Organised crime and gangs were an ongoing problem in the Waikato and across the country, Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley said at a press conference last July.
Police are continuing to hunt for the armed intruder who opened fire in a Hamilton home killing a young chef and wounding his girlfriend and another man.
Robert Nelson, 23, is believed to have died shielding his partner in bed during the shooting early yesterday morning at a house inMatthews Cres, Melville.
His girlfriend Kahlee Marfell received gunshot wounds and was in a serious but stable condition at Waikato Hospital on Sunday.
Another man was also shot and was in a critical condition in hospital.
A police spokeswoman this morning said there was no update on who the offenders were or what the motives were.
"His mum Dannette worked in the kitchen too, [sister] Erin worked casually in front of house and his brother Koenraad was a chef."
Laing has set up the Givealittle page to raise money for Nelson's funeral costs.
"On top of this heartbreaking loss, Rob's family is not a position to pay for a funeral, and not the kind of send-off such heroism deserves," the Givealittle page said.
"They have applied for a grant but there's no guarantee this will be approved."
The page has already raised more than $2000 of the $5000 goal.
Nelson was just getting ready to start his apprenticeship to become a qualified chef.
"During his shift it wouldn't matter if he was five hours or five minutes in, when he saw you he always had a smile."
His sister Erin said they believed the attack was random or a case of mistaken identity by a gang. She stressed her brother was an "innocent person caught in the crossfire".
"Somebody arrived to the house and attacked about four people inside. There was another person holed up inside who wasn't injured," she said.
Her brother had died "covering his girlfriend" from the bullets, Erin said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson said initial inquiries suggested the house was targeted. There was no indication the wider public was at risk.
"It is not yet known what the motive was behind this incident and we are keeping an open mind at this early stage in the investigation," Patterson said.
Social media tributes for the 23-year-old were posted online after the news of his death.
Nadine Lovini said the death was another tragedy to hit their family.
Karen Devin Tamzyn said her thoughts were with Nelson's family and Kahlee.
"Stay strong beautiful girl we love you."
Stormforce Gym, of which Nelson was a member, said the world would never be the same without Nelson.
"It is with deep sadness and regret that this horrible tragedy has happened to one of our Stormforce boys.
"To his immediate family, and to his many friends, our thoughts prayers and love go out to you all at this sad time. RIP Rob, the world will never be the same without you mate."
