Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Herby Ngawhika, Rotorua Area Commander:
Police are disappointed that a small number of people needed to be arrested following a tangi in Rotorua today.
Police had an increased visible presence across Rotorua due to the gang tangi taking place, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the wider community.
Police have been working with whanau over the last few days to ensure a smooth and safe precession today, and a significant majority of attendees behaved in a manner that Police were pleased with.
Unfortunately, a small number of people took today as an opportunity to display poor road behaviours which resulted in Police action needing to be taken.
Police arrested five people for a charges ranging from traffic related offences to possession of an offensive weapon.
Four vehicles were also impounded, while another vehicle was ordered off the road.
20 infringement notices were also issued.
It’s disappointing because Police and whanau had worked well together and a small number of people had taken away from the tangi.
Police will explore further enforcement action as CCTV and footage captured on phones is examined, and those committing offences are identified.
Everyone in this community has a responsibility to one another, to make sure everyone is safe. If people are taking away from people’s safety, then Police’s job is to stop that.
We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding on the roads today.
Police will continue to have a highly visible presence into the evening.
If you see any unlawful activity, please contact Police via 111 if it is happening now or 105 if its after the fact either online or over the phone.
Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre.
