Concerns over support given to man shot by police

Police at the scene of the siege in Opunake where gunman Tony Ratihi was holed up in The Headlands Hotel with a hostage, before being fatally shot by Police. Photo / Rob Tucker

Anti-violence groups have voiced concerns about the support given to a man shot by police following a hostage drama in Opunake upon his release from prison.

Anthony Roydon Ratahi, 46, from Stratford, was released from prison on July 6, part way into a six month sentence for domestic violence against ex-partner Marcelle Beer.

He was shot dead by police about 10.20am on Saturday after holding Ms Beer, 30, hostage at the Headlands Hotel in Opunake, 65km south of New Plymouth.

National Network of Stopping Violence Services manager, Brian Gardner, told Newstalk ZB Ratahi was not offered help after his release from prison because he was serving a sentence of less than two years.

Mr Gardner said he was worried there were other men with similar violence issues who were not getting the help they need, and putting women at risk.

He wanted the Ministry of Justice to address this issue.

Meanwhile, police investigating Ratahi's death appealed for information from anyone who had contact with him after his release from prison on July 6.

Investigators wanted to hear from any retailers who served Ratahi or from anyone who had contact with him on Friday.

Inspector Pat Handcock said the appeal was an attempt to build up a picture of Ratahi's movements and demeanor before he took Beer hostage.

Mr Handcock earlier said police were aware of Ratahi's release date from prison and that he posed a "very, very high risk to the victim".

Although he would not reveal what safety measures were put in place to minimise further harm against Ms Beer, "a great deal of work had been done", he said.

- Newstalk ZB and NZ Herald staff