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.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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53.5% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.6% Critical thinking
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29.3% Resilience and adaptability
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2.5% Other - I will share below!
Healthy Active Ageing Forum & Expo 2026
The Healthy Active Ageing Forum & Expo are back in New Plymouth May 2026, we look forward to seeing you there
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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