The whānau of George Charles Taiaroa who was fatally shot at Atiamuri near Taupo yesterday afternoon have released the following statement in English and Maori
Media statement on behalf of the Taiaroa whānau:
This has been an unexpected and shocking event for everyone concerned. The family would like to acknowledge the overwhelming support they have received, and ask that the media respect their need for space and time to deal with the loss of a loving husband, father and grandfather.
E tangi ana te ngākau mō tō tātou koroua, karangamaha kua kopohia e te ringa kaha o aituā, ōtirā i te ringa tahae o te nanakia. E mihi ana ki te tokomaha kua tae mai ki te manaaki i te whānau. Heoi anō e īnoi atu ana ki te ao papāho kia whakawāteahia mai te whānau i tēnei wā kia tangi, kia poroporoakī i tō rātou koroua.