Auckland Police are conducting an independent review after an Armed Offenders Squad training exercise at Go Media Stadium resulted in the accidental encounter of an Ovation Hospitality contractor. The incident, which involved simulated gunfire, led to a staff member being challenged by officers during a training session on Wednesday, June 24.
What happened during the AOS training at Go Media Stadium?
The training exercise for the Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) took place at Go Media Stadium between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm on Wednesday, June 24. According to Acting Inspector David Mayes of the Auckland Police, AOS staff encountered a contractor from Ovation Hospitality twice during the operation.
During the first encounter, police stated that staff believed the man was a “role player” participating in the training. At this time, the exercise was live, and blank rounds were being fired in a different section of the stadium. Acting Inspector Mayes said staff directed the man toward an exit point using a hand gesture.
The second encounter occurred later in the same operational area. In this instance, the man was “challenged and told to put his hands up,” as per standard training protocols. He was quickly identified as a contractor and not a participant in the exercise. Police apologized to the man immediately after the identification.
When asked by the Herald if the contractor was forced to the ground at gunpoint, a police spokesperson declined to comment, stating they could not substantiate the claim.
How are police and stadium management responding?
Auckland Police have issued an apology for what Acting Inspector Mayes described as an “unfortunate incident.” The police department has committed to providing welfare support for any impacted contract staff and has initiated an independent review alongside partners to identify lessons learned.
A spokesperson for Go Media Stadium confirmed the venue was hired for the police training exercise last Wednesday. The stadium management stated that all staff, tenants, and suppliers were made aware of the scheduled activity.
Paul Marquardt, the general manager of stadium partnerships, told the Herald that Ovation Hospitality is not currently commenting. He noted that an investigation is underway
