Hostage-victim's family thanks police, workmates

Family of the gunman outside the scene of the weekend's hostage drama. Photo / NZ Herald

The family of a Taranaki woman taken hostage by her former boyfriend at the weekend, have thanked her workmates and police for endeavouring to keep her safe.

Marcelle Beer was held by 46-year-old Anthony Roydon Ratahi at the Headlands hotel in Opunake, 65km south of New Plymouth, in an ordeal that began on Friday night and finished on Saturday morning.

It came to a close when police stormed the building with a police dog and shot Ratahi dead.

Ms Beer's family released a statement today which said while they understood interest in the incident, they would like their privacy respected.

Ms Beer was "doing as well as could be expected in such circumstances''.

"We would, however, like to take the opportunity to give our most heartfelt thanks to all the police involved, as well as Marcelle's workmates, who have been so diligent and committed to her safety, not only on the night, but the nine months preceding this time.''

The family also had a message for Ratahi's family.

"Our love and thoughts are with the Ratahi whanau as this is an extremely difficult time for them - may he rest in peace.''

A post-mortem today revealed Ratahi died as a result of a single gunshot wound to his head.

Police had received the post mortem results, Ratahi's family had been advised, and the release of his body was now up to the Coroner, police said.

Auckland-based Detective Superintendent Andrew Lovelock, overseeing the police investigation into the death, said the findings were an important part of the overall investigation in to the incident.

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

Ms Beer suffered only minor injuries during the ordeal and was not hospitalised.

Mr Lovelock said it was important to ensure police had acted properly.

"Whilst this number of investigations may appear excessive, the reality is that a person has been killed and we need to make sure that the police have acted appropriately,'' he said.

He said the investigations could take some time to complete.

"It may be a number of months before full details of the events at the weekend can be publicly disclosed.''

- NZPA