"Thoughtless" Attacks: Six Auckland Ambulances Targeted in Targeted Tyre Slashing

Police are investigating two separate attacks on Hato Hone St John bases in Manukau and Ōtāhuhu where ambulance tyres were slashed, risking lives and delaying emergency care.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 14, 2026, 3:16 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Incident Timeline and Locations

The attacks occurred at two separate South Auckland emergency bases. Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward confirmed that police are keeping an open mind as to whether the same individual or group is responsible for both events:

February 28, 2026: Three ambulances were targeted during a break-in at the Manukau station.

April 9, 2026: A second attack occurred at the Ōtāhuhu station, where more tyres were slashed.

In both instances, the damage was only discovered when crews attempted to respond to "priority jobs," potentially causing life-threatening delays for patients requiring urgent medical intervention.

Impacts on Emergency Response