It’s understood the searches focus on gaming machine operations connected to Air Rescue Services Limited.
Stuff reported that the residential property searched belongs to Air Rescue Services managing director Barry Steans.
“We can confirm that we have active investigations underway in relation to both Gambling Act compliance issues and other matters, but we are not in a position to provide any further details at this stage,” said a DIA spokesperson.
The Herald has attempted to contact Air Rescue Service Limited and Steans, as well as NZ Police.
The organisation was incorporated in February 2002 for the purpose of operating gaming machines to raise funds for distribution to charitable and community organisations throughout the Canterbury, West Coast, Marlborough, Wellington, Manawatū-Wanganui and Auckland regions.
As of February 2026, the service reported it had 30 member venues operating a total of 501 gaming machines.
Each venue operates up to a maximum of 18 gaming machines, the net proceeds of which are distributed to charitable and community organisations in those regions in which it operates.
Net proceeds from gaming machines at member venues are returned to Air Rescue Services as grants.