Police made several arrests at the tangi for Zain Taikato-Fox in Rotorua. Photo / NZ Police
Police made several arrests at the tangi for Zain Taikato-Fox in Rotorua. Photo / NZ Police
Police made several arrests during a tangi for Zain Taikato-Fox in Rotorua.
The 20-year-old died in Rotorua Hospital on Saturday after being dropped off by four men, who said they found him critically injured on the roadside.
Online tributes have shown Taikato-Fox with Mongrel Mob facial tattoos and clothing.
RotoruaArea Commander Herby Ngawhika said there were no significant issues after the tangi today, which included more than 160 vehicles in the funeral procession.
“There was an increased visible police presence in the Ōwhata area across the day, monitoring the movements of those in attendance, as well as ensuring the safety of all other road users,” he said.
Ngawhika said police focused on keeping the public safe while allowing mourners the space to grieve.
Multiple vehicles were stopped, 10 arrests were made and another person was summonsed to court.
Zain Matenga Taikato-Fox, 20, died from critical injuries at Rotorua Hospital on Saturday night.
Four had warrants for their arrests and another two were arrested for breaching bail conditions.
Others were arrested for possession of gang insignia in a public place, possession of a weapon and methamphetamine possession. Police also seized one gang patch.
Two people were charged with driving while disqualified or suspended, and two vehicles were impounded.
All those charged were Mongrel Mob members from Rotorua, Hawke’s Bay and Kawerau.
“We would like to thank the members of the public for their patience and understanding on the roads today,” Ngawhika said.
“Police will continue to maintain a highly visible presence in the Ōwhata and Hannahs Bay Area through the afternoon and overnight.”
Police say multiple vehicles were stopped on Friday, 10 arrests were made and another person was summonsed to court. Photo / NZ Police
Residents reported that police arrived by land and water and closed Maketū Rd, leaving people stuck in their cars at cordons guarded by police carrying rifles.
Maketū School went into a precautionary partial lockdown for an hour from 10.20am because of an “undisclosed police matter”.
Police said Wednesday that Maketū Rd was closed for a pre-planned search and there would be an increased police presence in the area but there was “no concern to public safety”.
Police reiterated those assurances in statements on Thursday, saying the search related to an “ongoing investigation”.
“At this stage of our inquiries we are limited as to what further information we can provide.”
A scene guard was in place at “an address on Maketū Rd” while a scene examination was happening. Cordons had been removed overnight Wednesday.
“An increased police presence remains in the area.”
Police confirmed to NZME on Thursday the operation was linked to the Taikato-Fox investigation.
On the same day, police vehicles, including a truck, were parked outside a Maketū Rd property.
Police were seen pulling over vehicles in the area.
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.
