On the Beat – police
Information sought on serious assault, Matangi
Police investigating a serious assault in Matangi are asking the public for help in identifying the offenders.
Two people were trying to speak to the occupants in a dark-coloured Ford Falcon last night that were doing noisy burnouts in the semi-rural area. Three occupants got out and assaulted the victims.
The victims have sustained serious injuries, requiring hospital treatment.
This was a cowardly attack, and Police urge members of the public that recognise these people to get in touch now.
If you witnessed the incident, have CCTV footage or dashcam footage of Marychurch Road around 8pm last night, then please contact Police.
26 February 2026
Trio stay in tune
Daniel Vertstappen at Cambridge High School with Valentina Di Maio and Nicola Van Der Maazen (right).
Belgian pianist and composer Daniel Verstappen worked alongside music students from Cambridge High School as part of a New Zealand tour this week.
Teacher of Music, Lisa Norman, said that interacting with an artist of Verstappen’s calibre was a touchstone experience for the young musicians.
“Our students can sometimes struggle in a setting outside of classical music, like a pop band. Daniel can show them how to use their skills in another context, broadening their musical horizons.”
Verstappen will perform at the Cambridge Town Hall tomorrow with Cambridge violinist Joe Harrop – and he made a guest appearance at the Hamilton Arts Festival’s Sunset Symphony with Orchestras Central and NZ ensemble, Kulios.
First Aid training
How a Neighbourhood Support sign should look.
Safer Cambridge Trust has rolled out first aid training for 200 residents thanks to financial support from the Cambridge Community Board. Trust member Eileen Hawkins urged board members to form neighbourhood support groups in their own street, and report every crime to police, since Cambridge was known for under reporting.
Weed control
Lake Karāpiro at its lowest level of the year.
Work to manage the invasive lake weed hornwort has started Lake Karāpiro. Land Information New Zealand’s biosecurity leader Tracey Burton says the project will involve a boat and a helicopter to spray weed near boat ramps, ski lanes, and swimming spots over the coming weeks, weather permitting.
Credit given
Waikato District Council has retained its AA+ long-term credit rating and F1+ short-term rating from Fitch Ratings, following the agency’s annual review. AA+ is the highest rating currently assigned by Fitch to a New Zealand local government agency. It reflects very strong capacity to meet financial commitments and prudent long-term financial management. It came with a negative outlook component, reflecting an economic landscape with sector-wide uncertainty, including reform and funding constraints.
Job done
Controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in Auckland have been lifted. Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis said no further evidence of Queensland fruit fly had been found in Mt Roskill since one was found in early January. The battle to eliminate yellow legged hornets continues, and a “red zone” for monitoring the pest has been extended beyond Glenfield after they were found in Takapuna and Forrest Hill.
