Northland police crime crackdown

The story so far

More than 90 police staff were brought into Northland in August 2025 to deal with a wave of violent crime and staff shortages, after nine homicide inquiries in four months.^{11 Aug 2025} The three-month deployment includes officers from other areas, including Southland.^{11 Aug 2025} In early September, Northland police executed 16 search warrants over two weeks targeting gang activity and drug supply, making nine arrests and recovering about $100,000 worth of stolen vehicles, including motorbikes.^{2 Sep 2025} Officers also found a cannabis grow operation during the raids.^{2 Sep 2025} Police then found a grenade, ammunition, methamphetamine and cash during a search of an Onerahi property, and two people face charges.^{4 Sep 2025}

Latest

Police found a grenade, ammunition, methamphetamine and cash in a search of an Onerahi property.^{4 Sep 2025} Two people charged over the find are due in the Whangārei District Court on Friday.^{4 Sep 2025}

What's next

The two people charged are scheduled to appear in the Whangārei District Court on Friday.^{4 Sep 2025}

Key moments

1. 11 Aug 2025More than 90 police staff deployed to Northland for three months.
2. 2 Sep 2025Sixteen search warrants lead to nine arrests in gang and drug crackdown.
3. 4 Sep 2025Grenade, methamphetamine and cash found in Onerahi property; two charged.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.