A police barricade on Te Nae Road as emergency services respond to a motor vehicle crash on Vaughan Road, Rotorua.
Photograph: NZME / Kelly Makiha

Police say they will not tolerate illegal behavior by gang members gathering near Rotorua for a funeral. A teenager died after a police pursuit on Thursday..

The teenager’s name has not yet been released by police. Rotorua Daily Post He realizes that he is closely connected to gangs through family members.

A Ngongotahā resident said: Rotorua Daily Post The community feared what would happen on Monday in the teenager’s tangi following unruly gang behavior when the teenager’s body was taken to a family member’s home near Ngongotahā on Friday.

a given video Rotorua Daily Post It showed the teenager’s body being transported near Ngongotahā amidst a car procession in which cars were driven while burnout and drivers displayed unruly behavior.

The resident said police marched along the parade but did nothing to stop the allegedly illegal activity.

Rotorua police district commander Inspector Herby Ngawhika said: Rotorua Daily Post The police were watching the young man’s tangi.

“Police maintain a visible presence as Ngongotahā sees an increased presence of gang members paying their respects.”

He said police were aware of the activity seen in Friday’s video and have since reiterated their clear expectations.

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

Ngawhika said police had been in close contact with the family, who had set clear expectations for gang members planning to join the tangi.

“Police have also contacted gang leaders to convey our expectations regarding the behavior of those involved.”

A number of police teams will be deployed on Monday to monitor the funeral procession.

“Our expectations are very clear; we have zero tolerance for illegal behaviour. If people choose to drive badly or engage in unruly behavior, they can expect enforcement to follow.”

Ngawhika said police encouraged the public to report any illegal activity on the road to them so they could take action.

If this is currently happening please call 111 or report other issues to the police by calling 105 or going online. police.govt.nz/use-105.

The scene where a teenager dies following a police chase on Vaughan Road in Rotorua.
Photograph: NZME / Kelly Makiha

Accident

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

As the vehicle sped away, the police chased after it. It collided with another vehicle on Vaughan Road in Ōwhata.

The young man driving the getaway vehicle died at the scene, while his passenger suffered minor injuries and was taken to Rotorua Hospital.

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

The matter was referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

Police are looking for witnesses to the crash and are searching for dashcam footage from the area at the time.

tribute flow

Hundreds of commemorative articles were published on social media about the young man who lost his life.

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

Rotorua Daily Post He approached his family for comment.

This story was first published by The Guardian. New Zealand Herald.