Ngāruawāhia homicide investigation: Arrests and weapons seized after Turipapa Tukere’s death

Police have yet to identify those involved in the death of Turipapa Tukere.

Tukere, 42, died after a daylight brawl in Ngāruawāhia on December 27.

Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders said in a statement police were still seeking information about the death but were following “good lines of enquiry”.

“Police have been speaking with a number of people who are helping to build a picture of what occurred leading up to Turipapa’s death.”

Police were alerted to people fighting on Waipa Esplanade, near the intersection of Newton St, about 1.30pm on December 27.

A homicide investigation is ongoing after 42-year-old Turipapa Tukere died after a brawl on December 27.

“Sometime later, a critically injured woman was taken to the ambulance station on Jordan Street,” Saunders said,

“Despite the best efforts of first responders, Turipapa died before she could be airlifted to hospital.”

Police had since collected evidence from “various scenes across Ngāruawāhia” in the hunt for the “person and/or people involved”.

Police given Gang Conflict Warrant amid retaliation fears after Ngāruawāhia death

Saunders said due to ongoing tension between gangs after Tukere’s death, a Gang Conflict Warrant was issued under the Criminal Activity Intervention Bill.

“The warrant powers have assisted in de-escalating gang tensions in the area with a number of arrests made and weapons seized,” Saunders said.

“Police have also obtained information during the execution of these warrants that may be relevant to the homicide, and this information is currently being reviewed by the investigation team.”

The warrant is due to remain in place until tomorrow, at which time it will be reviewed.

Saunders said police continue to appeal to the community and anyone who may have information relating to Tukere’s death should contact police.

Any information that could help police enquiries can be provided online at https://webforms.police.govt.nz/en/update-report or by calling 105 using the reference number 241227/6958.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.