Deadly crash in Rotorua: Ngongotahā residents’ fears as gangs swarm to teens’ tangi

He said locals were “up in arms” and described the police response as “absolutely hopeless” despite local roads being “torn up”.

He said they thought the police were meant to “crack down and tackle gangs‘notoriously belligerent and intimidating behaviour’.

He said locals in the area had “accepted” more than 500 gang members paying their respects since Friday, including those from the Mongrel Mob, Filthy Few, Black Power and Headhunters.

Rotorua Police Area Commander Inspector Herby Ngawhika told police Rotorua daily mail Police were monitoring the teen’s tangi.

“Police remain a visible presence as Ngongotahā sees a greater presence of gang members paying their respects.”

He said police were aware of the activity seen in the video on Friday and had since reiterated their clear expectations.

“This activity did not continue in the following days. Police recognize people’s right to grieve, but we must also ensure that the law is followed and that others in the community can be and feel safe.”

Ngawhika said police were in close contact with the family, who had raised clear expectations of gang members planning to attend the tangi.

“Police have also been in contact with gang leaders to express our expectations about the behavior of those present.”

Tomorrow a large number of police officers will be deployed to keep an eye on the funeral procession.

“Our expectations are very clear: we have a zero-tolerance policy towards unlawful behavior. If people choose to drive impaired or engage in disorderly conduct, they can expect follow-up enforcement action.”

Ngawhika said police encouraged the public to report incidents of unlawful activity on the road to them so they could take action.

If this is happening now, contact 111 or report other matters to the police by calling 105 or going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105

Ngawhika said police spotted a vehicle of interest on Haupapa St around 11.30am last Thursday and signaled the driver to stop.

The car took off and police gave chase. It collided with another vehicle on Vaughan Rd in Ōwhata.

The teenager, who was driving the fleeing vehicle, died at the scene while his passenger suffered minor injuries and was taken to Rotorua Hospital.

Two people in the other vehicle were taken to Rotorua Hospital with minor injuries.

The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

Police are looking for witnesses to the accident and dashcam footage from the area.

Hundreds of tributes have been posted on social media about the teenager who died.

Many described him as brutal but loving and respectful. One person said he was a “bright light when we saw your beautiful, handsome face with the cheekiest smile.”

The Rotorua daily mail approached his family for comment.

Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, mainly covering police, courts, human interest and social issues.