Motorway shooting investigations continue

The investigations into the fatal motorway shooting in which police shot an innocent courier driver are ongoing.

Police, the Independent Police Conduct Authority, and a Coroner's inquiry have all been launched to look at the circumstances surrounding the death of 17-year-old Halatau Naitoko.

An IPCA spokesman, who did not want to be named, said "several of our investigative staff" have been working on the case since the shooting.

"It is not appropriate to go into detail about the issues covered, or the process, especially as the matter is before the Courts but the investigation is wide-ranging," the spokesman said.

He said the findings of the investigation will be made public once the investigation is complete but he could not say when that would be.

Ministry of Justice spokeswoman Helen O'Leary said the Coroner was still waiting on reports from police which include the post-mortem examination results.

She said a date for the inquest had not yet been set.

Police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty said forensic investigations into the shooting were still being carried out by Environmental Science and Research (ESR).

She said the investigation would take "as long as it takes" and would also look at the actions that police took in the lead up to the shooting.

Police have arrested and charged Stephen Hohepa McDonald, 50, with 29 offences including 10 of using a firearm against police.

Ms Hegarty said further chances against McDonald had not been ruled out.

Police allege McDonald had a firearm when he fled and stole two vehicles at gunpoint. He was chased through several suburbs, before stopping on Auckland's Northwestern Motorway on January 23.

During the armed confrontation Mr Naitoko was caught in the crossfire and killed by a police bullet.