Former officer admits stealing police-issued Glock pistol

Former constable Steven John Karehana has pleaded guilty to stealing a police-issued Glock pistol and unlawful possession of a firearm. Karehana, 42, appeared in Whanganui District Court where his interim name suppression was lifted. He is scheduled for sentencing on 4 December.

The theft occurred on 11 February 2026 in Whanganui. According to court summaries, Karehana entered the Whanganui Police Station at approximately 7.15am and later accessed a gun safe to place the Glock in his backpack. He drove the weapon to his home in Marton and delivered it to an associate.

The Glock, valued at $1204, was recovered by police in June. While Karehana received $5000 that evening, the associate who received the gun sold it to another person for $10,000. Karehana reportedly did not know the weapon would be on-sold.

Karehana was previously a prominent figure in the 'Ride Along' police recruitment video series. He had also received the Commissioner’s Leadership Award upon graduating from the Royal New Zealand Police College in October 2024. Police have since removed his name from press releases and his appearances from YouTube.

How it developed

• Tue 20 Oct, 1:28pmThe summary of facts detailed how Karehana used a backpack to remove the Glock and how he received $5000 after delivering it to an associate.

Where reports differ

• One report states Karehana received $5000, while another states the Glock was sold for $10,000 by an associate.

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, 1News, Otago Daily Times and Stuff.