Gang member being helped to evade capture, police say

Police are hunting Kim Smith.

Police hunting fugitive gang member Kim Smith believe he has been given considerable help in evading police while on the run.

The Outcasts gang member from Hamilton is wanted by police in relation to the slaying of Tribesman gang member Dwayne Andre Wilson, and on warrants for a variety of unrelated charges, including drugs, firearms and serious violence.

Mr Wilson was shot dead at Waingaro, in rural Waikato, on June 7.

Smith remains on the run today after police last week undertook a massive search of rural land south of the Port Waikato township after a reported sighting of him in the area.

Police found a well-equipped hut in a forest area where they believe Smith had been staying.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Whitehead said judging by the number and variety of items found in the hut it was obvious Smith had been receiving a lot of assistance from associates.

"The hut was very well set up with food, clothing, bedding, cooking equipment, firearms, heating and gas lighting. It is obvious Smith has been well looked-after by his associates who have helped him evade police."

Four people have already been charged in relation to helping Smith while he has been on the run. They are facing charges of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and being an accessory after the fact to each of the offences for which Smith is wanted on warrants.

Mr Whitehead said police have been speaking to several of Smith's associates and will continue to do so until he is found.

"We will charge anyone else who we identify as having assisted him," he said.

"It is unlikely he will be able to obtain what he needs himself without being recognised by members of the public. We expect him to seek help from those people he knows," he said.

Police believe that given past scenarios, Smith may try to find other remote areas to hide out in. The public are being asked to keep a watchful eye out for any suspicious behaviour in their area.

- NZPA