Family still seeking answers from police over death

A police officer at the wheel of a patrol car that struck down and killed a Northland teenager will not face criminal charges.
But the mother of the dead boy says police are blaming her son for "skylarking" and the family is still waiting for an apology from the constable.
Rawiri Wilson, 16, was hit by a police car as he walked along SH1,  near Ohaeawai, about 11.30pm on July 25 last year and died shortly after at the scene.
His mother, Sharlene Wilson, said the officer had offered to meet with the family about a month ago but they had refused.
He was with his 16-year-old cousin who was also struck and suffered a fractured hip as they were walking along the road to the 60th birthday party of a family member. He was airlifted to Whangarei Hospital.
Wilson's 14-year-old brother Hamuera was also there but was further down the road.
Two officers were in the police car heading from Kaikohe to Moerewa on a routine night patrol.
Northland Police District Commander Superintendent Mike Rusbatch said a thorough  investigation was carried out and police had decided not to lay charges against the officer who was driving.
The Wilson family was angered by the decision not the charge the police officer.
Mrs Wilson said police were covering up and protecting their own.
"They are getting away with it and blaming it on my son. We are not happy about it ... we are left in the air with no answers," Mrs Wilson said.
"There's been no apology and we don't know the cop's name. All we know is he's still in the force working.
"We are still very angry about it. All we want is some justice and some answers to this case. Then we will be unable to unveil him and put him to rest. But we can't do that until we get some answers."
The police were satisfied their investigation was transparent and objective with Detective Inspector Greg Cramer from Waitemata leading the inquiry.
"Once the investigation was completed, the decision by police not to prosecute the officer was subjected to a legal opinion. This legal opinion was then independently reviewed by the Auckland Crown Solicitor's Office," Mr Rusbatch said.
"As this matter has been referred to the coroner for an inquest into Rawiri Wilson's death, the file will come under the coroner's jurisdiction.
"Therefore, police are unable to comment on the details of the fatal crash."
While the criminal investigation has been completed the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) is yet to complete its investigation, which involves looking at police policies, practices and procedures.