Body removed from Opunake hotel

The AOS at the scene of a siege in Opunake. Gunman Tony Ratihi was holed up in The Headlands Hotel with a hostage, before being fatally shot by police. Photo / Rob Tucker

The body of a man shot dead by police following a hostage drama has been removed from a Taranaki hotel.

Anthony Roydon Ratahi, 46, from Stratford, was shot after holding ex-girlfriend Marcelle Beer hostage for 12 hours at the Headlands Hotel in Opunake, 65km south of New Plymouth.

Police removed his body from the scene after a local kaumatua held a blessing late yesterday afternoon.

A police spokeswoman said a firearm, which was "consistent with witness accounts", had been found at the hotel.

Police were not releasing specific details about the weapon.

Acting District Commander Inspector Pat Handcock told Radio New Zealand Ratahi was shot after a confrontation with a police dog.

Police were still "piecing together" events and would continue interviewing witnesses today.

The scene examination was continuing and was expected to take one to two more days.

Nine days before he grabbed Ms Beer at gunpoint from her job as a waitress at the hotel on Friday night, Ratahi walked out of jail after serving eight weeks of a six month sentence for domestic violence against her.

Ms Beer's brother confirmed Ratahi was released from jail on July 6 after attempting to cut his sister's throat three months earlier.

Three investigations have now been launched into the incident, which began when Ratahi barged into the restaurant at the hotel armed with a gun about 10.45pm.

Mr Handcock said Ratahi shouted at the 10-16 patrons to leave before barricading himself and his 30-year-old former partner inside.

"...negotiations between police and the man continued on and off throughout the night, mainly by telephone."

"The man remained agitated and uncooperative throughout this event."

He stepped outside the hotel about 10.20am Saturday.

Mr Handcock said police challenged him, used a police dog and "there was a struggle prior to the discharge of a police firearm".

But as it was "very early" in the investigation, he was not prepared to discuss the details and circumstances of the shooting.

Ratahi died at the scene.

The fatal shot was the only one fired, Mr Handcock said.

A knife was found near Ratahi's body.

Ms Beer suffered only minor injuries during the ordeal and did not need to be hospitalised, he said.

Detective Superintendant Andrew Lovelock of Auckland would be overseeing the investigations and police had contacted the Independent Police Conduct Authority who had appointed an investigator, Mr Handcock said.

"It is required by law that we complete three separate investigations. This ensures the integrity of the police process is protected and remains transparent an the public is kept appropriately informed."

- NZPA