Sixth arrest in Chinese robbery case

Far North police have made another arrest in relation to the high-profile robbery of three Chinese tourists near Cape Reinga last week.
Four Kaitaia men appeared in court on Thursday on charges of aggravated robbery. Three were arrested after homes were searched across the Far North on Wednesday night, while  a fourth handed himself in to Kaitaia police on Thursday.
An 18-year-old Kaitaia woman was also charged as an accessory after police allegedly found a camera belonging to one of the Chinese tourists buried at her home address.
The latest arrest was of a 33-year-old Te Kao man charged with receiving after he was allegedly found in possession of Chinese currency.
Detective Sergeant Trevor Beatson, who is in charge of the investigation, said police had also located the maroon Subaru Legacy stationwagon involved in the robbery after searching properties in the Whangarei area.
Mr Beatson thanked everyone who had  reported sightings of the vehicle and information about the robbery, saying it was public support that had brought about a speedy resolution.
The three Chinese victims had told him they were relieved that the alleged robbers had been captured, and were looking forward to getting some of their property back.
"They're here for another two weeks and can now focus on their studies, and the reason they are here. We hope they will enjoy a safe and enjoyable rest of their stay," Mr Beatson said.
Far North Mayor Wayne Brown welcomed the arrests, but said "it would have been better if they'd never done it at all".
He said the incident could have ongoing repercussions for New Zealand's tourist industry. The day after the robbery, staff from his Coastlines factory in China had called to  say it was being reported on Chinese national radio.
"It's a bad thing for New Zealand, not just for Northland. These dumb people have no idea what effect these sorts of things have."
Those  charged with aggravated robbery - Jovi Samson, 19, Noel Naera, 22, Jared Ngawhika, 25, and Ryan Ngawhika, 20 - have been remanded in custody until September 9 for a callover.
Police said the  tourists  stopped on Te Paki Rd on August 21  to help two men claiming to be lost. The men had then  threatened the visitors with knives, assaulted and robbed them.