Watch: Navy sailor proposes during emotional reunion following Canada deployment
Kia ora neighbours. A navy sailor has proposed to his girlfriend – who said yes – in an emotional reunion in Auckland following a lengthy overseas deployment.
HMNZS Te Mana and her crew of 170 docked at the Devonport Naval Base on Friday morning.
The frigate left New Zealand for Canada more than three years ago to receive an extensive systems upgrade.
The first thing petty officer Jacob Biddle (Tūhoe) did when he disembarked Te Mana after a year on board was drop down onto one knee to ask his partner of three years, Takimoana Hawea, to marry him.
The pair kissed and Hawea nodded “yes”, before jumping into Biddle’s arms as his comrades cheered and whistled from the ship.
Watch the video to see the special moment.
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Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
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