Armed Offenders Squad in Stratford
State Highway 3 is closed in Stratford as armed offenders squad works to arrest 'person of interest'
The road is closed between Pembroke and Monmouth Rds. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said the road has been closed since 11pm on Monday.
A resident said there was a police chase into Stratford from the south that night and police had laid spikes on SH3/Broadway St, near the intersection with Pembroke Rd, and shots had been fired.
Here's what you need to know:
- Cordons are in place on Celia St, Seyton St, Hamlet St, and Pembroke Rd. State Highway 3 is closed up to Monmouth St.
- Three people have been evacuated from their homes to a nearby motel.
- Stratford Primary School said it's planning to stay open on Tuesday, given the campus is on the other side of town from the police operation.
- Avon School on Hamlet St was also in lock down following a call from police.
- A Stuff reporter on Celia St said more than a dozen loud bangs that sounded like gunshots rang out about 8am.
- A detour is in place via Pembroke and Monmouth roads, and drivers are asked to follow the instructions of contractors onsite, Waka Kotahi said.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.3% Yes
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32.8% Maybe?
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25.9% No
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
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