The Police investigation into the death of Craig Campbell Rippon, 57, is continuing.
Six men have been charged with Mr Rippon’s murder and will appear in court later this month.
Mr Rippon’s tangi will be held in Whanganui this weekend. Police are expecting a number of Black Power members from outside Whanganui to travel to the region for the tangi.
“We’re aware that there has been speculation regarding the involvement of various groups in this incident, but we would like to reassure the local community that the serious assault and subsequent death of Mr Rippon was not the result of tensions between rival factions, but appears to be confined to a small group of individuals within the same faction,” says Inspector Steve Mastrovich.
“We do not believe the incident is indicative of any wider tensions or threats potentially involving others in the same group or from other factions.”
“Police will be closely monitoring the situation over the weekend, and in the event that there are any further incidents, I can reassure the community that we will respond swiftly and appropriately as required.”
ENDS
Issued by PNHQ Public Affairs.
Media note: No further update will be provided over the weekend and staff are unavailable for interviews.