Tensions simmer after Opotiki death

FILE

Police and Opotiki community leaders are calling for calm after the alleged murder of a 22-year-old man sparked tensions in the town.

A 34-year-old Opotiki man was yesterday charged with the murder of Joe Collier, who died after a large fight near Goring St on Sunday night. He will appear in Rotorua District Court today.

A 20-year-old has also been charged with assault with a weapon, after a vehicle was allegedly driven at people in the area around the time of the incident, and will appear in Whakatane District Court today. Yesterday seven people were arrested after police responded to reports of disorder in Bridge St about 11.30am. One man was taken to hospital with head and leg injuries.

Three local men aged, 24, 26 and 31 were being held in custody jointly charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Two other men had been charged and bailed for possession of an offensive weapon and a man and a woman had been charged and bailed for disorderly behaviour, police said.

Area Commander Inspector Kevin Taylor said it was important trust was placed in the police investigation into Mr Collier's death.

"We appeal once again for calm," he said. "The actions of a minority of people are doing nothing to assist the family, the wider community of Opotiki or the investigation process."

Mr Taylor said it was clear Sunday night's incident had caused some tension in the town.

Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust's Mandy Walker said Mr Collier's death had hit the close-knit community hard, and many people responded in panic. "We're calling for calm. The death of a young person is a tragedy for the community and we're asking people to remain calm and be respectful towards the families involved," she said. The trust has released a video on Facebook, titled Calling For Calm, which shows messages from staff members, and a member of Mr Collier's family, asking for the community to stay calm.

Opotiki mayor John Forbes said he sympathised with Mr Collier's family, some of which he knew personally. "They're a big family, and it's a small town. I played rugby with a few of them years back," he said. Mr Forbes said several Opotiki residents were displeased with the behaviour following Mr Collier's death, which shone a negative light on the town they loved. "We've got some dysfunctional people that are a result of being tossed on the scrap heap years ago, but there's a lot of positive things happening in our community as well."

Police last night said Mr Collier's body had been returned to his family.