Armed police respond to serious incident in Auckland CBD
Police said the incident is on Queen Street, near Britomart and armed police are responding to the incident.
"The public is asked to please stay indoors and avoid the area," a police spokesperson said.
The police Eagle Helicopter can be seen overhead in Commercial Bay and footage filmed by Newshub shows workers standing around on Quay Street.
"Further information will be provided when available," the spokesperson said.
What we know:
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Police responding to "serious incident" on Quay Street, Auckland CBD.
Police are asking the public stay indoors and avoid the area.
Follow Newshub's live updates below. App users click here for the latest updates.
8:14am - Reporter Emma Olsen told AM a serious incident is unfolding in Commercial Bay in Auckland.
She said armed police are responding and the public is asked to stay away and stay indoors.
"I've never seen so many police cars in one place before," she said.
There are over 30 police cars in the area and the armed offenders squad ran into a building just before 8am.
Olsen said 30-40 police officers went into the building and she hasn't seen any come out.
Construction workers have been evacuated from all Commercial Bay buildings.
"Several members of the public standing around still, filming," she said.
8:09am - Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson is urging Aucklanders to stay home and avoid the city.
"We anticipate traffic will be backed up, so please avoid travel to the area," she said in a statement.
"Still waiting for information from the Police, and will provide an update when we can.
"Still waiting for information from the Police, and will provide an update when we can."
8:06am - Newshub understands members of the public have been escorted into buildings around Quay St for their own safety.
A witness said other people have been taken to the ferry terminal. They have heard what they believe to be several gunshots.
8:05am - Photos from the scene show a large police presence in downtown Auckland.
8:02am - Reporter Emma Olsen told AM workers have been evacuated from the Commercial Bay building.
"It looks as though it's on the 13th or 14th floor. If you look up, you can see construction workers hiding behind concrete bollards," she said.
"Earlier I saw people on the 13th floor, below the people on the 14th floor, and they started running across the floor. Unsure exactly what is going on up there, but one of the workers who was inside told me they saw someone with a gun."
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Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.1% Yes, it's fair
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10.2% No, it's unreasonable
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
2024 NZ Chinese Food and Culture Festival
Get ready for the 2nd annual New Zealand Chinese Food & Culture Festival happening on November 17, 2024 hosted at the Corbans Estate Arts Centre in West Auckland! This year’s festival is going to be bigger, better, and packed with even more mouthwatering food and vibrant cultural performances. After the huge success of last year’s event, we’re bringing fresh ideas and exciting twists to make this an unforgettable celebration of Chinese food and culture—right here in New Zealand!
Expect a dazzling fusion of flavours, traditions, and local charm as the festival brings together delicious Chinese cuisine and unique cultural showcases. This year's event will feature even more food stalls, a wider variety of performances, and some special guests, including the incredibly talented singer Zhang Mengmeng!
With extensive media coverage and buzz from nearly 20 outlets, it's the perfect chance for foodies and cultural enthusiasts alike to show off their talents, share their love for Chinese culture, and create lasting connections. Whether you're a local or coming from overseas, this festival is all about celebrating diversity, unity, and deliciousness.
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Smoke in Mt Wellington
Smoke has been seen coming from the crater of the Auckland maunga Mt Wellington.
Images of the smoke began appearing on social media on Friday afternoon.
Around 1.45pm, Fire and Emergency (Fenz) shift manager Josh Pennefather told the NZ Herald a crew was fighting a fire of about 60 square metres in size.
”It’s spreading up hill … [but] there’s no property at risk at this stage,” Pennefather said.
Six fire trucks were in attendance working to contain a grass fire that's spreading up the maunga.
A helicopter was on its way to assist firefighting efforts, he added.
At 2pm, Pennefather shared that the fire was contained and they were working to extinguish it, including “keeping an eye on a whole bunch of hot spots“.
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