Latest news with #TāmakiMakaurau
RNZ News
2 days ago
- RNZ News
Boy racer crackdown reveals concerning number of cars that aren't road worthy
Police set up checkpoints at known meeting points across Tāmaki Makaurau on Saturday night. Photo: Supplied / Police Police say a crackdown on boy racers in Auckland has revealed a concerning number of cars aren't fit to be driven. The operation targeting the so-called 'Auckland invasion' street racing event resulted in dozens of fines, impounded vehicles, and thousands of drivers breath-tested on Saturday night, police said. Acting Counties Manukau District Commander, Acting Superintendent Alison Brand told Morning Report police were backed by the Eagle helicopter and used tips from the public and social media to target drivers in convoy across the city. She said 40 cars were taken off the road by inspectors stationed at checkpoints. "That's quite concerning when you think we had approximately 200 cars at this meet and 20 percent of these vehicles were not up to road worthy driving standard - they were either unsafe or defective." Brand said police were now trawling CCTV footage and social media to track down more drivers at the meet. More than 2500 drivers were breath-tested, with at least 15 found to be over the limit, and five vehicles were impounded. Inspector Regan James said despite the size of the convoy and dangerous driving behaviour and burnouts, there was little disruption to the wider public. He said officers were reviewing footage and other evidence to identify additional offenders. The crackdown comes ahead of proposed new legislation that would see tougher penalties for street racers and fleeing drivers. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- RNZ News
Auckland street racer clampdown: Dozens fined, cars impounded
Police set up checkpoints at known meeting points across Tāmaki Makaurau on Saturday night. Photo: Supplied / Police Police issued dozens of fines, impounded vehicles, and breath-tested thousands of drivers during a large "antisocial road user event" in Auckland on Saturday night. The coordinated crackdown - backed by the Eagle helicopter - targeted an estimated 200 vehicles involved in the illegal gathering, police said. Officers fanned out across known meeting points across Tāmaki Makaurau, setting up checkpoints and making their presence felt early in the night. More than 2500 drivers were stopped and tested for alcohol. Over 15 returned excess breath alcohol readings, while a further 70 infringements were issued for various offences. Police also ordered 71 vehicles to undergo mechanical inspections, dishing out 33 green stickers for minor defects and six pink stickers for serious safety issues. Five vehicles were impounded. Despite the size of the convoy, police said the group caused little disruption to the wider public. "Dozens of police units worked hard to disrupt the event," said Inspector Regan James. "We saw some illegal behaviour - burnouts and other dangerous driving - but staff did well to stay on top of it and break up the convoys." The operation now shifts into an investigation phase, with officers reviewing footage and other evidence to identify additional offenders. "We'll be taking strong enforcement action wherever possible," James said. "We've been very clear - there's zero tolerance for this kind of reckless behaviour on our roads." Police are encouraging the public to report antisocial driving. If it's happening in real-time, call 111. Reports can also be lodged via the non-emergency 105 line or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
Police Suppress Antisocial Road User Gathering In Tāmaki Makaurau
Tāmaki Makaurau Police issued numerous infringements and ordered multiple vehicles off the road during an antisocial road user event on Saturday night. Police, with air support from the Police Eagle helicopter, were out on the streets last night, keeping the gathering in check. A strong Police presence at known meet spots set the tone, and checkpoints were put in place. More than 2500 drivers were breath tested, with more than 15 drivers recording excess breath alcohol. Police issued a further 70 infringements, had 71 vehicles sent for inspection, issued 33 green stickers and six pink stickers, and impounded five vehicles. Inspector Regan James said that despite the large number of road users present, there was no significant disruption to the public. 'Dozens of Police units worked hard to disrupt the approximately 200 vehicles participating in the event. We saw some illegal behaviour, including performing burnouts and other driving offences, but our staff did well to monitor and disrupt the group's plans. 'Police intervention was strong and quick from the jump, and we were able to break up convoys and monitor behaviour effectively. 'We are now entering an investigation phase which will work to identify further vehicles and drivers involved, and we will look to take strong enforcement action wherever possible. 'We are all too familiar with the havoc this behaviour wreaks in our communities and have been very clear – we have no tolerance for it, I think that was made very clear by our response this weekend,' Inspector James says. Police continue to encourage anyone who witnesses antisocial road user behaviour to report it immediately. Please call 111 if it is happening now, or you can make a report after the fact through our 105 service. If you have information you'd like to share anonymously, please call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
NZ Herald
7 days ago
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Byelection: Te Pāti Māori candidate contender cops flak for supporting Labour MP's selection
'The party was quite disappointed at that, to be totally honest. I've just gone, well, I'm just going to sit back here and ... we have to allow the people to speak.' Panapa had worked in Parliament for former Tāmaki Makaurau MP Takukai Moana Natasha Kemp before her death after a battle with kidney disease. Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp with Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere on election night in 2023. Photo / Mike Scott Continuing Kemp's work had motivated Panapa to offer himself to be her successor. However, he was narrowly beaten by Kaipara by about 30 votes from a crowd of up to 350 people, he estimated, during Te Pāti Māori's selection process last week. Over the weekend, Labour selected Henare - a former Tāmaki Makaurau MP of three terms - as its candidate to contest the byelection set for September 6. Panapa attended Henare's selection event at Ngā Whare Waatea Marae in Mangere and posted to social media, congratulating the Labour MP and thanking him for acknowledging Kemp. A few days later, Panapa again took to social media to 'clear a lot of the noise' having been 'hammered, good and bad, from all ends' for his comments. 'It's okay to be passionate, but let's keep the discourse respectful,' Panapa wrote. 'To clarify, Peeni is my whanaunga, and before politics, we're whānau and Māori first. 'However, Takutai's influence led me to Te Pāti Māori, and I've come to appreciate and support their unapologetic stance on being Māori in spaces that often threaten our existence.' Panapa said his post had prompted some to believe he had left Te Pāti Māori and was joining Labour. 'Peeni had some beautiful words to say about Takutai, so I tended to listen to that. 'It was never about going against the party.' Panapa said he hadn't heard from Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere, also his grandmother's first cousin, about the matter, saying he believed Tamihere 'understood where I was coming from'. Former Manurewa Marae youth advisor Te Kou o Rehua Panapa in Parliament. Photo / Supplied Tamihere has been approached for comment. Still a Te Pāti Māori member, Panapa said he had not decided whether to endorse one specific candidate. He had also not considered whether he would contest next year's election, despite being asked by Te Pāti Māori if he would want to run in an Auckland general seat. Panapa said it remained an open question whether, should he run, he did so for Te Pāti Māori, Labour or the Green Party. As for the byelection, Panapa suspected Kaipara would 'give it a good go' against Henare, whom he had worked for previously across three campaigns. 'Peeni's done some amazing work here in Tāmaki Makaurau but I personally think [Kaipara] could win this on the party, on the back of the party.' Citing his experience working with South Auckland youth, Panapa explained what might have been considered 'radical' views from Te Pāti Māori in the past were now attracting a growing young Māori audience in Auckland. '[Previously], it was grandparents-driven and you voted for Labour and that was it. 'That's changed now, I think it's more the young people making decisions for themselves to vote.' He encouraged candidates to avoid political sparring and focus on improving what was typically a low voter turnout. 'What both parties don't realise is that our people, especially South Auckland people, if there's too much narrative and it's too complicated, they don't turn up and vote. 'That's the problem, so the focus must be on getting people there to vote.' Adam Pearse is the Deputy Political Editor and part of the NZ Herald's Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for NZME since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland.
Scoop
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Autaia Unveils Two Nights Of Rangatahi-Led Haka Theatre
Haka Theatre showcase, Autaia is back and this time, it's twice as exciting. For the first time, it will span two evenings giving more schools and kura than ever a chance to unleash their ihi, wehi and wana on stage. Returning to Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 August, Autaia 2025 will feature 12 schools and kura from Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Tai Tokerau and, for the first time, Waikato. Presented by Hawaiki TŪ and Auckland Live (a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited), this year's event embraces the theme 'He Hawaiki Hou – A Return, A Renewal, A Rising'. Founder and Artistic Director of Autaia, Kura Te Ua, says that it's humbling to see how Autaia is evolving and the impact it's having on rangatahi, their kura, and wider communities. 'This year we've found ways to keep the kaupapa growing. Our rangatahi deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Autaia creates space for them to stand confidently in their own light and unapologetically express who they are and who they are becoming,' says Te Ua. The new two-night format introduces new categories which will showcase high-impact performances. Each school will present an original haka theatre piece, conceptualised, choreographed and performed by the students. The three creative categories include: Haka Bracket: Haka infused with theatrical storytelling Haka Musical: Haka blended with song, drama, and characterisation Haka Movement: Storytelling through Haka Movement and choreography With NCEA credits, mentorship from industry professionals, and a platform to showcase their talents on stage and behind the scenes, Autaia celebrates identity, artistry and rangatahi leadership. 'As part of our extension plan, we're excited to welcome our first kura from Waikato to the Autaia stage. Their unique style and deep connection to their hapori bring fresh energy to the kaupapa, showing that haka theatre connects and empowers rangatahi far beyond Tāmaki Makaurau,' says Te Ua. 'Through bold creativity and the lived experiences of rangatahi, each Autaia performance becomes a powerful expression of te ahurea Māori and a reminder that He Hawaiki Hou is within our reach,' Te Ua adds. ' Autaia shows what's possible when we back our taiohi-rangatahi and the creative sector,' says Helen Te Hira, Director of Māori Outcomes at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. 'As the region's cultural agency, we're proud to support Autaia alongside senior Māori creatives as it grows into a bold, future-focused platform. Through Auckland Live, we help create spaces — on stage, behind the scenes, and beyond — where taiohi-rangatahi can thrive, lead, and shape the creative future of Aotearoa'. Tickets are now on pre-sale for Autaia 2025, promising to be an unmissable showcase of the next generation of storytellers redefining haka theatre. Schools and kura performing at Autaia 2025 are: Tāmaki Makaurau Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae Ngā Tūmanako o Kahurangi – Auckland Girls' Grammar Te Whānau o Tupuranga – Kia Aroha Campus Te Kura Kaupapa Māori a rohe o Māngere Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Kōtuku Te Kura Tuarua o Pukekohekohe Massey High School Ngā Puna o Waiōrea Te Tai Tokerau Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rāwhitiroa Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe Te Rangi Āniwaniwa Waikato Ngā Taiātea Wharekura Autaia takes place at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, on Thursday 28 August & Friday 29 August 2025, from 7 PM to 9 PM. Tickets go on sale to the General Public on Thu 17 July, 9am from: Note: Auckland Live is the premiere organisation for performing arts, culture, entertainment and events in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. As Aotearoa New Zealand's largest performing arts organisation, we proudly present a programme of live arts and entertainment across our iconic venues: Aotea Centre, The Civic, Auckland Town Hall, The Cloud, Shed 10, Viaduct Events Centre, Bruce Mason Centre, and Aotea Square. Auckland Live is part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, a council-controlled organisation. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) is Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's cultural, events and destination agency. It is an Auckland Council-controlled organisation that works to make Auckland a vibrant place to live and visit, through events, experiences and taonga (treasures).
