Wellington district news and alerts

Meth and MDMA seized in joint Police/Customs investigation

rpel50 — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 01:25:38 +0000

Location:

Wellington

51�� and Customs have disrupted a Wellington-based syndicate dealing drugs into the community, seizing 23 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than 1000 MDMA pills.

Images(s):

Appeal for information following assault in Newtown

CCNRS7 — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 23:58:16 +0000

Location:

Wellington

Please attribute to Detective Inspector Haley Ryan, Wellington District CIB:

Wellington Police investigating an assault on a woman in Newtown this morning are seeking information and footage from the public.

The incident occurred on the footpath on Colombo Street at around 7:30am. The woman was approached from behind and when she turned around she was confronted by a man holding a knife. The victim found an opportunity to run from the man into a nearby address and call Police.

Police are offering support to the victim, after what was a deeply concerning incident.

Appeal for information following assault in Porirua

bnjhy3 — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 06:20:45 +0000

Location:

Wellington

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Ben Evans, Wellington District CIB

Wellington Police are investigating an assault on a female in Porirua on Wednesday 18 June.

The incident occurred around halfway up the stairs of the Rangituhi/Colonial Knob walking track at around 3:30pm.

Rangithui/Colonial Knob is a popular walking area, and we understand this incident may cause some concern. Police will be conducting reassurance patrols in the area in the coming days.

Name release: Fatal house fire, Trentham

CCNRS7 — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 04:09:57 +0000

Location:

Wellington

Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who was found deceased after a house fire in Trentham, Upper Hutt on Tuesday [10 June] morning.

He was 69 year old, John Louis.

Police extends our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

The cause of the fire is not believed to be suspicious.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Name release and appeal for information: Unexplained death, Newtown

CCNRS7 — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 02:34:42 +0000

Location:

Wellington

Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who was found deceased in an apartment on Mansfield Street, Newtown on Saturday.

He was 40 year old, Oliver Hayes.

Police extends our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of Mr Hayes’ death are ongoing.

Police are appealing for anyone who knew Mr Hayes and who had recent contact with him, to please contact us immediately.

Fatal house fire, Trentham

jtenk9 — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 01:53:51 +0000

Location:

Wellington

One person has died following a house fire in Upper Hutt overnight.

Emergency services were called to the Tararua Street property, between Ross Grove and Louis Street, about 2.25am, and found the house fully ablaze.

Sadly, one person was found deceased at the property.

A scene guard was in place overnight and Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigators carried out a scene examination this morning. The cause of the fire is still to be determined, but it is not believed to be suspicious.

At this time, no further details are available.

ENDS

Update: Unexplained death, Newtown

fljpp1 — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:33:37 +0000

Location:

Wellington

Attributable to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard

Wellington Police are continuing to make enquiries into an unexplained death in Newtown.

At around 7.15pm on Saturday 7 June, Police were called to a property on Mansfield Street.

Police's enquiries are underway to determine the full circumstances of the incident.

A scene examination is due to conclude today, and the post-mortem is currently taking place.

Members of the Newtown community may notice an increased Police presence in the area while enquiries are ongoing.

ENDS

Fourth person charged with manslaughter over Loafers Lodge fire

jtenk9 — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 22:47:19 +0000

Location:

Wellington

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Olivia Meares:

Wellington Police have charged a fourth person with manslaughter in relation to the fatal fire at Loafers Lodge in 2023.

The 72-year-old Wellington man was arrested this morning and is due to appear in the Wellington District Court today.

It follows the arrest of two men aged 75 and 58, and a 70-year-old woman, late last week, all of whom are facing charges of manslaughter. Police allege all four individuals were responsible for aspects of the building’s fire safety systems.

Statement from the family of Liam Hockings

SNEE38 — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 22:08:43 +0000

Location:

Wellington

Attribute to the family of Liam Hockings:

As a family, we are still coming to terms with the devastating loss of Liam, who tragically lost his life in the Loafers Lodge fire. He would have turned 53, just a few days ago.

Liam was much loved – an intelligent, caring, and unforgettable character. His absence has left a huge void in our lives and in the wider Newtown community that knew and cherished him.

Manslaughter charges for three people related to the Loafers Lodge fatal fire

SNEE38 — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 22:01:04 +0000

Location:

Wellington

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Timothy Leitch – Wellington Area Investigations Manager:

Today, Police have charged three people with manslaughter in relation to the fatal fire at Loafers Lodge on 16 May 2023.

Two men aged 75 and 58, and a 70-year-old woman will appear in the Wellington District Court later today, each facing charges of manslaughter.

Police have spoken to a third man and expect to also charge him with manslaughter in the coming days.