Please attribute to Herby Ngawhika, Rotorua Area Commander:
Police are pleased to report no significant issues following a tangi in Rotorua today.
There was an increased visible Police presence in the Ōwhata area across the day, monitoring the movements of those in attendance, as well as ensuring the safety of all other road users. There were over 160 vehicles in the funeral procession.
Police’s response today focused on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the public, while also respectfully allowing mourners the space to grieve. Attendees had been advised through an intermediary as to the behaviours that would not be tolerated.
Our Police operation utilised a Gang Conflict Warrant that is in place for Rotorua as a result of heightened gang tensions. This Warrant will remain in place for a number of days to come.
The operation resulted in a number of vehicles being stopped throughout the day. 10 arrests were made, and another person was summonsed to court.
All those charged were Mongrel Mob members from Rotorua, the Hawke’s Bay and Kawerau. Four of the people arrested had warrants for their arrests, and a further two were arrested for breaching bail conditions. These conditions included not to associate with gang members of a particular chapter, and not to be in possession of gang insignia in a public place.
Other arrests included possession of gang insignia in a public place, possession of an offensive weapon, and possession of methamphetamine. Police also seized one gang patch under the Gangs Act 2024.
Two people were charged with driving whilst disqualified or suspended, and two vehicles were impounded.
We would like to thank the members of the public for their patience and understanding on the roads today.
Police will continue to maintain a highly visible presence in the Ōwhata and Hannahs Bay areas through the afternoon and overnight.
We encourage anybody to report any instances of unlawful activity on the roads, so appropriate follow-up action can be taken where necessary.
Please call 111 if you witness any unlawful activity happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact, with as much information as you can safely gather.
Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
