Rotorua fatal crash: Ngongotaha residents fear gangs targeting teenagers

He said local residents were “outraged”, describing the police action as “absolutely hopeless”, despite local roads being “torn up”.

He said they believed the police should be “gets tough and clamps down on gangs“known belligerent and intimidating behavior.”

He said since Friday, local residents in the area have “put up” with more than 500 gang members, including representatives of the Mongrel Mob, Filthy Few, Black Power and Headhunters.

This was announced by Rotorua District Police Chief Inspector Herbie Ngawika Rotorua Daily Post the police watched the teenager dance.

“Police are maintaining a visible presence as Ngongotahā sees an increased presence of gang members paying their respects.”

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

“In the following days, this activity did not last. The police recognize people’s right to grieve, but we also need to make sure the law is upheld and others in the community can feel safe.”

Ngawika said police had been in close contact with the family, who had set clear expectations for gang members planning to visit the tangi.

“Police have also spoken to gang leaders to communicate our expectations for the behavior of those present.”

Several police officers will be deployed tomorrow to monitor the funeral procession.

“Our expectations are very clear – we have zero tolerance for illegal behavior. If people decide to drive badly or break the public order, they can expect further enforcement.’

Ngawika said the police are appealing to the public to report any incidents of illegal activities on the road to them so that they can take action.

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

Ngawika said police spotted a vehicle of interest around 11:30 a.m. Thursday on Haupapa Street last week and signaled the driver to stop.

The car sped away, and the police chased after it. He collided with another vehicle on Vaughan Road in Owat.

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 car were taken to Rotorua Hospital with moderate injuries.

The case was transferred to the Independent Police Service.

The police are looking for witnesses to the accident and video recorders from the scene.

Hundreds of references to the deceased teenager were published on social networks.

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

The Rotorua Daily Post reached out to his family for comment.

Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has written for the Rotorua Daily Post for over 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.