A "visible police presence" has been deployed in Hawke's Bay as a large tangi in remembrance of a Hastings Mongrel Mob member who died while fleeing police begins. Photo / NZME
Police will continue to monitor a large tangi in remembrance of a Hastings Mongrel Mob member who died while fleeing police last weekend.
Tributes have been paid online to Stacey Owen Waaka, who died following a police chase in Flaxmere.
The father of two is believed to have died from a "medical event", after allegedly assaulting a police officer on August 2, according to police.
The 39-year-old was laid to rest at Hastings Crematorium at 11am today
, with a hakari at Runanga Marae, Ohiti at 3pm.
An obituary written by Waaka's wife shared on Facebook described the Mongrel Mob member as a "beloved son", "cherished brother", "loving partner" and "the greatest dad".
A witness at the scene of the tangi at 10.45am said there were "hundreds" of patched gang members congregating, with police aware of a "large number of people coming into Hawke's Bay" for the occasion.
A police spokeswoman said a "visible police presence" to provide reassurance and safety will continue over the weekend.
Police said there were "no significant issues" at the tangi, but were aware of a number of driving-related issues involving people associated with the tangi.
"Officers have photographic footage of these incidents and will be making follow-up inquiries with those involved in the coming days," a police spokeswoman said.
A woman who lives near the crematorium told Hawke's Bay Today there were dozens of gang members' cars and bikes strewn over berms and footpaths.
Two Mob members had even driven up her neighbours' driveway on to their private residence to park their cars, she said.
"This happens a lot - the concrete company nearby has shut its front entrance to stop it - it's really frustrating."
Police earlier said they had tried to stop a man on Henderson Rd, Flaxmere, about 11.35pm on August 1 due to the manner of his driving and poor condition of the vehicle.
A pursuit was initiated and the vehicle came to a stop a short time later on Swansea Rd, according to police.
"A Taser was deployed twice early in the incident, about the time an officer was assaulted. It does not appear to have made contact on either occasion," police said.
Police said the foot chase ended when the driver was located at a property on Caernarvon Dr, at which point the driver suffered "what appears to have been a medical event."
Police administered first aid and called a St John Ambulance. However, the man died at the scene.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) was notified and an internal investigation will consider police policies and procedures.
Eastern District Commander Superintendent Tania Kura said several investigations into the circumstances of the incident were under way.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this extremely difficult time and we will ensure support is available to them," she said.
The Coroner is investigating and will formally rule on the cause of death, with inquiries into Waaka's death ongoing.
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