Triad gang enforcer's killer still unknown

Funeral arrangements are expected to be made next week for the triad gang enforcer who was shot on Thursday in a possible revenge killing.

Tam Yam Ah was shot in the chest at close range by a balaclava-clad man before 5am.

Mr Tam, 37, had five convictions for violence against half a dozen people in a nine-year period and was released from prison in October after attacking two men with a meat cleaver.

Police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty said detectives did not know who killed Mr Tam.

A motive has yet to be established, and police say they cannot rule out the possibility that it was a professional hit or revenge killing.

They are trying to trace Mr Tam's associates and previous victims, including the two men he attacked with the meat cleaver in 2000.

Members of the Asian Crime Squad have been assisting the homicide team as many of Mr Tam's associates do not speak much English.

He came to New Zealand in 1990 but it is not known if he was a permanent resident. Police say they have conflicting information about his immigration status and are investigating it.

Mr Tam's brother, who lives in New Zealand, is understood to be making the funeral arrangements.

Anyone with information about the killing can phone 0800 4 TOP CITY (0800 4 867 248).