Hostage's family say thanks to police

Anthony Roydon Ratahi. Photo / Supplied

The family of a Taranaki woman taken hostage by her former boyfriend have thanked her workmates and police for trying to keep her safe.

Marcelle Beer was held by 46-year-old Antony Roydon Ratahi at the Headlands hotel in Opunake, 65km south of New Plymouth, in an ordeal that began on Friday night and finished on Saturday morning, when police stormed the building with a police dog and shot Ratahi dead.

Ms Beer's family issued a statement yesterday which said that while they understood interest in the incident, they would like their privacy respected.

Ms Beer was "doing as well as could be expected in such circumstances".

"We would, however, like to take the opportunity to give our most heartfelt thanks to all the police involved, as well as Marcelle's workmates, who have been so diligent and committed to her safety, not only on the night, but the nine months preceding this time."

They also had a message for Ratahi's family: "Our love and thoughts are with the Ratahi whanau, as this is an extremely difficult time for them - may he rest in peace."

Police have finished their examination of the scene and returned the hotel to its owners.

About 30 staff are working on the investigationm and police officers and members of the public involved in the incident are being interviewed.

Background work was also being carried out to build up a picture of Ratahi, his history and his movements in the days before the hostage incident, police said.

Central District commander Superintendent Russell Gibson said the investigation was going to be "thorough and meticulous" and was likely to take months.

"It is also important that the integrity of the investigation is protected, which means it is unlikely that any further information will be publicly disclosed until the investigation has concluded," he said.

"The public can be confident that impartiality will be maintained throughout, with continued oversight by the Independent Police Conduct Authority."

A post-mortem examination yesterday revealed Ratahi died from a single gunshot wound to his head.

Auckland-based Detective Superintendent Andrew Lovelock, who is overseeing the investigation into the death, said the findings were an important part of the overall investigation.

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

Ms Beer received only minor injuries and was not hospitalised.

Mr Lovelock said it was important to ensure police had acted properly.

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

- NZPA