Police prepare for major influx of gang members in Napier after Mob leader’s untimely death

Mongrel Mob boss Angus Benson will be farewelled in Hawke's Bay on Friday.

• Police are preparing for an influx of gang members in Napier for Mongrel Mob gang leader Angus Benson’s funeral.
• A highly visible police presence will be in Hawke’s Bay to ensure public safety and law compliance.
• Benson’s death is not considered suspicious and has been referred to the coroner.

Police are planning for a massive influx of gang members to Napier following the untimely death of a Mongrel Mob leader.

Mob members from around New Zealand will make their way to Napier from today to farewell senior gang member Angus Benson, who passed on the weekend.

Benson – known as Heil Dogg - was the Captain of the Mongrel Mob Barbarian MC in Hawkes Bay.

Neil Angus Benson (left) and Hagen Taraiwa Wiremu Henare (right) were both jailed for more than two years.

Police told the Herald they are planning for the extra gang presence over the next few days and will not tolerate unruly behaviour.

Benson’s tangi is expected to be on Friday and Mongrel Mob members from chapters throughout the rohe are planning to make their way to Napier from Wednesday.

Police preparing for an influx of gang members heading to Napier to pay their respects to senior Mongrel Mob member Angus Benson (centre).

“The public can expect a highly visible police presence in and around Hawke’s Bay in coming days as police respond to a gang-related funeral,” Inspector Lincoln Sycamore, Hawke’s Bay Area Commander told the Herald.

“Members of the Mongrel Mob are expected to be travelling into Hawke’s Bay to pay their respects, following the death of a significant member last weekend.”

“The man’s death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the Coroner,“ Sycamore said.

Police have provided extra staff from across Eastern District and from other districts to support the operation.

“Our objective is to ensure public safety and compliance with the law, while respecting the rights of those present to grieve their loss.

“There will be no tolerance for breaches of the law, including the Gangs Act 2024, nor for any unsafe or intimidating behaviour.”

Anyone with concerns for their safety should call 111.

Gang sources said Benson was a respected Mongrel Mob gang member.

“The whole hood feels sad and mamae over him [Benson] being gone,” a source said.

“He was very private. There is a lot of disbelief as in many cannot believe Heil Dogg has died.”

The Herald understands Mongrel Mob members will not be wearing their patches - as a mark of respect to Benson - and to not antagonise authorities.