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National | Tangi

Police preparing for Mongrel Mob funeral in Napier

Police say they are engaging with locals, gang leaders, and the whānau of the deceased in the lead up to a gang funeral in Napier.

Hawke’s Bay Area Commander inspector Lincoln Sycamore said the role of the police would be to “allow mourners to grieve respectfully within the law”, while maintaining public trust and confidence.

“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,” Sycamore said.

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

Police say they are engaging with locals, gang leaders, and the whānau of the deceased in the lead up to a gang funeral in Napier.

Hawke’s Bay Area Commander inspector Lincoln Sycamore said the role of the police would be to “allow mourners to grieve respectfully within the law”, while maintaining public trust and confidence.

“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,” Sycamore said.

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

Police have recently come under some scrutiny by communities and marae for their presence outside gang tangihanga.

Last month, hundreds of mourners descended on Tauranga for the funeral of Mongrel Mob Notorious Captain Wayne “Ned” Kelly and his wife.

Matapihi Kuia Ngareta Timutimu (MNZM), told police their presence at the funeral at Waikari Marae was “disgraceful”.

“Someone in charge come and tell me why you’ve parked outside my cemetery where my people are buried, how disgraceful is that,” she yelled. “Go park up the bloody road. I buried my cousin there on Saturday.”

Roka Dog, one of the men arrested, told Stuff it was “disrespectful and rude” of police to launch such a huge operation when they were trying to grieve a family member.

“At the moment I reckon they’re coming down [on us] stupidly ... that’s just a minor thing, they wanna catch people doing other things not just wearing clothes.”

Police Minister Mark Mitchell said the operation in Tauranga was an example of “successful policing” of gang tangi.

“The public deserve and expect to feel safe. We have a world class police force, and I am proud of the work they are doing to make our country a safer place,” he said.

- Stuff