/news/hamilton/rss 九一星空无限 Keep up with the latest news from around the Hamilton region with 九一星空无限talk ZB. Mon, 21 Apr 2025 13:22:05 Z en /news/hamilton/police-responding-to-incident-in-hamilton-road-closed/ /news/hamilton/police-responding-to-incident-in-hamilton-road-closed/ Police are at the scene of an incident that has closed off a road in Hamilton. Diversions have been put in place on Matangi Rd, in the suburb of Hillcrest, this afternoon. Police issued an advisory about 2.45pm and told members of the public to find an alternative route if travelling through. Motorists are advised there are diversions at the intersections of Matangi Rd and Morrinsville Rd, Polar Lane and Dalbeth Place. Authorities are yet to give details about the circumstances of the incident. Sat, 11 Jan 2025 02:35:20 Z /news/hamilton/hamilton-man-who-died-weeks-after-taupiri-crash-named/ /news/hamilton/hamilton-man-who-died-weeks-after-taupiri-crash-named/ A Hamilton man injured in a crash at Taupiri two weeks ago has died. Police have named the man as 80-year-old Raymond Bartholomew Matthews. Matthews was taken to hospital in a critical condition after the crash on Great South Rd on August 9, and has died from his injuries, police said in a statement. Meanwhile, a person has died this morning after a car and a truck collided near Morrinsville. Fire and Emergency NZ was called around 1.50am to the serious crash at Eureka on State Highway 26. The driver of the truck had moderate injuries, and the driver of the car died. A spokesperson said one person was trapped in their vehicle, and rescue tools were used to get them out. Part of SH26 between Morrinsville and Hamilton was closed due to the “serious crash” but has since reopened. Tue, 22 Aug 2023 01:59:24 Z /news/hamilton/fiery-hamilton-truck-and-car-crash-dad-s-plea-to-find-daughter-hours-before-she-and-her-boyfriend-were-killed/ /news/hamilton/fiery-hamilton-truck-and-car-crash-dad-s-plea-to-find-daughter-hours-before-she-and-her-boyfriend-were-killed/ The pair killed in a crash after the car they were travelling in smashed into a truck and burst into flames were a young couple. The fiery crash on Ulster St in Hamilton on Sunday morning claimed the lives of Kerihaehae (known as Rangimarie) Nepe and her partner Charlie Russell, both 19, of Hamilton, and injured six others. Nepe’s dad, Melvin Te Wake, has made a heartfelt tribute to his “firstborn” on Facebook. “My big girl, my number one, my honeygirl. I don’t even know what to say or how to feel. This is not fair. I f***en love you. I’m gonna miss you baby. I already do. Rest in love my honeygirl,” he wrote. Hours before the crash, Te Wake made a plea on social media, asking if anyone knew where his daughter was. Rangimarie Nepe and her partner Charlie Russell. Police issued a statement tonight confirming the couple’s identities and extending condolences to both of the teenagers’ families. “An investigation into the crash remains ongoing.” Russell’s sister Natalia Sinclair wrote that losing her brother has been the hardest thing. “Losing a little brother has to be the most numbing s**t,” Sinclair wrote. “This has got to be the hardest thing ever man... I’m so broken... love yous so much my baby brother.” Sinclair also posted a photo of the couple, asking them to “look after each other up there”. Tributes from other family members and friends of the couple are also on social media. One person wrote: “Kia ora whānau, unfortunately our niece and her boyfriend were the two fatalities at the scene on the weekend.” Another wrote: “Morning my beautiful cousin. Still trying [to] wrap my head around all this. [I] was up all night with you on my mind. It just don’t feel real my cous and I don’t know what to say or feel. I love you my beautiful cousin.” Two people died after a crash in Hamilton early Sunday morning and six people were injured. Photo / Hayden Woodward Emergency services responded to the crash outside Pak’nSave Mill St about 3.45am on Sunday. Nepe and Russell were killed at the scene and six others were transported to Waikato Hospital - two were moderately injured, two had minor injuries and two remain in intensive care fighting for their lives. The two people critically injured were pulled from the burning car by three police officers. The officers, who are being praised for their heroic and quick actions, suffered smoke inhalation. Ben Harper was on his way home when he came across the crash moments after it happened. “The car was flying down the road well above the speed limit and crashed into the side of the truck, almost directly into the diesel tank, causing it to catch fire,” he said. “When I got there the car was on fire and quite a few people around the car [were] trying to extinguish the flames and save whoever was alive.” He said one person was trapped in the car. Police confirmed they were not following or pursuing the vehicle before the crash. A unit was already on patrol in the vicinity at the time and was able to respond instantly. Caitlan Johnston is a breaking news reporter based in Waikato. She joined the Herald in 2022. Tue, 11 Jul 2023 20:47:25 Z /news/hamilton/battle-of-the-hoods-hamilton-ambulance-workers-to-wear-ballistic-vests-ahead-of-gang-scrap/ /news/hamilton/battle-of-the-hoods-hamilton-ambulance-workers-to-wear-ballistic-vests-ahead-of-gang-scrap/ Ambulance workers in the heart of Hamilton city have been ordered to don stab-proof vests on their jobs today, following reports of a scheduled gang scrap. The “Battle of the Hoods”, announced through an online flyer circulated on social media, is scheduled to take place on Friday at 3pm near the Hamilton Transport Centre. In its description littered with grammar and spelling errors, the flyer tells members to meet at the depot before continuing the fight “around town”. “Weapons aloud”, the flyer reads as well as telling members to meet at Enderley Park on Saturday if police spoil their party. The Herald understands the scrap is set to involve students attending different schools and it’s been described as those informed about the fight as a “schools versus schools” affair. It’s understood those involved in the rival ‘hoods’ have a private Instagram account, where videos are posted of their fights. The fight has put the city on edge, with a local intermediate school sending an urgent message to parents warning them of the scrap. The poster for "Battle of the Hoods" circulating on social media. Photo / Supplied “Due to the possibility of an advertised fight event, the police have advised as a precautionary measure that alternative transport arrangements are made for your child on this day and to avoid going into the city centre,” the message read. The St John Ambulance service confirmed to the Herald all ambulance staff working within Hamilton City boundaries have been issued lightweight tactical vests “in light of the event this afternoon”. The vests are designed to provide stab, slash and light ballistic protection, to offer “an additional layer of protection” to staff in the rare instance it’s called for. A spokesperson for St John said safety is paramount for their staff. “We are not prepared to put our staff at risk in situations that may prove dangerous, so have issued the vests as a precautionary measure,” the spokesperson said. “Our people will not enter scenes until deemed safe to do so by [Police] and we are working closely with our colleagues at NZ Police.” According to police, there has been no action taken since the flyer reached the public domain - however, they have urged locals to not come into the city to watch the scrap. “There is the potential you may put yourself in harm’s way,” a police spokesperson said. Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate told the Herald on Thursday she was “shocked and disgusted” to hear about the organised fight and called the poster “incredibly confronting”. The Hamilton Transport Centre is the reported location of where the scrap is to be held. Photo / Supplied “What was really of concern to me is that it was a neighbourhood versus neighbourhood. That’s just tragically sad for our city that people would want three neighbourhoods to come together and harm each other,” she said. Southgate didn’t believe it was connected to any notorious New Zealand gangs and didn’t know if it were youths organising the brawl. The mayor, along with Hamilton Council, have been in contact with police, city safe and other agencies. City Safe unit manager Kelvin Powell said the council’s City Safe team is “liaising closely with police”. “We are taking steps to make sure our staff on the ground are kept safe, and others should avoid both areas at the proposed times,” Powell said. Thu, 09 Feb 2023 23:10:48 Z /news/hamilton/dangerous-driving-moment-of-madness-caught-on-camera-as-car-slams-into-turning-milk-tanker/ /news/hamilton/dangerous-driving-moment-of-madness-caught-on-camera-as-car-slams-into-turning-milk-tanker/ Shocking video shows how an everyday Kiwi scene almost became a disaster zone due to one driver's speed and inattention while attempting to overtake. The footage shows a line of vehicles slowing behind a milk tanker as it prepares to turn into a Waikato dairy farm. As the cars wait for the truck to turn, the camera catches an Audi four-wheel-drive inexplicably speeding past in the opposite lane to overtake - even as the truck's indicator is clearly visible. The inevitable happens, despite the Audi driver's attempts to brake and swerve, and the 4WD slams into the truck's cab in a glancing collision that sends both vehicles tumbling off the road. The driver of the dashcam vehicle sums up the incident with a stream of expletives. The Audi driver had not time to stop about speeding past the line of traffic. (Photo / Facebook) The man who shared the video, which was filmed on June 7, had a message for other road users. "Ok people.....when you see a truck slowing down with his indicator on and the cars behind it slowing......think about it.....could save a life.....YOURS!" Comments on the video, which was shared to social media, expressed frustration with the Audi driver's actions and revealed how commonplace the behaviour is. "Mate I feel ya," wrote one commenter. "Some of the s*** my drivers go through on the daily just as bad as you I'm sure and they're driving fuel around. Bloody muppets on the road." "Poor truck drivers having to deal with this," said another. Others argued that the driver could have killed someone and their actions should result in their car being seized. Another blamed our "No consequences society," saying the driver could "apologise, claim the insurance, do it again". Wed, 08 Feb 2023 01:57:44 Z /news/hamilton/man-hurt-by-machete-wielding-trio-during-hamilton-robbery/ /news/hamilton/man-hurt-by-machete-wielding-trio-during-hamilton-robbery/ A man has been hurt after a machete-wielding trio targeted a store in Hamilton this afternoon. Police say they were called to a building on Heaphy Terrace about 2pm after a report of three men entering the store and making demands. One man was then assaulted, causing a wound to the shoulder. They have been taken to hospital in a moderate condition. The men fled the scene in a vehicle. ”This type of violent incident is unacceptable,” said Hamilton City Area Commander Inspector Andrea McBeth. ”We are now working hard to identify and locate those involved so we can hold them accountable. ”We would like to thank those members of the public who were present and who have been very proactive about getting information to us. “We have received several eye witness accounts as well as footage, all of which will be extremely useful in our investigation. ”While we want to remind people never to put themselves in harm’s way, we always encourage witnesses to come forward, and we greatly appreciate the assistance today.” Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to police is being encouraged to do so. Sat, 04 Feb 2023 03:43:12 Z /news/hamilton/hamilton-dairy-robbery-man-charged-with-machete-attack-on-worker/ /news/hamilton/hamilton-dairy-robbery-man-charged-with-machete-attack-on-worker/ Police have arrested and charged a man in relation to a violent machete attack on a Hamilton shopkeeper in which he lost two fingers. Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders said a 19-year-old man was arrested by Police today for the robbery of the Irvine Street Dairy of December 17. The accused is due to appear in the Palmerston North District Court tomorrow on a number of charges including aggravated robbery, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, aggravated assault, assault with intent to rob, and unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle. The victim underwent an eight-hour surgery to have the fingers reattached. A neighbour who heroically intervened earlier spoke of his terrifying ordeal after rushing into the chaos. The attack happened just after the worker had opened the dairy for the day’s trading. A neighbour said he ran to the dairy to help while still half asleep on Saturday morning. “I started hearing screaming noises and realised something was wrong,” the neighbour said.  “So I ran out not even thinking about it. I was ill-prepared.” Dairy owner Puneet Singh told the Herald this morning that he would be visiting his injured employee later today. Fri, 27 Jan 2023 04:07:25 Z /news/hamilton/five-youths-with-machete-and-hammers-arrested-over-hamilton-vehicle-thefts/ /news/hamilton/five-youths-with-machete-and-hammers-arrested-over-hamilton-vehicle-thefts/ Five young people have been arrested by police during the early hours of this morning in Hamilton after police say they were involved in the theft of several vehicles and a fleeing driver incident. The youths were located after a member of the public reported two vehicles acting suspiciously on Ōhaupō Road, near Ōhaupō. One of the vehicles, confirmed to have been stolen, was abandoned by the occupants after it hit a barrier, police said. Police located the vehicle and inside found hammers. The group, police said, continued on in a suspected stolen vehicle which was spiked on Ōhaupō Road, Glenview at about 4.30am. The vehicle continued on until it came to a stop a short time later on Kahikatea Drive, Frankton, police said. Four youths were taken into custody without incident, while police said a fifth attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended. A machete and a bag of coins were found in the vehicle by police. All five will appear on a range of charges in the Hamilton Youth Court today. “We want to thank the public for their ongoing assistance in reporting these matters and suspicious activity to police,” Detective Senior Sergeant Terri Wilson said. “We know that vehicle thefts are extremely concerning for our community.” Wilson said police are committed to ensuring that those responsible for crimes such as this will be held to account. Mon, 16 Jan 2023 01:49:14 Z /news/hamilton/fleeing-driver-rams-police-car-after-potential-firearm-seen-in-hamilton/ /news/hamilton/fleeing-driver-rams-police-car-after-potential-firearm-seen-in-hamilton/ A police chase in Hamilton ended when the fleeing driver, who was allegedly seen with a firearm, crashed into a fence and the car caught fire. The driver rammed his vehicle into a police car and fled after failing to stop on Forest Lake Rd in Forest Lake at about 11.04am today. The driver crashed into a fence on Brooklyn Rd, Claudlands, after police used a “tactical manoeuvre” to stop the vehicle, a police spokesperson said. Police took one person into custody after the incident. A “minor fire” started after the crash. There were no reports of injuries, police said.  “Police use a risk-assessment process to guide our decisions about what tactical options might be required to safely resolve any situation,” the spokesperson said. Police said they tried to stop the vehicle due to a “potential firearm” sighting. Brooklyn Rd was blocked following the incident and police said motorists should avoid the area. Mon, 16 Jan 2023 01:02:24 Z /news/hamilton/police-responding-to-incident-in-hamilton-public-warned-to-avoid-area/ /news/hamilton/police-responding-to-incident-in-hamilton-public-warned-to-avoid-area/ An incident is unfolding in a Hamilton suburb and police are warning the public to stay away from the area. Police were called to reports of an incident in Norton Rd around 12.30pm. Armed police can be seen in the area.  “Cordons are in place at the scene and the public is advised to avoid the area,” said a police spokesperson. A St John spokesperson said ambulance officers were responding to the incident but would not give details, deferring comment to police. Armed police at the scene in Hamilton. An eyewitness and a resident of Kent St has described seeing a car full of Mongrel Mob gang members being chased by multiple police cars before it crashed into a house on Norton Rd. “A mob member has then got out of the car and entered someone’s house. “Another walked out on foot holding a shotgun, police have just told us.” They said the businesses on the road have had to close and homes on an adjacent street were being evacuated. Armed offenders have been seen responding to the incident. Wed, 02 Nov 2022 00:55:08 Z /news/hamilton/hamilton-kindergarten-parents-left-in-the-dark-after-neighbour-hurls-abuse-at-centre-resulting-in-lockdowns-police-call-outs/ /news/hamilton/hamilton-kindergarten-parents-left-in-the-dark-after-neighbour-hurls-abuse-at-centre-resulting-in-lockdowns-police-call-outs/ A Hamilton kindergarten has been shut down after ongoing incidents of abusive behaviour from a neighbouring tenant has resulted in the centre being sent into lockdown and police being called out. Concerned parent Aimie Cronin has two boys who attend Miropiko Kindergarten on River Rd and received word at short notice on Thursday morning that the centre would be shut for two days. This came after receiving two notices earlier in the week from the Waikato Kindergarten Associations' CEO Maree Stewart about recent incidents where a neighbour hurled abuse towards the centre from over the fence, the most recent being on Wednesday. Cronin has been left disappointed by the association because of their handling of the situation and lack of communication, saying her questions about how children and staff would be kept safe have gone unanswered by Stewart. She also said it is still not clear when the first incident occurred and is upset that parents were not told immediately. "We send our children to kindy trusting their safety is paramount and that trust has been severed in the past week with little or no communication from the Waikato Kindergarten Association," she said. "We are still in the dark on many of the details surrounding the incidents and feel there is no sound strategy in place to keep children and staff at Miropiko safe." When approached by the Herald Stewart declined to comment on the incidents and said all communication about the incidents would only be had with families. In both notices, Stewart said the centre had to go into lockdown and police were called out. Following the incident on Wednesday, Stewart told parents that a man had now been trespassed meaning if he leant over the fence again he would be arrested. The association said they have also employed security guards to be at the centre while the neighbour's social housing agency LinkPeople worked to relocate him. LinkPeople chief executive Fiona Hamilton said it was working with urgency to resolve the situation but could not divulge on specific details due to privacy. "I absolutely acknowledge there have been challenges due to our tenant's behaviour causing concerns and disruption for the staff and families who attend Miropiko Kindergarten," said Hamilton. "Please be assured that LinkPeople takes community safety extremely seriously. We are working with urgency to resolve the situation and have been communicating regularly with kindergarten staff and management to work on solutions. We will continue to do so until a suitable solution is found for everyone involved." Fri, 14 Oct 2022 01:28:28 Z /news/hamilton/hamilton-father-dies-on-way-to-pick-up-children-from-school/ /news/hamilton/hamilton-father-dies-on-way-to-pick-up-children-from-school/ Devoted dad of three Andrew Ferguson was driving to pick up his children from school when tragedy struck. Ferguson, of Hamilton, suffered a medical event on Monday afternoon while on the school run to pick up youngsters Isabel and Aiden and teenage son Lachlan from the local high school. It was during the commute to a carpark in Chartwell when he suffered the attack; causing him to lose control of his car. Despite his condition, Ferguson managed to veer the vehicle safely from oncoming traffic and onto a median strip. Local residents and staff rallied to support until police and medical services arrived. But Ferguson could not be resuscitated. Widow struggling to make sense of 'shattered world' Friends and family have set up a Givealittle fundraising page in a bid to help the family Ferguson has left behind - wife Karen and their children. "Karen now finds herself in a position of being a solo mother of three young children, struggling to comprehend how she can manage this around work and the wellbeing of her family." Andrew Ferguson, 52, died of a heart attack as he drove to collect his children from school. Photo / Supplied Karen Ferguson is originally from Germany and has no immediate family to support her here in New Zealand. "[She] is struggling to make sense of her shattered world. Andrew did not have life insurance." The money will go towards helping the family in the short-term and will be used to pay the rent, and utilities and allow Karen Ferguson some time to come to grips with the loss of her husband. Best friend Brian Leslie described Ferguson - better known as "Ferg" - as a devoted husband and father, a talented musician, a chef, and a lover of tattoos and beards. He was a big part of the New Zealand bearded community and won a national title a few years ago. "He got throat cancer a couple of years ago unfortunately and the radiation killed his beard," Leslie said. "He beat cancer but he couldn't re-grow his beard so that's why he had that big handle-bar moustache." Without his trademark beard, Ferguson took up the role of judge for future competitions. Leslie said his friend was an "absolutely generous" and supportive husband and father. "He loved watching his daughter play hockey and his boys had his love of music with his oldest boy playing guitar and his youngest just starting to learn drums. "Andrew could pick up his guitar and play anything and he was just starting to play the trumpet." Andrew Ferguson was a big part of the New Zealand bearded community but treatment for throat cancer meant more recently he could only grow a handle-bar moustache. Photo / Supplied Leslie said Karen Ferguson had been touched by the level of support shown to her and the children. "She came here from Germany so she doesn't have any immediate family but the community here has been so supportive - she has been amazed by the love. "Both Andrew and Karen worked on the same floor on Immigration NZ - so her workmates have been to the house and she will have a lot of support from them." Leo Spaans, principal at Hukanui School, said the school community jumped in to provide meals and emotional care for the family. "Andrew was a very charismatic man, a big presence in the school, and he supported his kids in sports and arts, and music. "As a big school, we have a lot of quality people around who will rally to provide meals and whatever assistance the family need." Spaans was working with Fraser Hill, principal at Rototuna Junior High School, where 14-year-old Lachlan is a student. "It is tough times for the family and we are all here for them. They are a beautiful family and he was a big character so the void is made bigger by that. "There is a small group of staff here who are in contact with mum to give the support she needs." More than $18,000 had been donated to the family via the Givealittle page so far. Tributes online describe Ferguson as a funny friend and devoted family man. "Andrew - he was a charismatic, humorous good bloke, awesome playful dad, loving husband and well-regarded within the local community. "He was easily recognisable by his chopper-like moustache and massive smile." The childrens' schools have also paid tribute to one of their "much admired" fathers. A small private ceremony will be held this week to celebrate Ferguson's life, Hukanui Primary School said on its Facebook page. "Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to the Ferguson whānau. Arohanui." Mon, 05 Sept 2022 01:25:52 Z /news/hamilton/spectacular-stupidity-drunk-man-picks-kids-up-from-school-drives-through-red-light-crashes/ /news/hamilton/spectacular-stupidity-drunk-man-picks-kids-up-from-school-drives-through-red-light-crashes/ Zane Eramiha was nearly three times the legal breath alcohol limit when he picked up his daughters from school, then deliberately drove through a red light before crashing into another car. A man who blew nearly three times the legal breath alcohol limit after crashing when he went through a red light with his two young daughters in the car told police he'd only had "two beers". Through duty solicitor Kane Bidois, Zane Eramiha expressed his remorse for what happened and for putting his loved ones in jeopardy. Community Magistrate Terry Bourke asked Bidois if he'd talked to Eramiha about his drinking, whether he had a problem or if it was "just spectacular stupidity this one day". "Just the latter, sir," Bidois replied. "He hasn't had a beer for a month but he has reflected on his activities." On May 16, Eramiha picked up his two daughters, aged 7 and 9, from school and was heading home, south down the Waikato Expressway towards Cambridge. After turning off at the Victoria Rd off-ramp he came to a line of right-turning traffic that had stopped at a red light. Instead of stopping behind them, Eramiha began "undertaking" the line of vehicles before going through the red light and crashing into a northbound car. Both vehicles were significantly damaged but fortunately no one, including his daughters, was injured. However, they were taken to Waikato Hospital for observation. Eramiha was breath tested at the scene by police and returned a level of 660mcg. The legal limit is 250mcg. When questioned, he said he'd only had two beers. Bourke told Eramiha he put other road users, and his children, at "massive risk". "It's an 80km/h area. They had every reason to be travelling at 80km/h and had you been a second earlier there probably would have been you and your daughters killed by that driving due to your stupidity." However, Bourke accepted Bidois' submissions that Eramiha hadn't had a beer or driven since the crash and vowed to never put his whānau in jeopardy again. Apart from the odd speeding ticket, he had also never been in trouble or been in court before and was keen to participate in restorative justice but it was unable to happen. He convicted Eramiha on both charges and fined him $660 with court costs of $130 and ordered reparation for the victims' $750 insurance excess to be paid by September 1. He was also disqualified from driving for nine months. - Belinda Feek, Open Justice - NZ Herald Tue, 09 Aug 2022 01:11:13 Z /news/hamilton/hamilton-superhero-dad-run-over-after-rushing-to-aid-of-supermarket-robbery-victim/ /news/hamilton/hamilton-superhero-dad-run-over-after-rushing-to-aid-of-supermarket-robbery-victim/ A good Samaritan tradesman who foiled a daytime robbery in a supermarket carpark is paying dearly for his heroism after he was run over by a getaway car. Hamilton trainee electrician Gareth Godfrey is nursing a badly broken leg and faces months of rehabilitation after rushing to the aid of an elderly shopper who was allegedly being robbed in broad daylight. Godfrey, who has represented New Zealand twice at fly fishing, said he was working at the Rototuna New World supermarket when he heard a woman crying out for help. Hamilton sparky Gareth Godfrey, who intervened in a supermarket carpark robbery on Tuesday, with wife Rose and son Cruz. Photo / Supplied "I just stood in and jumped on something that shouldn't have been happening," said Godfrey, 41. "It all happened so quickly. I just reacted to what was going on. I was working at New World putting in cameras and a lady started screaming out, 'My car's being robbed, I'm being robbed, I'm being assaulted'. "I just went over and they were in another car as well and they tried to take off. I grabbed the guy and stopped him from going in there." The 41-year-old is now regarded as a superhero by his young son, Cruz. Photo / Supplied Godfrey said the attacker "tried to take some swings at me" but he was determined to hold onto him. "And then the girls that were driving the car ran over me, straight over my leg." Godfrey said he was left in a world of pain, while the elderly victim thanked him. "She tried to talk to me a lot while I was on the ground injured but I was in so much pain I couldn't talk to her," Godfrey said. "She said thank you so much to me but I was ready to go to another planet." Gareth Godrey, a two-time New Zealand representative fly fisherman, didn't think twice about going to the elderly woman's aid. Photo / Supplied Godfrey said he has since undergone surgery, with a rod surgically inserted in his mangled right leg. "It's pretty bad. They basically ran over my leg and shattered it. I know when I look down it's not good. It'll be three months of no work, I'd say. That's what the doctor said today." The timing couldn't have been worse with a trade exam scheduled in the coming weeks as he edged closer to becoming a qualified electrician, Godfrey said. From Wellington to Auckland Police today said the car was found more than 100km north a day later on Auckland's North Shore with police eventually spiking the vehicle at Pukekohe. The car had allegedly been stolen from Porirua on Monday evening. A police spokesperson said the incident occurred when an alleged offender was interrupted interfering with a vehicle in a Rototuna supermarket car park. "The alleged offender and victim got into a brief altercation. A second offender then began assaulting the victim." Police said a third offender then drove a vehicle toward a witness who attempted to intervene. "The vehicle hit the witness, who suffered injuries to his leg. The first offender then began to assault the witness as he lay on the ground." The spokesperson said the trio got into a car and left. Shortly before 2pm yesterday, police were told that the stolen vehicle had been seen more than 120km north in Glenfield, Auckland. Police said they found the vehicle, which headed south on the Northern Motorway before being spiked at Pukekohe. A spokesperson said the vehicle's four occupants fled on foot before they were caught. One youth was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Another youth and an 18-year-old female were charged with aggravated robbery. All four people arrested were charged with unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle. The group are due to appear in Hamilton Youth and District Courts today. Dad's a superhero Godfrey's wife Rose said she was incredibly proud of her husband but "that was just his nature". It was the second time he had come the aid of a person in distress in a matter of weeks."He helped another lady out at the Mad Butchers where a lady was getting assaulted and he broke that up about a month or so ago. "But all I can say is how we've described it to my son - dad's a superhero. He's a robot now with his rods in his leg and that's what he's telling his mates at school today." The Waikato tradie has represented New Zealand twice in international fly fishing competitions. Photo / Supplied She said they had been overwhelmed by people reaching out with support for them since the incident and touched that a givealittle page had been set up by another witness. Their son Cruz celebrated his sixth birthday yesterday and in a social media post her heartfelt hope was that he would grow to become a man just like his dad. Thu, 23 Jun 2022 03:57:28 Z /news/hamilton/person-dead-second-badly-hurt-in-hamilton-crash/ /news/hamilton/person-dead-second-badly-hurt-in-hamilton-crash/ A person has died and another has life-threatening injuries following a crash in Hamilton last night. Emergency services attended the two-car crash on River Rd in Fairfield around 9.15pm. Police last night said there were critical injuries from the crash but have now confirmed one person has died. Investigations are continuing, police said. Four St John ambulance vehicles attended the incident at 9.22pm. One patient was treated and taken to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition, St John said. The crash closed the road between Oakley Ave and the Fairfield bridge, and motorists were also asked to avoid Boundary Rd last night. Wed, 27 Apr 2022 22:00:20 Z /news/hamilton/car-appears-to-deliberately-ram-another-vehicle-in-scary-footage-of-hamilton-crash/ /news/hamilton/car-appears-to-deliberately-ram-another-vehicle-in-scary-footage-of-hamilton-crash/ Frightening new video shows a car appearing to deliberately ram the back of another vehicle at speed in a Hamilton street. The crash leaves debris strewn across the road as pedestrians rush to the scene. The crash took place on Tramway Rd in the suburb of Enderley last Wednesday and was reported to police at 4.30pm. Police are yet to release more details about the incident, saying the officers who attended are not at work today. QIt's unclear if anyone was hurt. The Paint Fade Facebook page posted the footage last Thursday and shows a white car accelerating at speed towards a silver car in front of it. As the white car closes in on the back of the other vehicle, it appears to hit the brakes in a cloud of smoke. However, it still smashes into the other car heavily, instantly crumpling its boot and lifting the silver car's back two wheels off the ground. The bonnet of the white car is also crumpled as the entire car dips forward under the impact before it comes to a halt down the road. A barefooted woman and another passenger then run down the road towards the wreckage of the white car. The aftermath of the impact on the silver car cannot be seen in the video. Tue, 26 Apr 2022 00:24:01 Z /news/hamilton/hamilton-bus-incident-air-gun-pellet-fired-at-moving-bus-on-pukete-route/ /news/hamilton/hamilton-bus-incident-air-gun-pellet-fired-at-moving-bus-on-pukete-route/ A bus driver has been shot at by an air pellet gun while on a suburban run in Hamilton. The shot fired last night missed the driver but struck an emergency window directly behind his seat, shattering it, the driver's child said in a post to social media platform reddit. No one was hurt in the 5.45pm incident but the pellet almost struck their father, the person wrote. "The shooters were intentionally aiming at the driver but it missed and hit the emergency window directly behind the driver seat's side. The shot came from a house across the road while my dad drove past." Go Bus spokesman Russell Turnbull confirmed the incident, which he said occurred on the Pukete route. Further details, including whether any passengers were aboard the bus at the time, were not immediately available. Police confirmed they attended the incident and found something had struck the bus window but not gone through the glass. "We have checked to see if there is any CCTV footage available, but there is no camera service in the area where this happened," a spokeswoman said. The driver told police they didn't see anything, but heard a sound just before the window cracked. Anyone with information which could help can contact police, quoting event number P050322760, she said. The person who posted on reddit couldn't immediately be reached but wrote that the dangerous act "infuriates me". "He could have been shot because he had his windows open while driving the bus and the bullet hit the window directly behind him. "I understand air pellets are marginally different to real guns, but they can cause serious harm and injury, especially if it hits in the face or critical parts of the human body." The pellet shattered the emergency exit window on the bus. Photo / Imgur Their father saw a couple of people ducking and weaving behind curtains as soon as he realised what had happened, the poster wrote. "He said he could clearly see them as it was quite dark and the lights were on in their house. "I am extremely angry and disappointed because never in my life since living in NZ, which is advertised in the world as a safe country, would I have ever thought my loved ones would be shot at. Fri, 22 Apr 2022 01:44:35 Z /news/hamilton/suicide-pact-rhys-was-meant-to-be-in-a-safe-place-parents-heartache-over-sons-death/ /news/hamilton/suicide-pact-rhys-was-meant-to-be-in-a-safe-place-parents-heartache-over-sons-death/ WARNING: Distressing content A Hamilton woman who helped a man commit suicide has avoided jail and instead will spend the next two years under intensive supervision. Justice Graham Lang this morning also granted the 29-year-old permanent name suppression to help her rehabilitation and reintegration back into society at her sentencing in the High Court at Hamilton today. She was found guilty on a charge of assisting or enabling Rhys Thomasson to commit suicide on November 11, 2019. Thomasson had been in the care of the Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre, in Hamilton, but ran away from an escorted leave walking group on November 11, 2019. He was found dead by police at 3.45am, near the Hamilton Central Police Station. The court heard the woman had met Thomasson in the Henry Bennett Centre in October 2019 and once she was released, two months' later, they maintained contact. During their time together they had discussed suicide and how they wanted to end their lives. Thomasson was suffering from significant mental health issues and the pair maintained "extensive" text message contact which included him talking about his desire to end his life. The woman told him that she was of "similar mind" to him, and could help them carry out their wishes. The texts show Thomasson continued to seek reassurance from her about what they planned to do. On November 11, 2019, the woman was at the Henry Bennett Centre picking up an associate when she saw Thomasson and encouraged him to abscond later that day when he was due to go out on a scheduled walk. Thomasson did exactly that and went to meet her in her vehicle. The pair then drove to Cambridge, before heading to a grass reserve at 4.30pm. At 3.15am, the woman phoned emergency services saying that Thomasson was unconscious. He was unable to revived. 'He was meant to be safe' In her victim impact statement, Thomasson's mother said no matter what she said or did, her son was never coming back. "This has happened and it really makes my stomach churn. Yes, Rhys was mentally unwell but you didn't make the right choice by helping him to do so. "If anyone came to me I would try and help them in a positive way. "Rhys was meant to be in a safe place and you helped him out of that safe place. He couldn't have done so without your guidance and help. "Rhys lost his life and it has affected me and my family terribly." Thomasson's father, Raymond, said the death of his son had left a "black hole in my life that can never be filled". He said his son went to him, saying he needed help so that's what they did, starting off at Pathways before he was admitted to the Henry Bennett Centre. He said his son needed to be at Henry Bennett to receive professional help and be safe. "He should have been safe there. Your actions led to Rhys escaping from the Henry Bennett Centre and thereby enabling him to carry out his wish of committing suicide. "Without your actions, Rhys may well be alive today." 'You knew what you were doing was wrong' Justice Graham Lang told the woman she knew what she was doing was wrong. At trial, he didn't accept her version of events that she had no idea what Thomasson was doing. She was sentenced to two years intensive supervision and given permanent name suppression. Crown prosecutor Rebecca Guthrie said the victim statements show the tragic impact the offending has had on the family. Thomasson was "extremely vulnerable" at the time and wanted to end his life and through the woman's actions, he was successful. The woman had texted Thomasson throughout the several days before his death, encouraging him and saying she had taken steps to help him "meet his goal". However, she also acknowledged that she had her own mental health issues – having been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder which was partly the reason why she had lacked remorse for what's happened. She urged the judge to take into account rehabilitative and therapeutic factors but also public safety. The Crown and Thomasson's family both opposed permanent name suppression – the family because they wanted the public to know who was responsible so that it did not happen again. The woman's counsel wanted suppression to continue to help with her rehabilitation and reintegration back into the community, and said it could have disastrous consequences if her name was publicised. 'We hope it brings comfort' Police acknowledged the sentencing of the 29-year-old woman today. Detective Simon Moore said Thomasson was unwell and "in the process of receiving treatment when his life was tragically cut short". "Our thoughts today are with Rhys' family and friends. "While the outcome today will not bring Rhys back, we hope that it provides some comfort to see the accused held to account for her role in his death. "This has been a challenging case to investigate and prosecute and I want to thank the team for their outstanding work. "We would encourage people to reach out to support services if they are struggling. It's okay to not be okay, but please reach out for help." WHERE TO GET HELP: If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111. OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE: LIFELINE:0800 543 354 or 09 5222 999 within Auckland (available 24/7) SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 ,free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nzor online chat. NEED TO TALK?Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7) KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7) WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 SAMARITANS– 0800 726 666. Fri, 17 Dec 2021 02:30:50 Z /news/hamilton/marokopa-mystery-father-three-kids-spent-17-days-in-bush-man-charged-with-wasting-police-time/ /news/hamilton/marokopa-mystery-father-three-kids-spent-17-days-in-bush-man-charged-with-wasting-police-time/ A man has been charged with wasteful deployment of police resources after sparking a 17-day search and rescue operation at Marokopa. The man, 34, will appear in the Te Kuiti District Court next month in relation to Operation Marokopa. "The man will be appearing on the 5th of November on a charge of causing wasteful deployment of police personnel and resources," police said today. The operation related to the search for Thomas Phillips, 34, and his three young children, Jayda Jin, 8; Maverick Callum-Phillips, 6; and Ember Phillips, 5. The family went missing on September 11. The father's ute was found below the tideline at Kiritehere Beach. Together with his children, they then walked through the front of his parents family home in Marokopa in September 28. Phillips has yet to speak publicly about their disappearance but his family say he had taken the children camping in dense bush. Tom Phillips, 34, and his three children Jayda Jin, 8, Maverick Callum-Phillips, 6, and Ember Phillips, 5. He apologised to his sister for putting the family through a 17-day ordeal. Inspector Will Loughrin, Waikato West Area Commander had said the disappearance of Phillips and his children had put his wider family through "17 days of hell". Police said they would not comment further as the matter was before the courts. Police said it was unclear how Phillips and his children survived so long in the bush in rough conditions. "They were using a tent. They were in dense bush area." They had set up in an area about 15kms south of where Phillips' ute was found, Loughrin said. It was also unknown exactly how the four got around the remote, forested areas, and whether anybody else assisted Phillips, Loughrin said when announcing their return. Police deployed a fixed-wing plane and drones in the search which also comprised help from the Coastguard and Raglan and Taranaki surf lifesaving teams. All huts and bush areas were searched - but to no avail. Mayor of the Waitomo District Council, which encompasses Marokopa, John Robertson agreed with 九一星空无限talk ZB's Heather du Plessis-Allan the result was "unreal" when interviewed at the time. "After three weeks, all the sort of emotions you go through of all those initial days of hope. We knew he was a good bushman ... most thought he'd gone to the bush. "And then, you know, the search changed over the days. And now - wow. Most of us thought we would never see (this)." He said he knew the area where his ute was found. "It's pristine bush. It's dense bush." It would be difficult to find someone there, he said. "You really have to know it, but I guess he is a bushman and he would know the area well. "I guess he could live with a tent, though I don't know the details of how long he was in the bush or where he was. "That's another mystery on this. Three weeks is a lot of time for kids to be with him and survive all that." Tue, 12 Oct 2021 01:03:25 Z /news/hamilton/police-inform-phillips-family-they-are-suspending-search-for-missing-father-and-three-children/ /news/hamilton/police-inform-phillips-family-they-are-suspending-search-for-missing-father-and-three-children/ Police have met with the family of Tom, Jayda, Maverick and Ember Phillips who have been missing for 12 days to inform them the search will be suspended. Waikato West Area Commander Inspector Will Loughrin said he discussed how the search will be managed going forward. For the past 12 days a team of searchers, supported by the local community, have been combing the inland and coastal areas of Marokopa and Kiritehere looking for Phillips and his three children all aged under 10. At this time we have not located any sign of them, Loughrin said. "The family understands police remain committed to bringing their loved ones home, however at this time the daily physical searches will be suspended and we will move into a 'reactive' phase. "This means police will be available to react to any new information as it comes to hand and initiate searching as required," he said. Loughrin said the inquiry phase of the operation is still ongoing with investigators continuing to follow-up information as it comes in. He asked anyone who finds any items of interest, including clothing, on the coastline areas extending as far north as Papanui Point (near Raglan) and as far south as Waikawau Beach, to contact police. "If you locate an item that might have significance, please photograph it as you have found it, and contact police on 111. "If you can secure the item then do so. "If you are not sure whether to inform us about what you have found, we would rather have the opportunity to discount the item, so please let us know." Police thanked all of those who have put their time and energy, many on a voluntary basis, to help search for Phillips and the children. This includes Fire and Emergency NZ, Surf Life Saving NZ, LandSAR volunteers, Coastguard NZ, Maniapoto iwi, local community members, and others who have donated vehicles, food and other resources. "We would also remind anyone who is choosing to conduct their own ongoing searches to do so taking safety into consideration. "Much of the coastline area is challenging and people should stay in sandy beach areas only," said Loughrin. Fri, 24 Sept 2021 06:39:16 Z /news/hamilton/missing-father-children-ground-search-continues-mother-thanks-those-involved/ /news/hamilton/missing-father-children-ground-search-continues-mother-thanks-those-involved/ The search for an Otorohanga family - missing for more than a week - continues on the ground and in the air today. Tom Phillips and his three children, Jayda, Maverick and Ember, haven't been seen since catching up with family at Marokopa on the evening of Saturday, September 11. Family, including uncle Paul Phillips, said there was nothing out of the ordinary in regards to Tom's behaviour. There were still a few possibilities about what had happened including that they had been swept off Kiritehere Beach or Tom had taken them camping. As they days stretched on last week, Paul Phillips was getting more and more nervous about finding them alive. "Our biggest fear is that it's possible that a rogue wave came in and swept them out to sea. Because Tom was an extremely resilient person we're hopeful that Tom has taken the children camping. "That's something that he was more than capable of, yes, he was a very resilient man, a capable hunter and he knew how to look after himself and knew his way around the bush. "It's looking more and more likely that it's not the answer we want," Phillips told the Herald last week. Police are appealing for sightings of Tom Phillips' Toyota Hilux found abaondoned on Kiritehere Beach. Photo / NZ Police Police yesterday disestablished their search base at the Marokopa Hall but confirmed the search would continue. West Waikato area commander Inspector Will Loughrin said the physical search was ongoing today, with police search teams focussing on the area at low tide. Searches by air were being carried out by a Coastguard NZ air patrol using a fixed-wing plane, a local helicopter operator with police air observers on board, and the police drone. The children's mother today thanked those who had been involved in the search, including Waikato Police Search and Rescue staff, Waitomo LandSAR, Hamilton LandSAR, Fire and Emergency New Zealand,and Surf Life Saving NZ. "We also want to thank the air support units who have been helping with the search, the local Iwi and community for their support, and preparation of food donations, any koha given and the families of everyone mentioned for supporting them during their time helping our family. Tom Phillips' vehicle was found at the southern end of Kiritehere Beach, pictured above. Photo / Belinda Feek "We have been incredibly humbled by the generosity and support shown by everyone during this difficult time. "We all just want Tom, Jayda, Maverick and Ember home." Loughrin is also appealing for members of the public who had any photos or video footage showing the weather or sea conditions at both Marokopa and Kiritehere on the weekend of 11 and 12 September contact. That could be done by calling 105 and quoting file number 210913/1952. Mon, 20 Sept 2021 02:24:24 Z /news/hamilton/father-and-three-kids-missing-off-remote-west-coast-beach-at-marokopa/ /news/hamilton/father-and-three-kids-missing-off-remote-west-coast-beach-at-marokopa/ A search is under way on a remote west coast beach for an Otorohanga man and his three children. Missing are Thomas Phillips, 34, Jayda Jin, 8, Maverick Callum-Phillips, 6, and Ember Phillips, 5. Inspector Will Loughrin said the family haven't been seen since Saturday. "There is a large police presence in Marokopa today focused on the search for Thomas and the children. "If anyone has seen or heard from Thomas and the kids since Saturday please contact police immediately," Loughrin said. Police were notified yesterday that the group had not been seen since Saturday, and found their vehicle at Kiritehere beach. Search and rescue teams from Police and LandSar are involved in the search along with Fire and Emergency New Zealand staff and local police. Anyone with information is asked to contact 105 and quote job number 210913/1952. Marokopa is in between Awakino and Kawhia Harbours. Detective Sergeant Ross Patterson earlier said searches of the coastal area would continue today as will canvassing of the local area with staff going door-to-door in Marokopa and Kiritehere. "The family's safety is our paramount concern at this stage and that is why search and rescue have been activated," Patterson said. Waitomo mayor John Patterson said he knew the family, but he hadn't spoken to them and wanted to protect their privacy. "It is just tragic. Yes, I'm aware of the police efforts and search and rescue efforts and aware of the family. "You wish for the best outcome from this." Otorohanga mayor Max Baxter said the disappearance was "a bit of an unknown". "I have total faith in the police in their capacity to find the family that are missing. "We can speculate as much as we want but let's just hope it's nothing sinister. "But certainly from Saturday through to today, the concern gathers by the hour." Tue, 14 Sept 2021 00:08:29 Z /news/hamilton/covid-19-coronavirus-delta-outbreak-hamilton-woman-charged-with-breaching-l4-lockdown/ /news/hamilton/covid-19-coronavirus-delta-outbreak-hamilton-woman-charged-with-breaching-l4-lockdown/ A Hamilton woman is to appear in court charged over breaching the country's level 4 lockdown. Kiwis have been required to stay at home for more than a week after an outbreak of the Covid-19 Delta strain erupted in Auckland. The city was now dealing with an ongoing spike in cases which now totals 277 after 68 new cases were announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday. More cases and the length of the lockdown will be announced at 3pm today, but in the meantime, New Zealanders are required to stay at home unless its for essential travel. The Hamilton East 20-year-old, who is just a couple of days short of spending her birthday in a courtroom, was yesterday arrested outside a Bader St house. As well as breaching lockdown she was allegedly found with methamphetamine and a P pipe. She has been charged for that as well as failing to assist police in a search and is currently one nearly 20 people across the country to be charged with intentionally failing to comply with the L4 lockdown by not remaining at home and was instead found outside a Bader St house with an "unknown male". The latter charge has a maximum penalty of six months prison or a $4000 fine. Police revealed yesterday that since alert level 4 came into place, 69 people had been charged with a total of 75 offences nationwide as at 5pm Wednesday. These arrests are primarily the result of protest activity in the first few days of alert level 4 and other intentional behaviour in breach of the restrictions. Of the 75 charges filed, 47 were forfFailing to comply with order (COVID-19), 16 for failure to comply with direction/prohibition/restriction, 10 for Health Act breaches, and two for assaults/threatens/hinders/obstructs enforcement officer. In front of Cabinet yesterday, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster that police had issued 686 lockdown infringement notices, while they'd received 5000 calls to the police hotline reporting breaches. The breaches had been primarily the result of protest activity and other intentional breaches. 108 formal warnings had been issued and 507 infringement notices had been issued. Yesterday police started roadblocks between Auckland and Northland to stop people travelling for non-essential reasons, while in the Waikato, a rolling checkpoint had been set up by police in and around the Coromandel. Fri, 27 Aug 2021 00:00:40 Z /news/hamilton/serious-incident-hamilton-joggers-injured-by-gaggle-of-geese-at-fun-run/ /news/hamilton/serious-incident-hamilton-joggers-injured-by-gaggle-of-geese-at-fun-run/ A gaggle of geese caused havoc at a running event in Hamilton after a "serious incident" saw joggers attacked over the weekend. Hamilton Lake parkrun, which organises free 5km event runs every Saturday around the city's lake, was not long under way when joggers were ducking and diving for safety just 500m into the run. Organisers said the geese attacked three female runners, and alerted Hamilton City Council to the frightening incident. "We had quite a serious incident in the weekend with a goose attacking 3 of our female front runners about 500m into our event," they wrote on Facebook. "We have reported this to the Hamilton City Council and will continue to follow up with them to establish a plan to keep our parkrunners, and members of the public too safe." Event organisers confirmed two of the three victims suffered bruising, while they are still trying to make contact with the third person involved in the incident. "Luckily our parkrunners are okay although bruised! Well two of the three, if you were the third lady we would love to hear from you to make sure you are also okay. "Please be aware and careful around the geese. We will do a check prior to this weekend's event to continue to ensure your safety." One jogger, who says they believe they were the third person attacked by the geese, responded to event organisers saying she was hit by one of the feathery attackers. A gaggle of geese caused havoc at a running event in Hamilton after a 'serious incident' saw joggers attacked over the weekend. (Photo / Getty) She says the damage was mostly done by friends and family making fun of her unfortunate situation. "I think this may have been me, I was hit by one! Gave me a fright but no injuries to report just laughter and jokes from the family haha," she responded on Facebook. Locals have since taken to social media to share their experiences with the aggressive geese terrorising the lake paths. "Those geese have been scary for a couple years now they had me running with my toddler in my arms a few times," one revealed. Another added: "Not just the geese I run the lake most days for a year now and the geese have never attacked me but the pukekos have almost every time I run they are nasty!" "It's my worst nightmare," a third claimed. Hamilton Lake parkrun has hosted the weekly event for eight years and says this is the first incident it has encountered. This week's event is still scheduled to go ahead. Thu, 29 Jul 2021 00:00:16 Z /news/hamilton/hamilton-shooting-neighbour-recalls-windows-of-home-vibrating-from-gunshot-sound/ /news/hamilton/hamilton-shooting-neighbour-recalls-windows-of-home-vibrating-from-gunshot-sound/ The shots fired during a fatal shoot-out with police in Hamilton were so loud and punishing, they reverberated through Carol Thompson's home. And, they came from a military-style semi-automatic firearm. Thompson told the Herald the windows of her O'Donoghue St home vibrated after several shots were fired by a man, who sources have confirmed as Joel Buckley, at police who had come to check on his welfare on Wednesday night. "It was really, really terrifying," Thompson said, as she recalled the incident in the suburb of Hillcrest. Assistant commissioner Richard Chambers yesterday confirmed Buckley fired a "high powered" firearm at staff. Five shots were fired from his weapon, however Chambers wouldn't confirm how many shots were fired by police. Many neighbours spoken to believed they heard about 10 shots; fired in quick succession. Police had gone to the property with concerns for Buckley's safety after being told he was in possession of a firearm and was possibly going to use it. Thompson said she definitely heard five shots from one weapon before hearing two others. "There were five shots, three of them from right outside my window and two after. "I guess he moved further away as you could hear just a little bit further away." Thompson said she was barely metres from Buckley, in her house, when he fired his shots and could tell the difference when shots were fired from a second, different weapon. "There were [two] more but I don't think it was from the same gun." Thompson had been watching television in her lounge. The noise of the gunshots gave her such a fright, she jumped up, grabbed her cellphone and began dialling 111 before she peered through her lounge room curtains, looking out over O'Donoghue St. "I'm right across the road from where it was happening. I was sitting in my lounge and he must have been just down below my window from when he fired the first shot across the road. "It was really, really loud. I thought he was crashing into my house. "I thought someone was attacking my house actually, because the wall, and glass, vibrated, with the shots of it ... where I was standing, I could feel the vibrations from it." As she peered out between a small gap in her curtains, she could see a vehicle which she initially thought was a taxi. "By that time the gunshots had stopped and I saw across the road, parked in the driveway for the flats, what looked like a taxi. "I thought they were trying to shoot someone inside the taxi but I couldn't see any people. "After a few seconds I saw two figures, it was dark, and they were taking steps towards the car and then retreating back, taking steps towards the car and then retreating back." After about five or six seconds of silence she then heard shouting. A blue tent was set up on O'Donoghue St, near the University of Waikato in Hamilton, where a man was shot and killed after a stand-off with police on Wednesday night. Photo / Mike Scott "I heard lots of shouting, there was more than one person shouting. "It seemed as though there was an altercation but I believe it was the police telling the person to come out but he didn't respond." As this was all happening, Thompson was on the phone with police giving a verbatim account of what she could see. "After the shouting it went quiet for a bit and at some stage there was someone running up the street, and then another person running up the street. "My impression was that the shouting went on where the police car was and that's where all the gunfire was." Thompson believed there were slight gaps in between the firing of the first five shots; which were loud and slightly slower. "The shots were massive. I have heard fireworks and heard people breaking glass.. but this was something else. It was a huge bang, bang. It was obviously something major." Thompson estimated it was about 15 minutes before more police, including the armed offenders squad turned up, and then "all hell broke loose" with the police Eagle helicopter also circling above. "Everyone seemed to turn up at once, ambulance and police." She said she had been shocked by the amount of gun violence in New Zealand recently - including the three shootings involving police the past week - and had sympathy for officers. Police forensic staff remain at the scene on O'Donoghue St today, with a smaller cordon still in place. Fri, 16 Jul 2021 04:33:31 Z /news/hamilton/hamilton-shooting-investigation-under-way-after-man-shot-dead-during-police-stand-off/ /news/hamilton/hamilton-shooting-investigation-under-way-after-man-shot-dead-during-police-stand-off/ Up to 10 shots were heard as a violent stand-off unfolded and a man was shot and killed by police officers last night in a Hamilton suburb. The incident happened after officers were called to a property on O'Donoghue St, in Hillcrest, looking for a person in relation to a firearms matter. Police confirmed that while they were there, officers were confronted by a man who arrived at the property and fired a number of shots from his vehicle. He was then shot by police, Waikato District Commander Superintendent Bruce Bird said. First aid was administered immediately, however the man died at the scene a short time later, Bird said. No police officers were shot, but one fell and suffered injuries in the incident. An armed police officer stands guard at the scene in Hamilton this morning. (Photo / Mike Scott) All ends of O'Donoghue St are cordoned off, with armed officers at each entry point Bird said police remain at the address this morning and a range of inquiries are underway, but police were not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident. "Our staff come to work every day to keep our communities safe and the decision to use a firearm is never done lightly." A resident on Aurora St - which intersects with O'Donoghue - said he was woken by what seemed a flurry of shots. "I heard that," he said when asked if he heard any shots being fired last night. "I thought it was fireworks. All I heard was, maybe, nine rapid shots. that's what it seemed like because I was half asleep." The man said he didn't hear the Eagle helicopter, only the shots which he said seemed to happen in two separate lots; about five or six first then the remainder a couple of seconds later. Brennan Pl resident Mark Schroder said he heard about 10 shots. He was watching television at the time and heard the shots, so he got up and went out his back door - which looks out to Odonoghue- and then heard shouting. He couldn't hear what was being said but just that it was people shouting. "I heard the shots but that's all. I went out the back door to see if it was fireworks or shots but that's all I heard. "I also heard some loud shouting but that was all. I didn't hear words." A witness at the scene in the early hours of this morning told the Herald that several police in white overalls could be seen walking around what appeared to be a vehicle covered by a tarpaulin. "Armed police have blocked off the bottom of O'Donoghue St and Hillcrest Rd. A police officer at the scene where a man was shot and killed during a stand-off with police last night. (Photo / Mike Scott) "There were three officers in white overalls walking towards a tarp over a fence line. I think there's a vehicle under it." About six police vehicles were at the site overnight, he said. Residents report hearing police yelling Last night, residents in the area described hearing a "large volley of gunfire" which at least one person likened to fireworks. A woman named Coralie, who asked that her surname not be used, said among the red and blue lights, she could hear police officers yelling out instructions. "Armed police, put the gun down! Put your hands out the window, anyone else in the vehicle put your hands out the window!" Coralie said that was repeated multiple times before a final "they're not moving" and then silence. Another resident said: "It sounded like they kept shooting but were firing blanks. It was very loud though." Police are expected to give an update on the situation and the circumstances around the shooting this morning. Wed, 14 Jul 2021 21:29:57 Z /news/hamilton/neighbours-almost-call-police-on-mum-trying-to-get-baby-to-sleep/ /news/hamilton/neighbours-almost-call-police-on-mum-trying-to-get-baby-to-sleep/ A Hamilton woman who drove around her neighbourhood to help her baby sleep was eyed suspiciously by concerned neighbours who almost called police on her. Karina Missen shared the hilarious tale on TikTok, saying: "When you're trying to get your baby to sleep and your local community group is worried you're scoping the place out." Other parents cracked up at Missen's plight, sharing their own stories of using a car to calm a restless baby. In the neighbourhood Facebook group, a concerned local noted that the same car had been circling the same street "7 times in the past 10 minutes" and asked "should I call police?" The car was seen circling. (Photo / TikTok) "You could take your phone and show the people in the car driving past that you are recording them," another suggested. "Yes, please," one resident said. "This car was doing the same thing yesterday. Perhaps go out to your letterbox and have a good look at them and get the plate number. Cops may as well check them out." It was then that Missen identified herself. "Sorry! No it's me. My 2-month-old fell asleep in the car." She added: "I'd joked about it but had no idea my area's neighbourhood watch was so active. It's reassuring really that people are watching, so funny!" Concern built in the neighbourhood until Karina Missen identified herself. (Photo / TikTok) Parents were quick to respond to the story with their experiences. "I feel so bad for you. It's so tough when they are little but this is hilarious," one parent said, while a second added: "Hahaha! My partner does laps around the supermarket car park while I run in and grab things. He gets a lot of looks." Another said: "My dad used to drive me round for hours when I was a baby because I had chronic reflux and would only sleep in the car. This is so sweet." Wed, 07 Jul 2021 23:27:52 Z /news/hamilton/avalon-triple-fatal-crash-driver-admits-manslaughter-driving-charges/ /news/hamilton/avalon-triple-fatal-crash-driver-admits-manslaughter-driving-charges/ An Auckland man has admitted manslaughter and driving-related charges after a triple fatal in Hamilton nearly three years ago. Reuben William Maharaj, of Glenfield, was due to stand trial in the High Court at Hamilton next week on three charges of three charges of manslaughter of Jeremy and Tania Kay and Grace Hill and one charge of dangerous driving causing injury to Mitchell Kay. However, in a brief appearance via audio visual link before Justice Graham Lang today, Maharaj entered guilty pleas, bringing to an end a long fight for justice by the Kay and Hill families. Mitchell Kay had just gone to pick up his parents and girlfriend, Hill, from a 21st birthday on just after midnight on November 11. At the same time, Maharaj, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia but was unmedicated at the time, had earlier fled his parents in one of their vehicles from their North Shore home after an argument. Other motorists had noticed Maharaj's "aggressive" driving on the journey south before he entered Avalon Dr. About 800m south of the roundabout, Maharaj accelerated and drove with a sudden or sharp swerve, crossing the centre line into the oncoming northbound traffic and collided with the Holden Trax being driven by Kay. The Holden Trax, driven by Mitchell Kay, was left destroyed after the head-on crash on Avalon Dr. (Photo / Police) Witnesses described seeing a "big puffy [sic] of black smoke" coming out of Maharaj's exhaust, and appeared to be speeding up, before he was seen driving on the wrong side of the wrong. Kay was in his correct lane, driving about 78km/h, and tried to take evasive action, by braking and swerving. The vehicles ultimately collided, killing his parents and girlfriend. Outside court this morning, Kay's grandmother and Jeremy Kay's mother, Robbie Kay, together with Linda Kay's mother, Linda Rowe, said they were pleased by the guilty pleas and said it was a relief. "We're just relieved that it's over and he's pleaded guilty after nearly three years." The remains of the vehicle Reuben Maharaj was driving on the night of November 11, 2018. (Photo / Police) Mon, 14 Jun 2021 23:41:56 Z /news/hamilton/hamilton-toddler-hit-by-car-driver-85-sentenced-for-failing-to-stop-at-lights/ /news/hamilton/hamilton-toddler-hit-by-car-driver-85-sentenced-for-failing-to-stop-at-lights/ An 85-year-old man who drove through a light-controlled intersection hitting a small boy has had his licence taken off him for six months. Narahenpitage Norbet De Costa, 85, was also ordered to pay the family of Bodie Hamilton $2800 after the 3-year-old was hit on a light-controlled intersection on January 14, this year. Narahenpitage Norbet De Costa leaves the Hamilton District Court with a supporter after being sentenced for careless driving causing injury to Bodie Hamilton. De Costa was arrested and charged with careless driving causing injury after the incident on Discovery Dr, Hamilton. He pleaded guilty and today reappeared in the Hamilton District Court before Community Magistrate Kathryn Wilson where he was convicted and fined. Bodie's mother, Hayley Hamilton, earlier told the Herald they had just left their nearby home, heading to Discovery Park. Bodie pushed the button at the crossing, before walking across when getting the green signal. At the same time, De Costa was heading west along Discovery Dr and failed to see the red light and the pair crossing the road. Bodie - who has made a full recovery - was hit and thrown several metres into the air before landing on the road. De Costa's counsel, Glen Prentice, said he was remorseful for what happened and had no other bad driving history. "It was a bad error of judgment on the defendant's part. He has to accept that the light was red, he went through the red light. "Looking at the CCTV footage the young boy has run out on the road and it's just an unfortunate string of events that has led to what's happened." De Costa could pay the victims $1000 initially and pay the rest off at $40 per week. Thu, 27 May 2021 23:56:49 Z /news/hamilton/green-fairy-charged-by-police-for-giving-away-cannabis/ /news/hamilton/green-fairy-charged-by-police-for-giving-away-cannabis/ - RNZ A Waikato man who claims he was giving cannabis free to elderly people for pain relief has been raided and charged by police. Meremere man Jason Tong entered not guilty pleas to one charge of possession of cannabis with intent to supply, and two charges of supplying a class C controlled drug, in Huntly District Court yesterday. Tong said he just wanted to do his bit for people in need - and he had gained the backing of a medicinal cannabis advocate who fears "green fairy" prosecutions are becoming more common. Tong became a green fairy by accident three years ago, when his son was diagnosed with cancer and he began looking into alternative medicines, he said. His wife discovered it was a remedy to the arthritis in her hands, and he found it eased his own severe back pain. Tong began growing more plants and posting them to kuia and kaumātua in his neighbourhood - and then dozens of others around the country who told him they were in need, and couldn't afford other medication. It all ended a month ago when he looked out the window and saw police officers swarming onto his property. They took about 30 plants from the outside, before moving indoors. "We'd just finished chopping all our outdoor plants from the summer, so they pretty much took a whole year's meds in one hit," he said. "They searched the whole house. They took all the cannabis, CBD oil, CBD balms. Everything we had in the house, they took." Tong believed he was targeted because two packages he dropped off at a post shop in Pukekohe smelt of cannabis. However, he insisted the raid was misguided. "They seemed to think that we were some big grow operation and that we were supplying gangs," he said. "At one stage [during the raid] the detective in charge came out and asked me to tell them where the money was, or where the safe was, 'cause if I didn't tell them, he said they were going to rip the house to pieces. I said to him at that stage that there is no money. I almost laughed at him." Yesterday, Tong and his son appeared in Huntly District Court and entered not guilty pleas to one charge of possession of cannabis with intent to supply, and two charges of supplying a class C controlled drug. He maintained he didn't do anything wrong and wanted police to consider dropping their charges. "I don't believe we're hurting anyone. The people we look after, they're consenting adults and a lot of them don't want to go down the pharmaceutical path. "Sure, there are some people out there dealing drugs and doing it for the wrong reasons. But there are a lot of us that are doing it for the right reasons." Wiggle room - or not There is some wriggle room in the law, through a 2019 amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act which gives police discretion to not prosecute in some cases. But Auckland University of Technology associate professor of law Khylee Quince said the situation was more complicated when that person was a green fairy like Tong with more than 28 grams of cannabis. "The law says that once you're in possession of that amount, it is presumed that you have it for supply as a drug dealer. Whereas the issue with green fairies is one of motive - that they grow and supply to help other people. So they're not traditional drug dealers," Quince said. Co-ordinator for the charity Medical Cannabis Awareness New Zealand, Shane le Brun, said he was appalled by Tong's situation but not surprised, as he had seen several like it in recent weeks. Medicinal cannabis in New Zealand is legal, but le Brun said there was only one product that got prescribed and for most people, "cost is the major barrier", with a price tag of up to $1000 a month. Until that changed, people like Tong were going to continue getting penalised, he said. That was more reason for full decriminalisation of cannabis, as dozens of social service and health organisations called for last month, le Brun said. "They basically need to blast the Minister of Health and put a different politician in charge of the Misuse of Drugs Act." Tong said he visited his doctor and now had a prescription for seven different types of pain medication to replace the cannabis he used. Tue, 04 May 2021 02:42:27 Z