Napier Mongrel Mob tangi: Police issue 60 infringement notices, process four people for excess breath alcohol and impound two vehicles

Police have issued 60 infringement notices, impounded two vehicles and processed four people for excess breath alcohol as preparations for the tangi of a Mongrel Mob leader in Napier swing into gear.

Inspector Lincoln Sycamore, the Hawke’s Bay area commander, said police in the region were continuing to engage with locals, gang leaders, and the whānau of Angus Benson, who died suddenly over the weekend.

Benson was Napier’s Mongrel Mob Barbarian chapter president and a prominent sportsman in the community, playing premier club rugby for Napier Tech for several seasons and cricket to a high level in his school days.

RNZ reports his body was at his mother’s home in Maraenui and on Friday will be taken to the nearby gang headquarters, where he will lie for his last night and for a poroporoaki (farewell) at the Napier Tech clubrooms in Marewa on Saturday.

Sycamore said the police role was to “allow mourners to grieve respectfully within the law, while maintaining public trust and confidence”.

“Police staff from out of district are on the ground to assist local staff. As part of this, police staff have been engaging with the local community about our plans and what to expect, particularly in the Maraenui suburb of Napier where the deceased is currently lying,” he said.

“We have also been engaging with local Mongrel Mob leadership, reiterating our expectations on lawful behaviour throughout the gathering and funeral.”

Angus Benson.

Checkpoints have been conducted on roads in and around Napier, as people travel from other parts of the country to attend the tangi.

On Wednesday police conducted 572 passive breath tests and 10 breath screening tests – four of which resulted in excess breath alcohol.

About 60 infringement notices were issued, with two vehicles impounded, one driving suspension notice served, one suspended driver identified and one arrest for disorder, Sycamore said.

“The public can be assured police are ready to respond to any issues if and when they arise, and will maintain high visibility until funeral commemorations have concluded.

“It is anticipated there will be increased traffic on Saturday 14 December, when the funeral and burial are expected to take place from around midday.”

People could expect large numbers of vehicles travelling from Napier Tech clubrooms to the Wharerangi Lawn Cemetery, Sycamore said.

“We ask people to plan accordingly and have patience. Police will be carefully monitoring proceedings, to ensure mourners are allowed space to grieve, and law and order is maintained. There will be no tolerance for breaches of the law, including the Gangs Act 2024, nor for any unsafe or intimidating behaviour.

“If you have immediate concerns for your safety, please call 111. If you are reporting matters after the fact, contact 105 either online or over the phone.”