Police updates on crimes and investigations for 29 June 2022.
Update – Deceased woman, Kau Bay
Following a post-mortem examination today, Police can confirm that the death of a woman found at Kau Bay yesterday is not being treated as suspicious.
Police are making enquiries in relation to the death on behalf of the Coroner.
Police are appealing to the public for sightings of the woman in the Hutt Valley on the evening of Saturday 25 June, in order to establish her movements prior to her death.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch says “This has been a tragic event for her whānau and friends and we hope to provide some closure through our enquiries. The help of the public is appreciated, as we piece together her final hours.”
The woman is described as Māori, 28 years old, of slim build and average height, with shoulder-length black hair.
It’s thought that she left Stokes Valley early Saturday evening and walked to Petone Foreshore. She was wearing an orange fleece hoody, green-and-black tie-dyed trackpants and blue shoes.
The woman’s clothes and other possessions including a blue-and-white-striped duvet were located on the Petone Esplanade, on the wooden steps at the Cuba Street intersection.
If you saw a woman fitting this description or the clothing left on Petone Esplanade, on Saturday evening or Sunday, please contact Police on 105 and quote file number 220627/3262.
People can also report crimes anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at CrimeStoppers.
Appeal for information following burglary, Palmerston North
Police are appealing for information following a burglary at a depot on Ferguson Street, Palmerston North overnight on Thursday 23 June.
It’s believed that at least two people entered the premises around 11:50pm and stole two ride-on mowers and the trailers they were sitting on. It’s thought that two vehicles were involved in this burglary.
Detective Sergeant Carl Newton of Manawatu CIB states, “The sight of one or two vehicles towing a trailer with a distinctive orange commercial ride-on lawnmower would have been very noticeable during nighttime hours and we encourage anyone who saw these vehicles travelling in the city to contact Police.”
Anyone who was in the area at the time or has information that can assist Police with their enquiries is encouraged to call 105 and quote file number 220624/3343.
People can also make a report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at CrimeStoppers.
Name release – Sockburn homicide
Police can now release the name of the woman killed in Cheyenne Street, Sockburn on 25 June.
She was Laisa Maraia Waka, aged 52.
Police are continuing to support Mrs Waka’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
The family are extremely grateful for the kind wishes of the community and the assistance they have received in the wake of Mrs Waka’s tragic death.
They also understand the significant media interest in this matter.
However they have advised that ongoing attempts by media to contact them are exacerbating their distress as they grieve and prepare for Mrs Waka’s funeral.
Police are therefore respectfully requesting on their behalf that media outlets give them the privacy and space they need at this time.
Name release – fatal Hamilton crash
Police can now name the person who died following a crash in Hamilton on Monday 27 June.
She was 28-year-old Jessica Jacqueline Moser, of Hamilton.
Police extends its condolences to her friends and whanau.
Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.
Name release – Whangamata Road fatal crash
Police are now able to release the names of the two people who died following a crash on Whangamata Road, Taupo, on 11 June.
They were 20-year-old man Riley John Sutherland, and 21-year-old woman Ashlee Kathleen Ennis, both of Marotiri.
Police extends its condolences to their loved ones at this difficult time.
Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.
Arrest made and tools recovered following Queenstown burglaries
Queenstown Police are pleased to have recovered a number of stolen building and power tools in a search warrant today.
A 30-year-old man has been arrested in relation to several burglaries that occurred across the Queenstown area.
Police are now working to identify and return the recovered property to the owner, or owners.
Most of the property that Police recovered today was taken from building sites which serves a timely reminder to construction site workers to secure sites and label their equipment.
Police actively investigate stolen property and endeavour to hold offenders to account but need owners to do their part to prevent theft.
The man arrested following today’s search warrant is due to appear in Queenstown District Court on Monday 5 July on charges of burglary and theft.
Queenstown Police are pleased to have recovered a number of stolen building and power tools in a search warrant today.
Name release – fatal crash, Piopio
Police are now in a position to release the name of the person who died following a crash on Napinapi Road, Piopio, on Monday 27 June.
She was 24-year-old Santana Muraahi, of Piopio.
Police extends its condolences to her whanau and loved ones.
Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.
Man arrested following Christchurch search warrant
One person has been arrested and drugs and ammunition have been seized following a search warrant in Christchurch.
Police executed a search warrant at a known gang address this morning.
A 34-year-old man has been charged with a range cannabis related offences and an ammunition possession charge. He appeared in the Christchurch District Court this afternoon.
Ammunition and drugs were also located.
Police have already warned that we are stepping up our enforcement and disruption of unlawful gang activity across the country, and will continue to do so as Operation Cobalt rolls out.
That means conducting search warrants and making arrests for any identifiable offences.
‘Our message to those involved is clear —The community expects a zero tolerance for any violence, gang and drug activities,’ said Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Johnson.
‘We are working hard to ensure we keep our community safe, and Police will continue to actively target those involved in criminal activity.
‘Police welcome information from anyone who has concerns about organised crime, gang activity or the illegal possession of firearms in their community.
‘We rely on the eyes and ears of our community and whanau members who can help reduce the harm in our communities.’
They are encouraged to report online at 105.police.govt.nz, call Police on 105, or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
If it is happening now, please call 111.
Two arrests made over Kaikohe firearms incident
Northland Police continue to hold to account those offenders involving themselves in firearms related violence in the Far North.
Police responded to reports of a firearm allegedly being discharged at an address in Kaikohe just after 10am this morning.
Multiple units attended the address and subsequently located an illegal firearm, which has resulted in two people being taken into custody.
Two men, one 21-year-old and one 49-year-old, have both been charged with carelessly discharging a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
They are both due to appear in the Kaikohe District Court tomorrow.
‘These arrests follow a series of arrests Police have made in connection with firearms violence that has occurred in the Far North community in recent months, however we do not believe this incident is directly linked to any recent gang conflict in the area,’ said Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Dalzell.
‘Police would like to reiterate our message to the community that these incidents are taken extremely seriously.
‘We have already warned they are stepping up their enforcement and disruption of unlawful gang activity across the country, and will continue to do so as Operation Cobalt rolls out.
‘Northland Police have acted on information from the public, which has led to today’s arrests.
‘We have an extremely low tolerance for anti-social behaviour or violence in our communities and we welcome anyone who may have information on those illegally in possession of firearms to come forward.
They can contact us anytime through 105 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.’
Name release – Hampton Downs fatal crash
Police are now in a position to release the name of the person who died following a crash in Hampton Downs on 4 June.
He was 40-year-old Dmitry Zabiyaka, of Auckland.
Police offers its condolences to his family and friends.
Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.
