Approximately $5,000 in cash and 100 ounces of cannabis were confiscated during the search. In addition, three vehicles—a Holden Colorado ute and two Harley Davidson motorcycles—were seized, with a combined value of nearly $90,000.

A 35-year-old man was arrested at the property and is scheduled to appear in the New Plymouth District Court tomorrow (15 January), charged with possession of cannabis for supply.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Paula Drewery emphasized the impact of drug-related crime in the community.

“Drugs cause a lot of harm in our communities, and I want to acknowledge the wider team of Police staff who have assisted in collecting information and evidence that ultimately led us to making this arrest,” she said.

Police remain committed to holding offenders accountable and seizing assets obtained through criminal activity.

“We remain committed to holding people to account by putting them before the courts and seizing their assets that criminal profits have paid for,” Drewery added.

Although Kapene requested name suppression during his appearance, no formal application was made since his identity has already been widely reported.

Police Investigation and Arrest

According to the New Zealand Police, Kapene was arrested on 24 December following a series of search warrants in the Wairarapa area. The arrest, carried out without incident, is part of an extensive homicide investigation launched after Mr Enoka’s death. Police say Mr Enoka was critically injured in the mid-afternoon shooting and died at the scene despite emergency responders’ efforts.

Detective Senior Sergeant, who leads the investigation, says the arrest is a step towards providing justice and reassurance to Mr Enoka’s family and the local community. “We are grateful to the Hutt Valley community for their assistance in this case,” he says.

Ongoing Appeal for Information

Police continue to seek information to complete the investigation, particularly CCTV footage capturing moments before, during, or after the incident. A dedicated online portal has been created for community members to upload relevant footage using the reference number 241210/3356 under Operation Ratio. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

This high-profile case has left a lasting impact on the Naenae community, and the forthcoming High Court proceedings are anticipated to provide further clarity on the tragic events.

Mr Enoka was found critically injured on Seddon Street at approximately 3:15 p.m. Despite emergency personnel’s efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police swiftly launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

This morning, Police from the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa executed search warrants across the Wairarapa region, leading to the suspect’s arrest without incident. Authorities confirmed that the man will appear in court at a later date.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Payne says the arrest marks a significant step forward in the case. “We hope this development brings some reassurance to Mr Enoka’s family and the wider community,” she says.

Community involvement has played a crucial role in the investigation so far, according to police, who extended their gratitude to the residents of the Hutt Valley. Authorities continue to seek assistance, particularly CCTV footage from the moments before, during, and after the incident.

An online portal has been established to facilitate the sharing of video footage and images that may aid the investigation. Members of the public can upload material at https://ratio.nc3.govt.nz/ using reference number 241210/3356 or the case name Operation Ratio.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Police through 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to bring justice for Albert Enoka and his loved ones.

Johnston was reported missing on Saturday evening after telling her family she was going for a walk. Concern grew when it was discovered she had left without her phone or wallet. Rescuers located her along the Cannon Point trail yesterday afternoon, to the immense relief of her family and the hundreds of volunteers who had joined the search effort.

Johnston’s mother, Amy Walsh, expressed gratitude to the community and rescuers, describing her daughter’s recovery as a long journey ahead. “She’s in her first of many surgeries now. She has fought like a trooper for 42 hours alone,” says Walsh. She adds that Johnston is otherwise well and has maintained her sense of humour.

The popular Cannon Point trail, where Johnston was found, is a challenging intermediate-level track leading through the Akatarawa Forest to Birchville Dam. Searchers had set up a base at Tōtara Park School, coordinating efforts and encouraging locals to review CCTV footage.

Walsh earlier urged her daughter to return home, dismissing suggestions that Johnston might have left voluntarily. “Maia, if you’re out there, come home. You’re not in trouble,” she said.

Rescuers carried Johnston out of the bush, where she was embraced by loved ones before being transported to the hospital. Reflecting on the discovery, Walsh says, “I thought she was dead,” but is now relieved that her daughter is alive and on the path to recovery.

She was found earlier today in a remote area and is now being assisted by rescue personnel. The priority remains her immediate medical assessment to ensure her wellbeing.

Police have expressed gratitude to the Upper Hutt community for their support during the search efforts. “The way the community rallied around the search teams and the family has been remarkable,” a police spokesperson says.

Further updates on the woman’s condition are expected as her medical evaluation progresses.

Maia was reported missing late last night, prompting an urgent search in and around Totara Park. She was last known to be wearing a black cardigan or light top, short shorts, and black and white Converse shoes.

Authorities have expanded their appeal for assistance to include residents of Harcourt Park and Brown Owl, in addition to Totara Park. Police are urging anyone in these areas to review their CCTV footage for any potential sightings of Maia after 8:15 PM on the evening she disappeared.

As the search continues into the evening, residents in Totara Park may notice a drone being deployed behind homes in the northern end of the suburb. Police assure the community this is part of the ongoing search effort.

“We’re doing everything we can to locate Maia as quickly as possible and are grateful for the public’s assistance,” says a Police spokesperson.

Anyone with information or relevant footage is urged to contact Police by calling 105 or submitting an update online. Please reference case number 241222/0237.

Maia’s family and the local community are hopeful for her safe return, as efforts remain active and widespread.

Maia was reported missing late last night, prompting an urgent search in and around Totara Park. She was last known to be wearing a black cardigan or light top, short shorts, and black and white Converse shoes.

Authorities have expanded their appeal for assistance to include residents of Harcourt Park and Brown Owl, in addition to Totara Park. Police are urging anyone in these areas to review their CCTV footage for any potential sightings of Maia after 8:15 PM on the evening she disappeared.

As the search continues into the evening, residents in Totara Park may notice a drone being deployed behind homes in the northern end of the suburb. Police assure the community this is part of the ongoing search effort.

“We’re doing everything we can to locate Maia as quickly as possible and are grateful for the public’s assistance,” says a Police spokesperson.

Anyone with information or relevant footage is urged to contact Police by calling 105 or submitting an update online. Please reference case number 241222/0237.

Maia’s family and the local community are hopeful for her safe return, as efforts remain active and widespread.

Fairgoers enjoyed a relaxing alternative to bustling shopping malls, with an emphasis on community spirit and holiday joy. Light entertainment and children’s rides added to the festivities, creating an inclusive atmosphere for all ages.

“We were thrilled to see so many smiling faces. This event has always been about bringing the community together, and this year was no exception,” says one organiser.

In addition to offering unique shopping and culinary experiences, the fair supported a meaningful cause. Entry was by gold coin donation, with proceeds benefitting Wellington Free Ambulance.

The organisers took extra measures to ensure a safe, smoke-free, and alcohol-free environment for everyone.

As the day wound down, the Titahi Bay Christmas Fair was hailed as a resounding success, capturing the essence of the holiday season and leaving attendees thoroughly in the festive mood.

Upper Hutt residents who live in the Totara Park area who have CCTV cameras are asked to check for any sightings of missing woman Maia Johnston.

The 19-year-old was last seen leaving a family home in Totara Park at around 8.30pm yesterday (Saturday 21 December).

Police are keen for anyone with CCTV cameras to check for sightings of Maia between 8pm and 9pm on Saturday.

If you have any information that could help enquiries, please update Police online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 241222/0237.