Three arrests following Te Puke tangi

Police monitoring a gang funeral in the western Bay of Plenty in November. Photo/ NZ Police

Three people have been arrested and a dozen infringement notices served after a tangi in western Bay of Plenty.

“Police had a large presence in the Te Puke area today, monitoring a tangi for the father of a prominent gang member,” Acting Inspector Shannon Clifford said in a statement.

NZME reported on Thursday the funeral was for the father of imprisoned high-profile gang boss Jim David Thacker.

Clifford said police took a prevention approach, focusing on maintaining public order and ensuring road safety for all users, while also allowing mourners the space to grieve.

“While there were no breaches of the Gangs Act 2024, we are disappointed in the behaviour that led to three arrests and a dozen infringement notices being served for unsafe road behaviour,” Clifford said.

The three arrests were for drug- and firearms-related offending, possession of a knife, and breach of release conditions.

“There are also a number of follow-up inquiries to be made in relation to other road safety matters from throughout the day,” Clifford said.

“Police encourage the public to report any instances of unlawful activity on the roads to us, so we can continue to take appropriate action.”

If you see any unlawful activity, please contact Police via 111 if it is happening now or 105 if it is after the fact either online or on the phone.