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Police use taser, sponge rounds to end dramatic CBD incident

Police use taser, sponge rounds to end dramatic CBD incident

A serious incident in Tauranga this morning involving an allegedly armed, fleeing driver ended with a dramatic public arrest. In a statement to SunLive, police said nobody was seriously hurt, but the incident was highly visible as police tracked a suspect from Bethlehem to central Tauranga, about 15km away. Police were called to a Sabana Pl address about 8.10am after a person reported a relative allegedly being shot at by an individual, Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said in a statement this afternoon. “While officers were responding, the suspect left the scene in a white ute and began driving towards Cameron Rd, where officers spotted the vehicle and kept watch while plans were put in place to safely stop it.” Anderson alleged the vehicle fled when police signalled for it to stop, but a short pursuit was abandoned when the driving behaviour deteriorated. Police tracked the vehicle on CCTV and an officer spiked the tyres on The Strand. “The rubber finally gave way while the vehicle was being driven erratically near Tauranga Police Station.” He alleged the driver exited the vehicle holding a firearm, and police immediately challenged him and unsuccessfully appealed for him to put the weapon down. Officers used non-lethal sponge rounds and a Taser to end the incident, Anderson said. The man was taken into custody at about 8.40am and received medical attention for minor injuries. Cordons were briefly in place at Monmouth St and Sabana Pl but both roads have now been reopened. Scene examinations were ongoing at Sabana Pl, where there would be an increased police presence, said Anderson. “I’m proud of the efforts of the officers involved. They were faced with an unpredictable and dangerous situation and resolved it quickly, without anyone being seriously injured,” Anderson said. “We are offering support to the victims and staff involved. “We want to assure the community there is no ongoing threat, and we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.” Members of the public reported a heavy police presence on Monmouth St, near Tauranga Police Station this morning. “I just tried to get to work in Tauranga city but was turned around as the Tauranga Police Station was taped off and roadblocks were in place,” one person said. “The roadblocks were manned by police with guns.” Another reader said there were also police in Willow St with rifles around 9am. Anderson said a 36-year-old Tauranga man had been charged with firearms and driving offences. He was due to appear in the Tauranga District Court on Tuesday. Police wanted to hear from anyone who witnessed the events, or who has dashcam footage of the incident. Reports can be made via 105 by phone or online. Reference P064138790. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Fire and Emergency warns of delayed responses during strike

Fire and Emergency warns of delayed responses during strike

Fire and Emergency has warned there may be delays in responding to 111 calls during tomorrow’s strike action by firefighters and support staff. Nationwide strike action by members of the NZ Professional Firefighters Union (PFU) for better pay, more staff, improved operational resources, and work conditions will be held from noon to 1pm. The action will include 70 members in Tauranga, 50 in Rotorua and 20 in Kawerau after bargaining negotiations with Fire and Emergency for a new collective agreement stalled. Fire and Emergency deputy national commander Megan Stiffler urged people and businesses primarily served by career firefighters to be “extra careful” during the strike, and to check their smoke alarms and escape plans. Fire and Emergency asked businesses to be vigilant around work practices that could result in fire, and ensure tenants understood evacuation schemes and procedures. “We will answer 111 fire calls and respond to fires in affected areas, but in areas covered by career firefighters, our response to fires will be delayed. “Should there be a fire, evacuate early and, once out, stay out, and still call 111.” She said volunteers in urban areas would respond from their own fire stations and in personal trucks as they regularly did when there were multiple emergencies at the same time. “But it will take longer for our volunteer crews to respond as their stations are further away.” Stiffler said community safety remained the “utmost priority” and they would “prioritise emergencies”. “We may not respond to less serious incidents in towns and cities, for example, private fire alarms where no evidence of a fire, small rubbish fires, assisting traffic management and animal rescues.” She said Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance were advised that volunteer crews would not respond to medical calls outside their patch during the strike. Bargaining negotiations On October 7, Fire and Emergency applied for a facilitation hearing in the Employment Relations Authority. Both parties have been directed to attend mediation before October 28. PFU president Joanne Watson said the union opposed facilitation as Fire and Emergency had ample time to present a new offer, and refused to attend bargaining last week unless the strike notice was lifted. Stiffler said Fire and Emergency had bargained in “good faith” and was doing everything it could to reach an agreement without disrupting services to the communities. Should the issues not be resolved at mediation, Fire and Emergency’s application could be heard at an Employment Relations Authority investigation meeting on November 14. Strike venues In Tauranga, striking members will meet at the Tauranga Fire Station, then walk down to the corner of Cameron Rd and Elizabeth St and form a picket line. In Rotorua, members will meet at the Rotorua Fire Station and walk to the corner of Depot St and Old Taupo Rd. Trainers and trainees based at the National Training Centre in Rotorua will congregate on State Highway 30 outside Wahanaga-A-Rangi Crescent, Ōwhata. Striking members in Kawerau include a number who live in Rotorua and Tauranga, who would join the strike action from their home locations. The rest would meet across the road from the Kawerau Fire Station and walk into town for coffee. Tauranga, Greerton and Mount Maunganui paid firefighters held a protest on Cameron Rd in 2022. Photo / Sandra Conchie Watson said it was expected there would be a significant presence at tomorrow’s strike by members of other unions, and off-duty PFU members would attend the October 23 mega strike. Nurses, midwives, other healthcare workers and primary and senior teachers are among more than 8000 Bay of Plenty workers planning to join the strike next Friday. Sandra Conchie is a senior journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post who has been a journalist for 25 years. She mainly covers police, court and other justice stories, as well as general news. She has been a Canon Media...

Record entries for Canterbury Clash of the Colleges

Record entries for Canterbury Clash of the Colleges

The fourth annual Canterbury Clash of the Colleges, supported by Danone and Ford, is set to be its biggest yet, with registrations almost full, organisers say. Due to overwhelming demand, the popular Amazing Race-style competition has expanded to two rounds to accommodate a record 240 students. Established by the New Zealand Rural Games Trust, the event motivates, supports, and empowers young people to pursue careers in the Food and Fibre sector. We’re excited to welcome students and their families to the 2025 Clash of the Colleges,” said Event general manager Daniel O’Regan. “It’s a unique opportunity for teens to improve their practical skills, have fun, and network with industry professionals all in one high-energy day.” The Clash will be held on Friday, 31 October 2025, at the Ashburton A&P Showgrounds. Ben Stock, President of the Ashburton A&P Show, said the event aligns perfectly with this year's A&P Show theme of cultivating communities. “Volunteers from the Ag and Hort sectors come together to test students’ knowledge, and in return, the students see the incredible career opportunities available to them.” Read More: Agri Futures Scholarships 2025 open for young rural Kiwis Over 120 students compete in inaugural Otago Southland Clash of the Colleges Canterbury Clash of the Colleges debut at Ashburton A&P Show Teams of four will race against the clock to complete 16 hands-on modules within 90 minutes. The challenges, run by industry experts, Growing Future Farmers, and local Young Farmer Clubs, include: ATV safety, wheel changing, irrigation setup, break fencing, first response, drenching, wool ID, handpiece skills, plant identification, seeds and feeds, riparian planting, and traditional rural sports like gumboot throwing and sulky & hobby horse racing. Adding to the excitement, the event will be emceed by Tangaroa Walker of Farm 4 Life, a leading agri-edutainment creator with over 340,000 followers. With fewer than 20 spaces remaining, schools are encouraged to register. Participating schools include Ashburton College, Beaconsfield School, Christchurch Boys’ High School, Craighead Diocesan School, Darfield High School, Mt Hutt College, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, Timaru Boys’ High School, Waimate High School, and Waitaki Girls’ High School. #CLASH_OF_THE_COLLEGES