Category: New Zealand Police

Posted on

Sharlene Smith homicide: Vehicle of interest identified

Source: Radio New Zealand

The vehicle of interest in the Sharlene Smith investigation. Supplied / NZ Police

Police investigating the death of a grandmother whose body was found at a Hawke’s Bay worksite earlier this month have identified a likely route taken by a vehicle of interest.

Police have issued a fresh appeal for help from the public in the investigation into the death of Sharlene Smith, 64, from Rotorua.

Smith’s body was found at a property on Taihape Road in Omahu, near Hastings, on 3 February.

Police earlier described the incident as the “tragic and avoidable death of a much-loved mother, grandmother and sister”.

In a statement released this afternoon, Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Kris Payne said police had identified a likely route taken by a vehicle of interest.

“We know this vehicle was used on the day Sharlene’s body was left at the worksite, and officers have carried out extensive work to locate and review CCTV footage from the relevant timeframe.”

The route taken by a vehicle of interest in the Sharlene Smith murder investigation. Supplied / NZ Police

Anybody who saw a white 2005 Mazda 3 sports hatchback between 8am and midday on Sunday 1 February 2026, – travelling from the Awatoto area, through Taihape Road/Omahu Road and the Fernhill area, and into Marewa, Napier – is urged to contact police.

“We are asking anyone who saw this vehicle, or who has home, business, or dashcam CCTV footage from those areas during that time, to please contact Police if not already spoken to,” said Payne.

Two items belonging to Smith are believed to have been discarded along the same route: a handbag and a Samsung Galaxy A06 mobile phone.

A handbag that is being sought as part of the Sharlene Smith murder investigation. Supplied / NZ Police

Anyone with information can contact police by calling 105 and referencing file number 260203/9739. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Posted on

A tragedy avoided

Source: New Zealand Police

Being prepared almost certainly saved a rock fisherman’s life at Piha.

Police were contacted at 7.43am on Wednesday by a fisherman advising one of his companions had fallen into water at The Gap.

Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Jamieson says the Police Maritime Unit took over incident control of the water rescue.

“The Police Eagle helicopter deployed over South Piha, and soon caught sight of the fisherman, and the crew could see he was well prepared,” he says.

“He had been fishing with a lifejacket on, and another fisherman had thrown an emergency life ring out to him.”

Meanwhile, Police Maritime Unit had called out Surf Life Saving NZ at Piha.

Acting Senior Sergeant Jamieson says Eagle kept watch from above while an IRB was heading to the location.

“Although he was struggling in the current, the devices were doing a good job at keeping him afloat while help was on the way.”

The man was soon uplifted and brought back to shore.

First responders are praising the event, as the fisherman walked away safe and well.

“Time and time again we have seen these stories end in a tragedy, and these rescue responses turn into recovery missions,” acting Senior Sergeant Jamieson says.

“This is a story where things were done correctly; the man was prepared and wearing a lifejacket and there were people equipped with a phone so that they could call for help.”

Acting Senior Sergeant Jamieson acknowledges the various resources involved.

“There was good collaboration between Northern Emergency Communication and Dispatch, Police Maritime Unit, the Police Eagle helicopter and Surf Life Saving NZ which brought about a prompt rescue.”

Surf Life Saving New Zealand GM – Northern Region, Zac Franich says the outcome highlights the importance of wearing the appropriate safety equipment when rock fishing, particularly a life jacket.

“This is a really positive outcome, and the fact the fisherman was wearing a lifejacket made a critical difference,” he says.

“When people are swept into the water while rock fishing, conditions can change very quickly. A lifejacket helps keep you afloat, conserves energy and buys crucial time for rescuers to reach you. Were it not for the lifejacket, we could very easily have been reporting on a fatal drowning.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

A video of the rescue has been posted to the North Shore, Rodney & West Auckland Police Facebook page.

MIL OSI

Posted on

Firearms seized in ongoing investigation

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have recovered a cache of weaponry as part of an ongoing investigation into a family harm event.

Counties Manukau West Police responded to Māngere address on Sunday afternoon.

“A disagreement between family members occurred, when a firearm was allegedly presented by one member,” Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Steve Albrey says.

“The man left the address in a vehicle along with an associate, and Police were contacted.”

Police responded to the area, locating this vehicle leaving a Kirkbride Road address.

“An armed traffic stop was carried out and the driver was taken into custody,” Senior Sergeant Albrey says.

“Police have returned to the Kirkbride Road property and made an armed approach to the address and invoked a search at the property.”

Inside, Police seized a range of firearms and ammunition.

“This included a pistol, revolver, pump-action shotgun and two rifles.”

Senior Sergeant Albrey says a cross bow and an imitation pistol were also recovered.

Meanwhile, units also stopped a second vehicle in connection with the family harm incident, taking that driver into custody as well.

“Our enquiries are continuing, and we expect charges will be laid,” he says.

“It’s a good outcome for the Māngere community that these firearms are now out of circulation.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI