Police updates on crimes and investigations for 2 January 2023.
Update: Incident at Bethells Beach
Police can confirm a person has died following a water-related incident at Bethells Beach on New Year’s Eve.
Emergency services responded to reports that four people had been swept out to sea at around 5.40pm.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand crews retrieved three people from the water with minor injuries and a fourth person was located by the Westpac Helicopter and retrieved by the Police launch Deodar.
That person was transported to Auckland City Hospital by helicopter in a critical condition but has sadly since died.
‘Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time.’ said police in a statement.
The death will now be referred to the Coroner.
Fatal crash, SH 30, Rotorua district
A person has died following a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 30 at Okataina yesterday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene, between Curtis Road and Lake Okataina Road, about 2.30pm.
Three people were in the vehicle when it rolled. Sadly one person died at the scene and the two others involved received minor injuries.
The road has been closed while the Serious Crash Unit investigates, but was expected to reopen within the hour.
Sudden death – Matakatia Bay, Auckland
A person has died following an incident at Matakatia Bay in Auckland last night.
Emergency services, including Police Eagle helicopter and Coastguard, were called around 6:40pm and brought the man to shore from the water but unfortunately he could not be revived.
The matter will be referred to the Coroner.
‘Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.’
Missing diver, Domett, Hurunui
Police and Search and Rescue teams were at Manuka Bay in Domett, Hurunui, last night where a diver is missing.
The person was one of two people diving at the bay, in water about 5 metres deep. Police were called about 2.15pm.
A helicopter has assisted with search efforts, however, there was no sign of the missing person.
The Police Dive Squad has been alerted and is expected to join the search this morning.
Support is being provided to the diver’s family.
