The body of Anthony Ratahi, who was fatally shot by Police following a hostage situation at a hotel in Opunake on Friday night, has now been removed from the scene.
A blessing was held by a local Kaumatua late yesterday afternoon as Mr Ratahi was removed from the hotel. A karakia was then performed before Mr Ratahi's body was transported to Wellington for a post mortem to be carried out.
The examination of the scene is continuing and is expected to take one to two more days.
A firearm has been recovered from the scene. Specific details of the weapon are not being disclosed at this stage, but the weapon is consistent with witness accounts.
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