Hostage taker killed by shot in head

Anthony Ratahi (inset) and the scene of the hostage ordeal. Photo / Rob Tucker

Anthony Ratahi, who was shot dead by police in Opunake during an armed hostage crisis, died from a single shot to the head, according to a post mortem.

Ratahi's family have been informed and the release of his body is now a matter for the coroner.

The 46-year-old Stratford man was fatally shot on Sunday after holding ex-girlfriend Marcelle Beer hostage for 12 hours at the Headlands Hotel in Opunake, 65km south of New Plymouth.

Auckland-based Detective Superintendent Andrew Lovelock is overseeing the police investigation into Mr Ratahi's death.

"The post mortem findings form an important part of the overall police investigation into the incident. Running parallel with the police investigation is a review into the compliance by police in terms of practice, policy and procedure, which is a standard practice.

"In addition, there is an inquiry underway by the Independent Police Conduct Authority which should provide further reassurance to the public that the matter will be overseen with impartiality.

"Investigations of this nature inevitably take some time to complete and it may be a number of months before full details of the events at the weekend can be publicly disclosed.

Mr Lovelock said it is accepted practice when someone is shot by police that three separate investigations are conducted. These three investigations are addition to the obligation police have as agents of the coroner.

"Whilst this number of investigations may appear excessive, the reality is that a person has been killed and we need to make sure that the police have acted appropriately."

Tribute page established

Meanwhile a tribute page has been set up on Facebook for Ratahi.

This morning 38 people "liked" the page with some leaving messages of support for Ratahi and his family.

"My thoughts are with the Ratahi Whanau and with your friends," Jason Jones said on the page.

Leesa Stewart questioned whether police should have fired at Ratahi.

"It's just disgusting and they are a law unto themselves," Ms Stewart said.

Police yesterday said they wanted to hear from anyone who had seen or heard from Ratahi since his release from prison on July 6. He was serving time for trying to cut Ms Beer's throat.

Police also wanted to speak to any retailers who served Ratahi on Friday or any members of the public who had contact with him that day.

"As part of the investigation we need to build up a picture of Mr Ratahi, his movements and his demeanour in the lead up to the weekend's hostage situation," Inspector Pat Handcock said.

Earlier, he said the investigation team was still "piecing together" events and a scene examination could take up to two days.

Three investigations have been launched into the incident, which began when Ratahi barged into the restaurant at the hotel armed with a gun about 10.45pm on Friday.

Mr Handcock said Ratahi shouted at the 10-16 patrons to leave before barricading himself and Ms Beer inside.

He was shot by police after leaving the hotel about 10.20am on Saturday.

Ms Beer suffered only minor injuries during the ordeal and was not hospitalised.