KEY POINTS:
Police have delayed a decision on whether to charge the owner of two dogs that savaged and killed Virginia Ohlson.
Ms Ohlson, 56, was attacked on Pine Dr in Murupara last Saturday morning, about 100m from her Oregan Dr home.
She died before making it to hospital of
shock and trauma from the dog bites she suffered.
Two dogs were put down after the attack.
Shane Ruruhe, a nephew of Ms Ohlson, has admitted owning the dogs but Ms Ohlson's family have said they don't want him prosecuted.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper met with the Crown yesterday to discuss the case.
The two parties deferred a decision on whether charges would be laid until they receive forensic test results.
Evidence, which police said contains animal substances, has been sent to the Institute of Environmental Science and Research for testing.
Meanwhile, members of Ms Ohlson's family met on Tuesday at Murumurunga Marae to appoint Tawhai Te Rupe of Te Tini o Toi Tribal Service Providers, a community organisation based in Murupara, as their kaitakawaenga (legal advocate).
Mr Te Rupe said the family would have another hui, which they've called a "marae court sitting", to discuss what happened the day of Ms Ohlson's death.
"We want to get to the bottom of the story, set things straight," Mr Te Rupe said.
"We're getting slanted versions coming left, right and centre.
"The meeting is also part of the healing and grieving process for the family."
Elders representing Mr Ruruhe and Ms Ohlson and hapu representatives will attend the hui, which Mr Te Rupe said would be an informal meeting. Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper has also been invited.
The groups at the hui would also discuss how the Whakatane District Council dealt with the situation, Mr Te Rupe said.
Mr Te Rupe said the meeting was not an attempt to replace the police inquiry into Ms Ohlson's death.
"We won't be hindering what the police are doing. Shane is being co-operative."
He said if charges were laid the family would still support Mr Ruruhe and decide what necessary steps to take from there. The family has yet to decide when to have the hui, which will be a private meeting.
- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)
