Hipkins said “gangs contribute nothing to society” but refused to comment on the police’s handling of the situation.
Police are also currently investigating multiple reports of shots being fired at cars in eastern Bay of Plenty, near where the convoy took place. Two people have been arrested over other incidents, and other charges are likely.
Hipkins told Newstalk ZB this evening it was up to the police to make the “operational decisions”.
“Well, we have changed the law recently to give police more powers around gang convoys because we have been concerned about convoys and the intimidating nature of them,” Hipkins said.
Part of the procession for the tangi of Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini. Photo / Andrew Warner
He said it was “up to the police” how they use the new powers granted to them, and it “wouldn’t be appropriate” for him to comment as the decisions were “separate from politicians”.
However, Hipkins did say “gang convoys suck for everybody who is disrupted by them” and said gangs “contribute nothing to society”.
“One of the reasons that we’ve changed the law to give police more powers to crack down on gangs is because I don’t have any time for that kind of behaviour,” Hipkins said.
Police were “out in large numbers” taking footage of reckless driving behaviour as hundreds of motorbikes, cars, utes and vans descended on the Bay of Plenty town of Whakatāne for the funeral of Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini.
The start of the funeral procession for Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini. Photo / Andrew Warner
In an update from police, Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said they were investigating reports of shots being fired at a vehicle in Whakatāne this afternoon, near where the convoy took place.
Anderson said they had not found the offenders and there were no reports of injuries. One vehicle believed to be involved has been found.
Anderson confirmed the high police presence would continue tonight and for several days as they try to hold those behaving unlawfully accountable.
“We have already identified a number of drivers and registered owners and they can expect to receive infringement notices, and in some cases, be charged for their actions for driving behaviour and face the court,” Anderson said.
“Police have also today obtained a search warrant under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act 2023, which allows police to search vehicles of suspected gang members and seize their weapons during times of conflict.”
Image 1 of 23: Tangi for Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Stephen Rota Taiatini causes traffic chaos in Ohope and Whakatane. Photos / Andrew Warner
He also confirmed two people had been arrested and charged with possession of a firearm and cannabis.
State Highway 2 was closed earlier today between Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne because of the convoy but has since reopened.
The thunderclap of hundreds of motorcycles and classic American muscle cars pierced the normally sleepy seaside town of Whakatāne about 11.20am. The convoy of vehicles lasted more than 15 minutes.
The funeral procession for Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini on Ōhope Rd, Whakatāne. Photo / Andrew Warner
Mongrel Mob members in the funeral procession for Steven Taiatini. Photo / Andrew Warner
Many Mongrel Mob members were seen hanging out of windows and doors, making gang signs and salutes.
Barks were heard from several people as they drove past, as well as other shouting.
A massive queue of local residents trying to travel in the region was lining Pōhutukawa Ave as far as the eye was seen behind the Ōhope Rd cordon.
Traffic held up on Pōhutukawa Ave, Ōhope as Ōhope Rd is closed for the funeral of Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini. Photo / Andrew Warner
One man out for a bike ride in Ōhope said the procession “sounded like a bomber going overhead” and he couldn’t believe the “state of lawlessness”, referencing many of the gang members hanging outside their windows, doors and sitting on roofs.
The cyclist’s comments were echoed by a local who decided to get a coffee and watch the procession for morning entertainment.
”Back in the 1950s they would have got the army out to sort them. It’s unbelievable.
”They were hanging outside their cars and barking like dogs — normal people couldn’t do that.”
His death sparked tension in the small township, with fears of retribution causing schools to close and stopping public transport.
Locals who spoke to the Herald were not concerned about the procession and funeral, and were going about their normal daily routine. One man, who refused to give his name, said it was “all a bit of fuss” and that it his day would be “business as usual”.
