Latest news with #WaikatoPolice
Irish Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Talented jockey with 46 wins dies aged just 18 after devastating dirt bike crash
A 'naturally gifted' young jockey has passed away from injuries sustained in a crash involving the dirt bike he was riding and a car. Ngakau Halley, aged 18, was in his third year as an apprentice in New Zealand and had claimed 18 race victories this season, bringing his career total to 46. The collision occurred at an intersection in Whitoria, where Halley's dirt bike was involved in a serious accident with another vehicle, according to Waikato Police. "Sadly, the rider of the dirtbike received critical injuries and was transported to hospital where they later died," their statement read. "Two young people in the car were transported to hospital with moderate injuries. The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination. Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing." Authorities later confirmed Halley as the deceased. "It's tragic, words just can't describe it. I was talking with him on Monday and then this happens," New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Northern Riding Master Noel Harris told LoveRacingNZ. "He was very polite and he was a very talented boy. You knew straight away when you saw him on a horse that he was a natural. From where he was brought up, they just jump on a horse and you are part of it." Halley began riding horses at a young age but originally aspired to play professional rugby league. He played as hooker for his local team and represented his district. His path shifted when he started doing trackwork, eventually beginning an apprenticeship under trainer Debbie Sweeney. "He was a natural talent, and that is just what you want," Harris added. "It's tragic, he was a lovely boy." Among numerous tributes, leading Australia-based jockey Blake Shinn commented: "Such a devastating tragedy. "Sending strength and sympathy to the family, friends and all in the NZ Racing community." A fundraising campaign has been launched to help cover funeral expenses.
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
‘Naturally gifted' jockey, 18, tragically dies after dirt bike accident
Ngakau Halley sustained critical injuries when he was involved in a collision between a dirt bike and car at an intersection in Hamilton, New Zealand A 'naturally gifted' young jockey has died of his injuries after he was involved in a collision between the dirt bike he was riding and a car. Ngakau Halley, 18, was in the third season of his apprenticeship in New Zealand and had ridden 18 winners this term to take his total to 46. He was riding a dirt bike which was involved in a serious two-vehicle crash at an intersection in Whitoria, according to Waikato Police. 'Sadly, the rider of the dirtbike received critical injuries and was transported to hospital where they later died,' a statement said. 'Two young people in the car were transported to hospital with moderate injuries. The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination. Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.' Halley was later named as the victim in the accident. 'It's tragic, words just can't describe it. I was talking with him on Monday and then this happens,' New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Northern Riding Master Noel Harris told LoveRacingNZ. 'He was very polite and he was a very talented boy. You knew straight away when you saw him on a horse that he was a natural. From where he was brought up, they just jump on a horse and you are part of it.' Halley learned to ride from a young age but had ambitions to become a professional rugby league player, having played hooker for his local club and district. He later changed tack after riding track work and then took out his apprenticeship with trainer Debbie Sweeney 'He was a natural talent, and that is just what you want,' Harris said. 'It's tragic, he was a lovely boy.' Among many tributes, top Australia-based jockey Blake Shinn said: 'Such a devastating tragedy. Sending strength and sympathy to the family, friends and all in the NZ Racing community.' A fund-raising page has been set up for donations towards funeral costs.
Scoop
04-07-2025
- Scoop
Enquiries Ongoing Into Hamilton Aggravated Robbery
Hamilton Police are following solid lines of enquiry in their investigation of a recent violent aggravated robbery. About 1:40pm on Saturday 28 June, two men armed with a firearm entered a bar on Liverpool Street. The offenders presented the firearm at the sole worker in the bar and demanded cash before leaving the scene in a stolen vehicle. The offenders dumped the stolen car on Islington Street and fled in a waiting Toyota Surf, which was later dumped in Te Awamutu. Both vehicles used in the robbery have been recovered by Police and are undergoing forensic testing. Hamilton CIB Detective Sergeant Johnny O'Byrne says, thankfully, the victim of this incident was unharmed. 'However, they are understandably shaken and are receiving support. 'A dedicated team of detectives are currently following very strong lines of enquiry to locate the offenders and hold them to account,' he says. 'There is no place in our community for this type of violence against innocent people just going about their work, the use of firearms is of particular concern.' 'Waikato Police would like to reassure the community that we will continue to work hard to hold these offenders to account, and we are asking members of the public with any information regarding this offending or the locations of the offenders to reach out to us,' Detective Sergeant O'Byrne says. Anyone with information can contact Police via 105 quoting file number 250628/3013 or anonymously provide information via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
NZ Herald
23-06-2025
- NZ Herald
Police appeal for sightings of missing Waikato teenagers
The missing Waikato teens were seen getting into a red vehicle. Images / Waikato Police Facebook page Waikato police are seeking information on two teenagers, Dane and Kishley, missing from Rototuna. The pair was last seen on Sunday, June 22, about 9pm, getting into a red Outlander-type vehicle. Dane was wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and grey tracksuit pants and may have been wearing a hoodie. Kishley
NZ Herald
15-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Police condemn ‘hurtful' rumours spread over child deaths in Cambridge
Waikato Police said investigations into both incidents were being made on behalf of the Coroner, who would make findings based on the facts. The police asked that people refrain from publicly sharing 'theories' and 'rumours' that are not based on fact. 'We have been made aware of some of these theories that are far removed from the facts. It is both unhelpful and hurtful to the grieving families.' Sergeant Greg Foster of Cambridge Police said the deaths were tragedies. 'Over the two incidents, emergency services from our local Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade, ambulance, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and local Cambridge Police attended. I am extremely proud of the urgency, professionalism and care shown by everyone in the most difficult of situations. Their actions have undoubtedly saved lives.' Foster said the families have expressed their gratitude for the efforts of all that were involved. The Schick family have started a Givealittle page to raise money for emergency services that responded to the crash. 'Rod, Oli & Jack who were rescued at the scene would love to personally distribute all funds to the amazing emergency services, Cambridge Fire Brigade, Hato Hone St John Ambulance and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust who were truly amazing in our time of need. A huge thanks also to our local Police who were fantastic,' the family said. The family said they have been overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and support shown at this extremely difficult time. -RNZ
