Kawerau News

11/11/2023

FYI 😊

SH30 TIKITERE TO ROTOMA, BAY OF PLENTY - TRUCK ROLL - FINAL UPDATE 4:50PM

SH30 has now RE-OPENED between Tikitere and Rotoma. Thank you for your patience this afternoon.
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12PM, SAT 11 NOV

Due to a truck roll, SH30 is now CLOSED between Matahi Rd and the intersection with SH34, west of Rotoma.

Eastbound traffic can detour via SH33, SH2, SH34, and back onto SH30. The reverse route is available to westbound traffic. This detour will add up to an hour to journeys through the area. ^CS

08/11/2023

Do you help a family member (parent or sibling) with a disability, illness, mental illness, or addiction?

Do you support your kuia or kaumatua a lot?

Do you have a lot of responsibilities looking after your younger siblings??

If you answered yes to any of those questions, then it’s likely that you’re a Young Carer. Sometimes these extra responsibilities can be a little overwhelming at times and can make you feel lost, alone, and can impact your mental health.

We at Camp Unity are here to support you, to help you discover who you are, to teach you how to dream, and to build your confidence to reach your goals. Our camps are a safe place where you get to connect with others who share the same normal and who get you.

So come and join our programme Te Ara Marama and be part of our Camp Unity family. I know the first step may be hard but trust me you won’t regret it 😊🥰

Pm or email me.

02/06/2023

A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Whakatāne.

Police were called to Matahi Valley Road yesterday (1 June), where they located a deceased man down a bank.

Cordons remain in place at the scene as Police conduct a scene examination and other enquiries.

Anyone with information which could assist Police is asked to get in touch via our 105 phone service and reference event number P054846261.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

28/05/2023

Anytime now 😊

The nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system is happening tonight, between 6-7pm!

This is also a good reminder to kōrero with your whānau and flatmates about your emergency plans.

Emergency Mobile Alert is only one way of receiving information about emergencies in your area. EMA's are not meant to replace other emergency alerts, or the need to take action after natural warnings.

Find out more about Emergency Mobile Alert at: https://getready.govt.nz/emergency-mobile-alert/

26/05/2023

Coronial inquest into the death of Kawerau teen Ethan Fitzpatrick has concluded.

Ethan Fitzpatrick was in the water with other students when he got into trouble.

25/05/2023

Police are seeking information following recent reports of suspicious approaches in Kawerau.

Four women have reported being approached by a man while out walking.

Police are making enquiries, particularly in the areas surrounding Stoneham Walk.

We understand this sort of incident can cause concern and we urge the community to be alert, but not alarmed.

Anyone with information which could assist is asked to contact Police on 105 or via https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 using ‘Update Report’ and quote file number: 230524/7282.

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

21/03/2023

Boulder causes track.

18/03/2023

365 😬

We have located 365 earthquakes in today's Kawerau swarm (7 over M4), and we know it has been an unsettling day for those feeling these earthquakes. Although we cannot say how long this swarm will last, the likeliest scenario is for activity to decrease over the next few days. Remember to drop, cover and hold in an earthquake and follow advice from Bay of Plenty Civil Defence

17/03/2023

That’s a lot of earthquakes.

A swarm of earthquakes has been occurring tonight southwest of Kawerau, felt across the Bay of Plenty. We have recorded more than 40 earthquakes so far, the largest of which have been a M4.8 and M4.6. This swarm is in a similar area to swarms that occurred in 2018 and 2019. Feeling earthquakes close together in time can be unsettling, but this is typical activity for the area, and our team is keeping an eye on things!

📸 - seismic record showing evidence of swarm activity. Note the activity over the last two hours seen at the bottom of the plot.

21/02/2023

One of Kawerau's gentlemen. Go in Peace Jim Savage - you will be missed.

PNZ Order of Merit Member and Paralympian #14, Jim Savage MBE passed away on 20 February 2023, aged 86.

Jim represented New Zealand in our very first Paralympic Team in 1968, going on to win medals at two of the following three Paralympic Games, as well as taking on the role of team captain. Jim represented New Zealand in a phenomenal 8 different Para sport events – within Para athletics this included shot put, discus, javelin, pentathlon. As well as those he competed in Para lawn bowls, Para table tennis and Para archery.

Jim has also been a lifelong volunteer and community servant: he taught St John’s in Kawerau, raised money for cancer charities, served as a town councillor, he was the first life member of Parafed Bay of Plenty and founded the Kawerau Paraplegic Association and the Friendly Games. Jim was awarded a Paralympics New Zealand Order of Merit in 2001 for his outstanding services to Paralympic sport.

A service for Jim will be held at at the Town Hall, Kawerau at 11am on Friday 24 February 2023.

18/10/2022

Three charged by Police

Three men have been charged after an Eastern Bay of Plenty Police operation targeting offending by a group of gang members in Kawerau.   Operation Ram was launched on 12 August 2022, following an evening of disorder in Kawerau, where Police were responding to reports of intimidation, sustained los...

04/10/2022

Way to go Kawerau 👌

How is Kawerau one of the cheapest councils around and why do some places charge more for basic services?

30/09/2022

Police are continuing to investigate the tragic death of Korrey Whyman who was shot and killed in Rotorua early on Sunday morning.
On behalf of Korrey’s family, we have released the attached photo of her, Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow said.
They are devastated by her death and our thoughts continue to be with them at this difficult time.
Our investigation is progressing and we want to thank those members of the public who have come forward with information.
We are still working to identify the person or persons involved in this incident and are currently working through a number of lines of enquiry.
We have been canvassing the area for CCTV and carrying out area enquiries.
We continue to ask anyone with information to contact Police quoting file number 220925/5119.
We are particularly interested to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage or were driving on the route of interest.
This was SH33 between Rotorua Airport and Mourea.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

28/09/2022

Homicide investigation launched in Rotorua after death of Kawerau woman.
Police have launched a homicide investigation after a woman died in the early hours of this morning following an incident in Rotorua on Sunday morning, Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow said.
The victim was Korrey Rose Whyman aged 28 of Kawerau.
Police and Victim support are working with Korrey’s family at this very difficult time.
Police are working to piece together the events that led to Korrey’s death.
Around 1.55am on Sunday morning (25 September 2022) Police were called to State Highway 33, Mourea.
Korrey was a passenger in a vehicle and she was located inside a vehicle at the scene with a serious gunshot wound.
Early enquiries have established that this incident started on State highway 33 near Rotorua Airport where a vehicle was following another vehicle firing multiple shots.
The vehicle with the victim in it has come to a stop outside a dairy in Mourea.
Korrey was rushed to Waikato Hospital but sadly passed away this morning.
Police are following a number of lines of enquiry but ask anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward.
A woman has died and we now need to find the person or persons responsible for her death.
Anyone with information is asked to contact 105 quoting file number 220925/5119.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

10/09/2022

Police have executed a search warrant and arrested a man in relation to the aggravated robbery of an ATM in Kawerau earlier this week.

The warrant was executed at a residential address in Kawerau this morning, and included a number of Police staff including the Armed Offenders Squad, Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson said.

A 45-year-old man has been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery and is scheduled to appear in Whakatāne District Court on Monday.

Enquiries into the incident remain ongoing and Police have not ruled-out further arrests and charges.

We hope today’s result provides assurance to the community that we are working hard to hold those who participate in unlawful behaviour to account.

Police continue to encourage anyone who has information regarding the incident to get in touch via 105 and quote file number 220906/5203.

07/09/2022

Police appeal for information following robbery in Kawerau

Police are continuing to investigate the aggravated robbery of a Kawerau ATM that took place yesterday morning.

The vehicle mentioned in an earlier statement has been located, however Police would still like to hear from anyone who saw that vehicle prior to this incident or any information about that vehicle.

Police understand that an incident like this is very unsettling and concerning for the Kawerau community.

We want to reassure Kawerau residents that we are working hard to identify and locate the person responsible.

We continue to ask for anyone with information which could assist our enquiries - including dashcam footage - to get in touch via 105 and quote event number P051814857.

11/07/2022

How’s it looking at yours?

If you’ve been out and about you’ll know there’s already a fair bit of surface water with the worst yet to come.

Please let us know about potential weather hazards so we can keep the community advised.

Otherwise stay safe and preferably dry!!

08/07/2022

Kawerau property forfeited from major m**h investigation - Operation Notus
The first forfeiture from the major Police operation targeting m**hamphetamine supply in Kawerau has been completed, acting Detective Senior Sergeant Nick O’Brien of the Waikato / Bay of Plenty Asset Recovery Unit said.
Operation Notus, is the award winning six month long covert investigation by NOCG and Bay of Plenty staff, into m**hamphetamine supply in Kawerau and other towns in the eastern Bay of Plenty that began in October 2017.
Over 50 people were arrested, including senior members of the Kawerau Mongrel Mob leadership during the investigation which served as a massive blow to organised crime.
The Tauranga High Court has now ordered the forfeiture of a residential property in Kawerau and the proceeds from the sale of a Ford Ranger ute, both bought with money obtained through significant criminal activity, namely from the sale and supply of m**hamphetamine and cannabis.
The judgement states that the two items are tainted from being funded through significant criminal activity.
The approximate value of these items are $420,000.
“While the dollar value of these items might not be significant compared to other forfeitures, it is the impact this will have within the Kawerau community that is most significant.
“We are acutely aware of the negative impacts and social harm caused by the sale and supply of illicit drugs, particularly in small communities such as Kawerau.”
Operation Notus was hugely significant as the gang was preying on Kawerau community members and profiting from their own whānau and friends’ addiction through the distribution and supply of these drugs.
This forfeiture shows that even after an initial termination, Police are still looking to target those criminals who are continuing to prey on vulnerable communities and strip them of their assets.
We want to reassure our communities that Police will continue to target and disrupt groups and individuals that align themselves with them who profit from the proceeds of crime.
Anyone who is aware of or concerned about criminal activity in their communities, particularly that of the sale and supply of m**hamphetamine is asked to contact Police, either on 105 or anonymously on 0800 Crime Stoppers.

08/06/2022

Appeal following assault in Edgecumbe

Police are appealing for information after an assault at Riverslea Mall in Edgecumbe late on Tuesday afternoon.

Officers received a report shortly before 5pm of an assault near the toilets at the mall.

A boy in his mid-teens, who was with another group of boys, had been subject to a prolonged and violent assault which left him with serious injuries.

He was taken to hospital for treatment and has now been discharged.

Police investigating the assault are seeking information from the public as to what happened.

In particular, from anyone who saw the assault, or who can provide information about a person of interest.

He is described as Maori or Pacific Islander, between 30 and 40 years old, of large build, with a beard, and wearing a yellow high-vis jacket.

Information can be passed to Police via 105, quoting file number 220607/6363.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

31/05/2022

FYI 💨💧

UPDATE - 6.30am The severe thunderstorm watch has now been lifted.

7.30pm It looks like the weather hasn't finished with us yet - a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued by the MetService New Zealand

An intense front with embedded thunderstorms is expected to move east across the upper North Island overnight Tuesday.

There is a chance that some of these thunderstorms will be SEVERE with damaging wind gusts of more than 110 km/h.

There is also a possibility of one or two localised damaging tornadoes.

Wind gusts of this strength can cause some structural damage, including trees and power lines, and may make driving hazardous. If any tornadoes occur, they will only affect very localised areas.

Note: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. People in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and monitor for possible Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.

For the latest information go www.metservice.com/warnings/

Valid until: 06:00 am Wednesday 1st Jun 2022

23/04/2022

Police have confirmed one person has died following a serious crash on SH 30, Awakeri this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the crash, involving a motorcycle, at around 5:30pm.

Sadly, the motorcyclist died at the scene.

Diversions will remain in place until the scene examination is complete.

Motorists should delay travel or seek an alternative route if possible.

An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing.

23/04/2022

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on SH 30, Awakeri.
The single vehicle crash was reported to Police at around 5:30pm.
Diversions are being put in place at SH 30 and Fortune Road and at SH 30 and Te Rahu Road.
Motorists are advised to expect delays or avoid the area if possible.
The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

More details will be provided when available.

21/04/2022

Two people have been charged following a serious assault in Edgecumbe.
Kawerau and Edgecumbe Police have charged two Edgecumbe men in relation to a serious assault in the town earlier this month.
Two victims were assaulted at an Edgecumbe bar on 9 April, with one suffering serious facial injuries.
A 31-year-old man and a 30-year-old man have been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and assault with intent to injure.
The two men have also been charged with a burglary of an Edgecumbe address on 5 April.
They will be appearing in Whakatāne District Court today.

21/04/2022

Two to appear in court on illegal hunting charges.

 Two men have been arrested and charged in relation to unlawful hunting on a forestry block near Kawerau on Wednesday April 20.  The men were found hunting on Tui Glen Farm, Senior Sergeant Tristan Murray, Rural Response Manager said.   One of the men was a fi****ms licence holder, and his […]

15/04/2022

Large amount of synthetics found in Te Teko

A 26-year-old Te Teko man is facing numerous charges following the ex*****on of a search warrant at a Te Teko house yesterday.

Police located more than 3,000 bags of synthetic drugs, packaged and ready for sale, along with a further 115 grams of bulk synthetic drugs.

The street value of the synthetic drugs is estimated to be approximately $65,000.

Police also found more than $30,000 in cash, around 700 grams of cannabis, a range of different calibres of ammunition, and a stolen 2020 Toyota Hilux valued at $52,000.

The man is scheduled to appear in Whakatāne District Court on 16 April, charged with possession of cannabis for supply, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, and possession of ammunition.

Further charges are likely, pending the results of ESR analysis of the synthetic drugs seized.

10/04/2022

Men apprehended for a string of offences

At 1am on Sunday in Kawerau, Police apprehended two offenders who were wanted for a string of burglaries in Waikato, Coromandel, and Bay of Plenty. At the time of the arrest, the net had been tightening on the two men, who were running out of places to hide following the […]

24/02/2022

Phase 3

23/02/2022

This morning Police officers including the Armed Offenders Squad arrested a man in Kawerau, in connection with an incident on Saturday 19 February in which a man was shot and seriously injured.
A firearm was recovered during the arrest.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson, Eastern Bay of Plenty Police. said a 23-year-old man has been charged with Wounding with Reckless Disregard.
The Police investigation is ongoing and further arrests have not been ruled out.

20/02/2022

Two serious incidents reported to Police over weekend.

The first was a serious assault in Ruatoki. Police launched an investigation after an assault in Ruatoki that was reported at 11.30pm on Friday. As a result of the assault, a person was airlifted to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition. Police would not comment on whether the assault was connecte...

15/11/2021

Drugs seized in Kawerau searches

Police targeting the sale and supply of m**hamphetamine in Kawerau have made four arrests.  The Whakatāne Precision Targeting Team, assisted by officers from Whakatāne, Kawerau and Edgecumbe, conducted search warrants at two Kawerau properties on Thursday and Friday last week.  In addition to th...

11/11/2021

A section of SH30 is closed due to a crash

SH30 TE TEKO - ROAD OPEN
FINAL UPDATE 5:55PM, THU 11 NOV

SH30 has reopened again between Galatea Rd and Hydro Rd in Te Teko.
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4:45PM, THU 11 NOV

A section of SH30 is now closed between Galatea Rd and Hydro Rd in Te Teko. Follow directions of emergency services on site and expect delays. Consider detouring via Te Teko Rd and Hydro Rd. More: http://spr.ly/6181JbAyD. ^MF

14/10/2021

Shot Kawerau :-) $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.

Shot Kawerau. That’s the message Kawerau District Council is encouraging with the nationwide Super Saturday event. “We’re committed to supporting the Kawerau Community to get as many people vaccinated as possible,” Kawerau Mayor Malcolm Campbell said. A walk-in vaccination clinic will be run...

07/10/2021

. We are getting reports of a crash on SH30 Rotoma. Emergency services are at the scene and diversions are currently in place.

06/10/2021

A fire investigation has begun after what is understood to be a significant blaze at a premises in Jellicoe Court, Kawerau, overnight. A number of people were on the scene shortly after 12.30 this morning and videos of the blaze have been shared on social media.

27/09/2021

Awesome news for Ngāti Rangitihi.

An eastern Bay of Plenty iwi is welcoming the return of more than 40 hectares of land around the Tarawera Falls.

27/09/2021

Ram raid in Kawerau this morning.

26/09/2021

Update: Homicide investigation in Kawerau

A 20-year-old Kawerau man has been arrested and will be appearing at Whakatane District Court on Monday morning, charged with murder and an unrelated assault.

Police are unable to name the victim until her extended family have been advised of her death.

25/09/2021

Homicide investigation launched in Kawerau

Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a woman in Kawerau.

Emergency services were called to an address on Hall Street, Kawerau around 12:41pm where a woman was located with critical injuries and sadly died a short time later.

One person is assisting Police with our enquiries, we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this death.

A scene guard is in place at the property while Police investigate