Hundreds of boy racers whose gathering ended with projectiles being flung at Manawatū police over the weekend had come together to grieve and send off one of their own just hours after his funeral.
The father of the teenager who was farewelled at the Saturday night meet – which drew in riot gear-clad police and led to patrol cars being damaged by heavy objects – wanted to challenge the perception the public had of car enthusiasts, and humanise people like his late son.
Levi McIlroy, 19, died late last month by suspected suicide, and the meet over the weekend brought in fellow car lovers from across the country and even as far away as Australia in his honour.
Dad Cam Te Nahu said meeting and doing skids together was how the group grieved, and that they felt it was what “their bro would do”.
“It was really a massive tribute,” he said.
But Te Nahu said he did not condone the aggression that erupted at the event towards police who swept through the area.
“Obviously there was things in there that I strongly disagreed with, like violence towards the police. That’s something I absolutely detest,” he said.
Police said four people were arrested, two vehicles seized and dozens of infringement notices issued after the meet.
Ahead of the planned event, police launched Operation Golf to disrupt dangerous and antisocial driving activity before it could escalate.
“We’ve seen the damage and distress these people inflict on our communities and we’re not having it,” Manawatū area commander Inspector Matenga Gray said.
“I’m proud of how our staff reacted to this violence.”
Te Nahu did not want the actions of those throwing items at cops to further what he felt was a stereotype about boy racers.
He said his son was not just a “little s*** boy racer that passed away”, and that he had saved five people’s lives and two people’s vision by choosing to be an organ donor.
“That was his last act on this earth ... his heart is still beating somewhere in New Zealand. As a father that’s beautiful.”
He hoped sharing Levi’s story would “make him just a little more human” to the public.
Hundreds of boy racers attended Levi’s funeral on Saturday, and Te Nahu said all of them introduced themselves and spoke about their connection with Levi.
“All I felt from them was just genuine golden heart, loving kids that kind of lost their way a little bit, but this is where they found their place in society. Unfortunately it’s not amazing in a lot of people’s eyes ... [but] it’s better than putting a patch on.
“They’re our next generation. They are the ones that are most at risk,” Te Nahu said.
“Some are really hurt by it, and there’s this middle ground where they all find each other.”
He felt more could be done to provide the groups with a legal place to do their hobby, and that for teenagers with so much passion for cars the proposed new laws cracking down on boy racers would do nothing.
Levi’s mother, Amanda McIlroy, attended the meet herself.
“I am absolutely blown away with Levi’s community and the love and passion they have shown for Levi and burning rubber,” she said.
McIlroy was “amazed with the respect and love they showed us at the marae and tangi and the continued support – many have gone to the effort to track us down, make contact and check in on us daily”.
“They’re good kids with massive hearts and a big passion, and I just don’t understand why they haven’t been given a place to do what they love.”
One spectator on the night, who wanted to be referred to by his nickname, Ozkii, admitted he was one of the crowd who had thrown a can of baked beans at a police car, but said they had not gone there intending to cause trouble, instead to hold a meet that Levi would have enjoyed.
While the meet had become tied in the media to the police action, Ozkii wanted to bring the focus back to the message they wanted to spread about suicide, mental health, and the importance of speaking up if you were struggling.
Fellow attendee Tyler, who did not want his surname used, acknowledged things could “get out of hand” in the skid scene, but that the group had “come together as one to be there for each other, support each other and give Levi a final send-off”.
It was not their intention to intimidate the public, he said.
One of the hosts of the meet, who did not want his name used, estimated 400-500 cars and up to a thousand people attended.
“Rest in peace and I hope he enjoyed the send-off,” he said.
Gray told the Herald police are mindful of providing space to grieve while balancing this with the safety of the community.
“Our focus is on the safety of everyone, and we will not tolerate behaviour that aims to intimidate or risk anyone’s safety,” he said.
“Everyone in this community has a responsibility to one another, and if people are taking away from people’s safety, then Police’s job to stop that.
“Those involved in anti-social road user activity can expect ongoing, coordinated responses and a continued zero tolerance approach from Police.”
Levi’s mother said the group that came together for her son’s tribute showed he was a “truly unique individual – someone blessed with a natural talent for uniting people”.
She said his death was a “devastating loss” but there was “immense power in witnessing the countless lives he touched and the profound impact he continues to have on people, showcasing his remarkable ability to connect, lead, and make others feel a sense of belonging”.
He was a “magnetic, curious and vibrant individual whose bright smile spoke volumes”.
“He’s left behind a legacy of love, giving, and life that transcends comparison.”
Family friend Monique Griffiths described Levi as “the most amazing, kind-hearted boy in the world” who “deserved the send off he got”.
“He had the most infectious smile, he lit up any room he walked into.”
A Givealittle page set up to support Levi’s family said he left behind four siblings and a large extended family, as well as “an incredible circle of friends who adored him deeply”.
Police Association president Steve Watt said it was surprising more officers weren’t hurt while policing such volatile events, which could “escalate” with little provocation.
“We’ve still got a fraction of society that partakes in these dangerous events, putting not only themselves, but cops at risk of serious injury and harm,” said Watt.
New legislation to deter boy racers and give police stronger powers to crack down on them is going through Parliament at the moment.
The biggest challenge for police, though, was changing the mindset of people attending these events, he said.
“They simply don’t realise the risk they are putting themselves and other general members of the public at risk and in harm’s way.”