Police plea for safe fishing: west coast beaches
Kumeu police are warning fishermen to exercise caution as the warmer weather lures people to west coast beaches.
The plea follows the death of fisherman Liangpeng Lian who fell into the water while fishing on October 5 near Kauwahaia Island.
The 43-year-old's body was recovered on Muriwai Beach after it was spotted by a member of the public from a nearby walking track.
Kumeu community constable Dmitry Pantileev said Lian's family members were "absolutely devastated" by the tragedy.
Friends who were with Lian when he fell off the rocks were very upset, he said.
"I don't think they all do fishing any longer. "
Pantileev urged rock fishermen to avoid areas with extreme waves and tides, to take someone with them and to wear a lifejacket.
"It's not 100 per cent protection as the waves can crash you against the rocks and you can still be badly injured," he said.
"At least the jacket can prevent drowning and keep the person afloat until help arrives."
Pantileev reminded parents to keep a close watch over their children at such notorious swimming spots as Muriwai Beach and Bethells Beach.
"Once when I was at Muriwai, the water level came from below the knees to the chest area," he said.
" It was a split second for that wave to arrive.
"For people who can not swim and even for experienced swimmers, you can struggle because of the strong current and waves dragging you off shore to sea, " he said.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.5% Yes
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33.6% Maybe?
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24.9% No
Wanted: Information on stolen art piece
Police are asking the public to keep an eye out for a unique art piece stolen during a burglary in west Auckland.
The Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit is investigating a burglary in the Piha area on 6 December 2025.
Detective Sergeant Anna Freestone says scrap metal and tools were amongst items stolen, but also an valuable artwork called ‘Infinite Sea’.
“The round artwork is made up of glass, a mirror, led lighting and PVC,” she says.
“It’s a distinctive piece of art and we’re asking anyone in the public who has information on its whereabouts to get in touch.
It may be that this artwork has been offered up or advertised for sale, and we need to hear from you.”
If you have information to assist Police, you can provide information online now or call 105 using the reference number 251208/4801.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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