Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police
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Police investigating a fatal crash in Tāneatua are seeking further information from members of the public who witnessed the crash, or any movements leading up to the crash, to assist with our enquiries.
Prior to the crash, Police can confirm the red Honda Accord was observed travelling on Reid … View morePolice investigating a fatal crash in Tāneatua are seeking further information from members of the public who witnessed the crash, or any movements leading up to the crash, to assist with our enquiries.
Prior to the crash, Police can confirm the red Honda Accord was observed travelling on Reid Road in excess of the speed limit.
A Police vehicle travelling the other direction observed the vehicle at speed, however was unable to locate the vehicle as it travelled towards White Pine Bush Road.
Police believe there were two other vehicles near or on the Pekatahi Bridge at the time of the crash, and we’d like to speak to the occupants of those vehicles to understand what they saw.
Additionally, we’re still seeking information from anybody who saw a red Honda Accord travelling in and around Tāneatua between 5:30pm and 6pm on Tuesday 2 December.
If you have information, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 251202/5566.
Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on State Highway 5, Tapapa.
Police were advised at 10.45am that a car had collided with a tree, between Harwoods Road and Tapapa Road. The car caught on fire following the crash and the fire is reported to have spread to nearby vegetation.
… View moreEmergency services are responding to a serious crash on State Highway 5, Tapapa.
Police were advised at 10.45am that a car had collided with a tree, between Harwoods Road and Tapapa Road. The car caught on fire following the crash and the fire is reported to have spread to nearby vegetation.
Motorists are advised to expect delays and should take alternative routes where possible
⚠️ UPDATE:
Following a crash on State Highway 5, Tapapa this morning, trucks and heavy vehicles heading north between Rotorua and Tīrau will not be able to go past the intersection of Harwoods Road and State Highway 5.
A diversion for trucks and heavy vehicles is in place and drivers should follow the directions of emergency services staff.
Electric dirt bikes are creating serious concerns for Police, with the vehicles featuring in a growing number of crashes and cases of illegal riding.
In most instances, the bikes, which can exceed 80kmh, are required to be registered. That comes as a shock to many of the riders who Police speak … View moreElectric dirt bikes are creating serious concerns for Police, with the vehicles featuring in a growing number of crashes and cases of illegal riding.
In most instances, the bikes, which can exceed 80kmh, are required to be registered. That comes as a shock to many of the riders who Police speak to, says Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter, the Area Road Policing Manager for Western Bay of Plenty.
“We’ve seen people riding dangerously and crashes involving pedestrians and vehicles, and people need to realise that just because these dirt bikes are electric, it doesn’t mean they are allowed on the road.”
“Ignorance won’t protect you from fines or having your dirt bike confiscated, and Police are routinely stopping riders on electric dirt bikes to make sure both the bike and the rider are compliant with the law.”
It comes as the vehicles gain popularity.
“We’re now dealing with roughly four cases involving electric dirtbikes a week and people have been hurt. Currently one e bike has been impounded for dangerous riding and the cost to retrieve the e bike after the 28 days impound was $900.
"Two others have received injuries after colliding with cars and numerous riders have received infringements. If you have one of these bikes, you need to know where you can and can’t ride it, the same responsibilities as any motorist.”
You need a valid driver’s licence if:
🔹The electric motor exceeds 300 watts (not kilowatts)
🔹The bike is capable of speeds over 50kmh
🔹The bike does not have pedals (i.e., it cannot be classified as a power-assisted cycle).
The bike needs a Warrant of Fitness and registration if:
🔹If it can exceed 50kmh: It must be registered as a motorcycle
🔹If it cannot exceed 50kmh: It may be registered as a moped
🔹In both cases, the vehicle must be entry certified and meet roadworthy standards
🔹A Warrant of Fitness is required unless exempted (e.g., some mopeds).
Electric dirt bikes are not bicycles if:
🔹They lack pedals
🔹They have motors exceeding 300 watts
🔹They are capable of autonomous propulsion without rider input.
Police are investigating after a man was seriously assaulted in his Ōpōtiki home early this morning.
The man sustained serious injuries in the assault, which is believed to have involved several offenders.
The man has been transported to hospital and enquiries are under way to identify and … View morePolice are investigating after a man was seriously assaulted in his Ōpōtiki home early this morning.
The man sustained serious injuries in the assault, which is believed to have involved several offenders.
The man has been transported to hospital and enquiries are under way to identify and locate those responsible for the assault.
A scene guard is in place at the house where the assault took place and nearby residents can expect to see a continued police presence as our enquiries continue.
If anyone has information which could assist our enquiries, they’re asked to contact Police and quote file number 251106/9516.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
A homicide investigation is continuing following the death of a man in Te Puke on Saturday 25 October.
Police can now name the victim of the homicide as Tristan Oakes, aged 29. Tristan died in hospital on Saturday, after being critically injured when shot at his Te Puke home.
Police have … View moreA homicide investigation is continuing following the death of a man in Te Puke on Saturday 25 October.
Police can now name the victim of the homicide as Tristan Oakes, aged 29. Tristan died in hospital on Saturday, after being critically injured when shot at his Te Puke home.
Police have identified two men we wish to speak to in relation to Tristan’s death.
They are Kanan Clarke, aged 39, and Joseph Yorke, aged 40.
Both men are considered dangerous and should not be approached.
Anyone who has information on their whereabouts is asked to contact Police and quote file number 251025/0395.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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