Black Power to farewell Whanganui leader

Black Power members will farewell the Whanganui chapter leader this weekend. Photo / Mark McKeown

Whanganui could be inundated with Black Power members this weekend, as gang associates arrive for the city chapter leader's tangi.

Police are continuing to investigate Craig Campbell Rippon's death and say they have charged six men with his murder.

The 57-year-old was Black Power's Whanganui leader. He died in hospital after being assaulted on Sunday afternoon.

Today police said his tangi would be held this weekend and Black Power members from outside the region were expected to attend.

"We're aware that there has been speculation regarding the involvement of various groups in this incident, but we would like to reassure the local community that the serious assault and subsequent death of Mr Rippon was not the result of tensions between rival factions, but appears to be confined to a small group of individuals within the same faction," Inspector Steve Mastrovich said.

"We do not believe the incident is indicative of any wider tensions or threats potentially involving others in the same group or from other factions.

"Police will be closely monitoring the situation over the weekend, and in the event that there are any further incidents, I can reassure the community that we will respond swiftly and appropriately as required."

All six men charged have name suppression and will re-appear in court later this month.