The Herald understands the individual was taken into police custody after allegedly making threats to kill and claiming to be in possession of petrol bombs that were to be used to burn down a house.
The High Court at Auckland will hear argument over details involving a soldier regarding whom there were welfare concerns. Photo / Jason Oxenham
Police have confirmed they were involved in the search, and specialist teams were called in to help resolve the incident. The Herald understands the Armed Offenders Squad were also involved in the five-hour search.
The Herald understands someone known to the soldier convinced them to hand themselves into police.
The soldier spent the night in police cells and was collected by NZDF personnel in the morning. No charges have been laid.
Police have refused to say if they found weapons or petrol bombs.
Chief of Army Major General Rose King described the situation as “a dynamic and evolving situation”, during which NZDF was focused on the care, health and mental health, and safety of those involved, along with the safety of the New Zealand public.
“We believe that throughout we have taken the appropriate steps to ensure that is the case.”
King said it had been decided in December the background to the situation had become so serious that a command investigation was warranted by an external lawyer.
A command investigation is a military inquiry ordered by a commanding officer, usually for finding why something went wrong and what should happen next.
“That has yet to start but will go ahead and will now include the events of this week in its scope.
“I cannot comment in any detail on this matter to avoid prejudicing any inquiries or investigations taking place, or that may take place.”
King said those involved were being supported.
Chief of Army Major General Rose King has said NZDF does “everything we can” to support the wellbeing of personnel it sends into harm’s way. King is inset against an image of NZDF on patrol in Afghanistan.
The incident in the unnamed city had required police and civilian health specialists, along with NZDF’s health and mental health experts, she said. It had also required senior commanders from the units of those involved.
“We are continuing to work with other agencies to ensure the best outcome in this situation.”
King said the Army had “clear ethos and values” and “‘we do not condone actions that do not uphold those values”.
“We are very aware that we put our people into harm’s way and in stressful situations, in service of our country.
“Our women and men make sacrifices to protect New Zealand and its interests. In return we do everything we can to support their wellbeing, their health and mental health.”
The police superintendent commanding the district where the incident took place cannot be named because it would identify the location and breach the injunction.
However, in a statement he confirmed police were notified around 4.30pm on Tuesday because of “concerns for a [person’s] welfare”.
“Police responded in a proportionate manner given the information available, with specialist teams available, however they were not needed.
“NZ Police is working alongside other agencies to ensure the [person’s] ongoing welfare. No charges have been filed.
“Given the privacy rights of the individual, we are not in a position to offer further comment.”
David Fisher is based in Northland and has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years, winning multiple journalism awards including being twice named Reporter of the Year and being selected as one of a small number of Wolfson Press Fellows to Wolfson College, Cambridge. He first joined the Herald in 2004.
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