Deadly crash in Rotorua: Ngongotahā residents’ fears as gangs swarm to teens’ tangi

Police say they will not tolerate unlawful behavior from gang members gathering near Rotorua for the funeral of a teenager who was killed Thursday after a police chase.

The teen’s name has not yet been released by police. The Rotorua daily mail understands that he is closely linked to gangs through his family members.

A resident of Ngongotahā told the story Rotorua daily mail The community feared what would happen at the teenager’s tangi on Monday following unruly gang behavior when the teenager’s body was taken to a relative’s home near Ngongotahā on Friday.

A video given to the Rotorua daily mail showed the teenager’s body being transported near Ngongotahā amid a procession of cars being driven while doing burnouts and with drivers exhibiting unruly behavior.

The resident said police drove past the procession but did nothing to stop the alleged unlawful activity.

Rotorua Police Area Commander Inspector Herby Ngawhika told police Rotorua daily mail Police were monitoring the teen’s tangi.

“Police remain a visible presence as Ngongotahā sees a greater presence of gang members paying their respects.”

He said police were aware of the activity seen in the video on Friday and had since reiterated their clear expectations.

“This activity did not continue in the following days. Police recognize people’s right to grieve, but we must also ensure that the law is followed and that others in the community can be and feel safe.”

Ngawhika said police were in close contact with the family, who had raised clear expectations of gang members planning to attend the tangi.

“Police have also been in contact with gang leaders to express our expectations about the behavior of those present.”

A slew of police personnel would be deployed on Monday to keep an eye on the funeral procession.

“Our expectations are very clear: we have zero tolerance for unlawful behavior. If people choose to drive impaired or engage in disorderly behavior, they can expect follow-up enforcement action.”

Ngawhika said police encouraged the public to report incidents of unlawful activity on the road to them so they could take action.

If this is happening now, contact 111 or report other matters to the police by calling 105 or going online to police.govt.nz/use-105.

The crash

Ngawhika said police spotted a vehicle of interest on Haupapa St around 11.30am last Thursday and signaled the driver to stop.

The car took off and police gave chase. It collided with another vehicle on Vaughan Rd in Ōwhata.

The teenager, who was driving the fleeing vehicle, died at the scene while his passenger suffered minor injuries and was taken to Rotorua Hospital.

Two people in the other vehicle were taken to Rotorua Hospital with minor injuries.

The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

Police are looking for witnesses to the accident and dashcam footage from the area.

Tributes flow

Hundreds of tributes have been posted on social media about the teenager who died.

Many described him as brutal but loving and respectful. One person said he was a “bright light when we saw your beautiful, handsome face with the cheekiest smile.”

The Rotorua daily mail approached his family for comment.

This story was originally published by the NZ Herald.