Armed police respond to serious incident in Auckland CBD
Police said the incident is on Queen Street, near Britomart and armed police are responding to the incident.
"The public is asked to please stay indoors and avoid the area," a police spokesperson said.
The police Eagle Helicopter can be seen overhead in Commercial Bay and footage filmed by Newshub shows workers standing around on Quay Street.
"Further information will be provided when available," the spokesperson said.
What we know:
============
Police responding to "serious incident" on Quay Street, Auckland CBD.
Police are asking the public stay indoors and avoid the area.
Follow Newshub's live updates below. App users click here for the latest updates.
8:14am - Reporter Emma Olsen told AM a serious incident is unfolding in Commercial Bay in Auckland.
She said armed police are responding and the public is asked to stay away and stay indoors.
"I've never seen so many police cars in one place before," she said.
There are over 30 police cars in the area and the armed offenders squad ran into a building just before 8am.
Olsen said 30-40 police officers went into the building and she hasn't seen any come out.
Construction workers have been evacuated from all Commercial Bay buildings.
"Several members of the public standing around still, filming," she said.
8:09am - Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson is urging Aucklanders to stay home and avoid the city.
"We anticipate traffic will be backed up, so please avoid travel to the area," she said in a statement.
"Still waiting for information from the Police, and will provide an update when we can.
"Still waiting for information from the Police, and will provide an update when we can."
8:06am - Newshub understands members of the public have been escorted into buildings around Quay St for their own safety.
A witness said other people have been taken to the ferry terminal. They have heard what they believe to be several gunshots.
8:05am - Photos from the scene show a large police presence in downtown Auckland.
8:02am - Reporter Emma Olsen told AM workers have been evacuated from the Commercial Bay building.
"It looks as though it's on the 13th or 14th floor. If you look up, you can see construction workers hiding behind concrete bollards," she said.
"Earlier I saw people on the 13th floor, below the people on the 14th floor, and they started running across the floor. Unsure exactly what is going on up there, but one of the workers who was inside told me they saw someone with a gun."
===========================================
www.newshub.co.nz...
===========================================
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
-
82.5% Yes
-
14.7% No
-
2.8% Other - I'll share below
The Influence of the Whānau - Day 9
In a small Māori pā (village) nestled beside a flowing river, a young boy named Rangi lived with his whānau. Rangi was curious and adventurous, always exploring the ngahere (forest) and listening to the stories of his kaumātua (elders). The kaumātua would often remind him, “He waka eke noa”—we are all in this together, and our actions affect the collective.
Rangi's best friend, Manu, was a clever boy but sometimes made poor choices. Manu had recently begun spending time with a group of older boys from another pā who were known for their reckless behavior. They would waste kai (food), leave rubbish in the ngahere, and even disturb the sacred awa (river) by throwing stones at eels.
One day, Manu invited Rangi to join the group, saying, “Come on, Rangi! They’re fun, and they won’t hurt anyone. We’re just having a good time!” Unsure, Rangi agreed, feeling pressure to fit in.
The group’s leader, Matiu, proposed a game: they would sneak into the kaumātua's kumara patch at night and take some for a "feast." Rangi hesitated. He remembered the kaumātua saying how much work went into growing the kumara, with karakia (prayers) and care for the soil. But he stayed silent, feeling outnumbered.
That night, the group raided the garden. As they laughed and ate the stolen kumara by the fire, Rangi felt uneasy. He realized that this was not who he wanted to be. When he saw Manu’s joy in impressing Matiu, Rangi felt torn but remained quiet.
The next morning, the kaumātua discovered the missing kumara and the trampled garden. They called the entire pā together, expressing sadness, not anger. “Our ancestors teach us that the whenua (land) provides for all of us, but only if we treat it with respect,” said one elder. “When we harm the whenua, we harm ourselves.”
Rangi’s heart sank. That evening, he confessed to the kaumātua and his whānau, explaining everything. To his surprise, they did not scold him harshly. Instead, they said, “He tangata tītoki, he tangata rākau—a person is like a tree; they grow straight when supported by others. You must choose companions who uphold the values of your whānau and whenua.”
Rangi decided to distance himself from Manu’s new group and instead spent time with those who respected the land and upheld the teachings of their ancestors. Over time, he encouraged Manu to rejoin him, and together they worked to rebuild the kumara patch, learning from the kaumātua.
---
Moral
This story highlights the importance of right company and like-mindedness. It shows that no one is inherently bad, but the influence of others and the situations we choose can lead us astray. Surrounding ourselves with those who uphold values like respect, care, and collective well-being ensures a life of balance and harmony.
Ka mua, ka muri — by learning from the past, we can walk into the future.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
-
4.8% Second half of November
-
43.7% 1st December
-
17.6% A week before Christmas
-
32.8% Whenever you wish
-
1.1% Other - I'll share below
Loading…
