Police have admitted to a security breach after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s Queenstown itinerary was left visible on a locked police vehicle’s dashboard.
Otago Lakes Central area commander Inspector Paula Enoka acknowledged the lapse in protocol, emphasizing it was an unintended human error. While the risk was deemed minimal, Enoka stressed that such practices are unacceptable and vowed a thorough review to prevent recurrence. Speaking to legacy media, former Police Minister and security expert Ross Meurant downplayed the severity but noted it could have been more critical with other high-profile politicians. Luxon’s office declined to comment.
Separately, police faced backlash over photos of an officer wearing a Mangu Kaha gang patch three days after a gang patch ban took effect. Police Minister Mark Mitchell weighed in, noting the officer took responsibility, with an internal process underway.
The photos drew criticism online for perceived double standards, with experts warning that such actions could damage trust-building efforts between police and gang communities.
