be investigated thoroughly.”
Also seized during the search was clothing emblazoned with the Hells Angels New Zealand logo.
The OFCANZ Motorcycle Gang Unit executed the search warrant at the home of a Hells Angels member following an incident in June.
The firearms seized are being examined and further charges may follow.
Police would also like to talk to a 30-year-old professional kick boxer who until recently lived at the address.
Detective Senior Sergeant Lloyd Schmid said the seizure is thanks to a member of the community reporting intimidation in a public place by a gang member.
“Police would like reassure the community that Police will swiftly respond to any incidents involving intimidation by gang members, which should be reported promptly so we can take appropriate action,” Mr Schmid said.
“These complaints are treated seriously and will be investigated thoroughly.”