Canterbury firearms owners have handed in 224 prohibited firearms today at New Zealand’s first local collection event at Riccarton Racecourse.

169 firearms owners were processed today, handing in a total of 224 prohibited firearms and 217 parts and accessories.

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious single-car crash on State Highway 12, east of Kaikohe.

Police were called about 3.25pm.

Initial reports indicate one person has critical injuries.

The road is closed, with diversions in place.

The first prohibited firearms collection event is underway at Riccarton Racecourse and Police have been very encouraged by the great response so far.

Police are investigating what is believed to be a deliberately lit fire at Antonio Hall in Christchurch yesterday.

The 75-year-old woman reported missing from Rangiora last night has been located.

She was located by a member of the public a short time ago in Ashley.

She was cold and tired but otherwise well.

Kiwi Aid Worker acts to save lives as monsoon rains displace thousands of Rohingya refugees.

Police can now name the woman who died following a crash on Main South Road, Rolleston, on Monday 8 July.

She was 79-year-old Rita Alice Stewart, of Lincoln.

Police extends our condolences to her family and friends.

Friday evening’s fire at Antonio Hall in the Christchurch suburb of Riccarton is being treated as suspicious. Fire investigators will return to the scene this morning to continue the investigation.

Police are investigating the death of a man overnight in Taihape.

Police were called to a disorder incident on Thrush Street at 12.30am this morning.

On arrival a man was found to have critical injuries.

Police are urgently seeking sightings of an elderly woman missing from Rangiora.

Dianne Copp, 75, was last seen leaving the Rangiora New World on Good Street at 6:30pm.

She was seen driving north in the direction of her Ashley home, however she has failed to return.