Motorists are being warned by police to expect a large number of gang members travelling through the Hawke’s Bay for two tangis.
A tangi culminating this morning in Napier, as well as another tangi expected to conclude on Tuesday in Central Hawke’s Bay for Sonny Smith, the Central Hawke’s Bay Mongrel Mob president, have seen numbers of gang members travelling from other parts of the country.
“There is also the usual movement of holidaymakers travelling to celebrate King’s Birthday weekend, and we want those people to be able to go about their weekend plans safely and unhindered,” said Superintendent Jeanette Park, Eastern District Commander.
“We have brought in extra staff from other districts to help bolster our local staff numbers, and will be deploying all staff in areas we have identified as most required.”
Park said police staff have been in communication with both the whanau of the deceased, as well as gang leaders, reinforcing expectations “of safe and lawful behaviour during this time”.
“Any unlawful activity will not be tolerated, and we will be working to hold people accountable for this activity.”
Mongrel Mob members travel through Waipawa on Saturday morning as two gang tangi processions descend on Hawke's Bay. Photo / Connull Lang
Police earlier said they would be monitoring the first tangi and related hīkoi as gang members and associates travelled around the Maraenui, Marewa, Ahuriri and Park Island areas this morning.
Gang members were seen riding through Waipawa on Saturday morning.
The tangi was separate to events occurring in Central Hawke’s Bay over the next few days after the death of Smith.
Police advised anyone concerned about their safety in regards to the group, or who witnesses illegal behaviour, to call 111 immediately.
Mongrel Mob leader’s funeral
Police earlier also asked the public to report any unlawful behaviour during the major Mongrel Mob gang tangi in Central Hawke’s Bay.
Hawke’s Bay Area Commander Lincoln Sycamore said police would be monitoring behaviour and traffic movements for the funeral of Smith, who died on Thursday.
“Additional police are being deployed across Hawke’s Bay to ensure the safety of the community and provide reassurance,” Sycamore said.
“Antisocial or unlawful behaviour and driving-related offending will not be tolerated. Any such behaviour will be met with enforcement action, whether at the time or after the fact.”
Sycamore said police have set up an online portal where members of the public can upload videos or photos of possible offences by gang members in Hawke’s Bay.
“Any video or photos provided will be used by police to undertake further inquiries and take appropriate enforcement action.
“Videos or photos can be uploaded anonymously or contact details can be provided if you wish to be contacted by police.”
People wishing to upload videos or photos can visit cellar.nc3.govt.nz. Reports of unlawful or anti-social behaviour and/or driving-related offending can also be made by calling 111 or 105, quoting file number 240514/0870. Members of the public can also file a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org.
