Latest news with #gangtangi
RNZ News
17-07-2025
- RNZ News
Gang tangi leads police to one arrest for guns, cannabis in Kaitaia
Police in Northland set up road checks targeting drivers heading to a gang tangi. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER Reports of bad driving behaviour including a gun being shot from a car in Northland prompted police to set up road checkpoints after a tangi earlier this week. Northland District Commander Superintendent Matt Srhoj said police received reports of poor driver behaviour and a firearm being discharged from a vehicle on Saturday night, though he stressed it was not aimed at anyone. In response police set up an operation around Kaitaia as gang members travelled to the tangi on Tuesday at a marae near Awanui. "Numerous road policing checkpoints were carried out following the tangi on Tuesday, in which several vehicles of interest attempted to pass through," Srhoj said. "These were vehicles we were seeking in connection with the offending detected on Saturday night." Three vehicles were impounded, and search warrants were then executed including at a local address where police claim three rifles, a shotgun and a semi-automatic rifle were found. A 34-year-old Kaitaia man faced five charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession for supply of cannabis. He had already appeared in the Kaitaia District Court and was remanded in custody. Srhoj said there were no significant concerns surrounding the tangi but police enquiries would continue into the events of Saturday night. "There is a way to respectfully grieve the loss of someone, and that does not include putting the wider public's safety at risk," Srhoj said. "I would like to acknowledge our Far North team who have been visible and well-planned throughout. "We have had a range of staff involved from our public safety team, road policing, investigations as well as the Gang Disruption Unit." The tangi was for patched Crips member Ngaiwa Miru, who police earlier said was a passenger in a car that crashed on Allen Bell Drive in Kaitaia on Friday.
RNZ News
12-05-2025
- RNZ News
Four arrests, several vehicles impounded after Gisborne gang tangi
Police estimated up to 400 gang members attended the funeral. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER At least four people have been arrested, and several vehicles have been impounded, following a gang tangi in Gisborne on Monday. Police estimated up to 400 gang members and associates attended the funeral. It said at least four people were arrested for public display of gang insignia, and will be appearing in court in the coming days. One motorbike has been impounded for six months after failing to stop twice for police. Three other vehicles have also been impounded for 28 days - two of those were due to dangerous driving, and one was due to a person driving while suspended. Police said they would be following up with people who were seen leaning out of the windows of vehicles. "While the tangi may have finished, our work to enforce the law has not," Tairāwhiti area commander inspector Danny Kirk said. Kirk said police had been engaging with the family of the deceased and gang leaders in the lead up to the event, which he believed had a part to play in the small number of arrests for an event with such a large attendance. He said additional police officers would be carrying out reassurance patrols and monitoring driving behaviour across Gisborne on Monday night. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
