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Close ties form bedrock of Op Roar
Close relationships with Te Runänga o Ngäi Tähu have been instrumental
in the arrests and prosecution of four men for the alleged commercial theft
of pounamu (greenstone) from South Westland’s Cascade Plateau.
Over the past 12 months, police from three South Island districts and
the Eagle helicopter have been involved in the covert Operation Roar.
The investigation stemmed from an official complaint of theft by Te
Runänga o Ngäi Tähu in September 2003. Te Runänga is the
owner of all pounamu occurring in its natural condition in the region by virtue
of the Ngäi Tähu Pounamu Vesting Act 1997.
Detective Sergeant Chris Roberts, Organised Crime Strategy Unit, Canterbury
CIB, says the intensive operation has required close liaison with Ngäi
Tähu, in what has been a unique situation.
“The cooperation from Ngäi Tähu executive enabled us to extend
phases of the investigation through their logistical support in the form of
intelligence,
expert knowledge of pounamu and organising and arranging for freight
and storage of significant exhibits,” says Chris.
“The early appointment by Ngäi Tähu of a liaison officer – Bob
Penter – meant we maintained a good working relationship and had prompt
decisions made during a lengthy and sensitive investigation for many
Ngäi
Tähu people.”
The inquiry team also benefited from preliminary investigative work
undertaken by Ngäi Tähu leading up to the complaint. Rob Nichol,
former West Coast head of CIB, was engaged by Ngäi Tähu to determine
if a formal complaint was well founded.
Chris says the covert nature, conditions and terrain required careful
planning and use of many different investigative techniques to secure the
evidence leading to the prosecutions.
“A great deal of care had to be taken by staff to maintain the secrecy
of the operation at various times and it is a credit to all involved
that this was achieved,” says Chris.
On 12 October two Haast men were arrested on charges of theft and money
laundering from the sale of pounamu and were due to appear in Alexandra District
Court on 26 October. Two Wanaka men were arrested in May this year relating
to the operation and went to a depositions hearing on 8 November.
Investigations are continuing.
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