A police roadblock on Te Nae Road as emergency services attend a motor vehicle accident on Vaughan Road, Rotorua. Photo: NZME / Kelly Makiha
Police say they won't tolerate unlawful behaviour from gang members gathering near Rotorua for the funeral of a teen who died following a police pursuit on Thursday.
The teen's name has not yet been released by police. The Rotorua Daily Post understands he is closely linked to gangs through his family members.
A Ngongotahā resident has told the Rotorua Daily Post the community was fearful of what would happen on Monday at the teen's tangi following unruly gang behaviour when the teen's body was taken to a family member's home near Ngongotahā on Friday.
A video given to the Rotorua Daily Post showed the teen's body being transported near Ngongotahā amid a procession of cars that were being driven while doing burnouts and with drivers displaying unruly behaviour.
The resident said police were driving alongside the procession but did nothing to stop the allegedly unlawful activity.
Rotorua police area commander Inspector Herby Ngawhika told the Rotorua Daily Post police were monitoring the teen's tangi.
"Police are maintaining 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 the video on Friday and had since reiterated their clear expectations.
"This activity has not continued in following days. Police recognise the right for people to grieve, however, we must also ensure the law is upheld and others in the community can be and feel safe."
Ngawhika said police were in close contact with the family who had set clear expectations for gang members planning to attend the tangi.
"Police have also engaged with gang leaders to communicate our expectations about the behaviour of those attending."
A range of police staff would be deployed on Monday to monitor the funeral procession.
"Our expectations are very clear - we have zero tolerance for unlawful behaviour. If people choose to drive poorly or engage in disorderly behaviour, they can expect follow-up enforcement action."
Ngawhika said police encouraged the public to report any instances of unlawful activity on the road to them so they could take action.
Please contact 111 if it is happening now or report other matters to police by calling 105 or going online to police.govt.nz/use-105.
The scene on Vaughan Road, Rotorua, where a teenager died following a police chase. Photo: NZME / Kelly Makiha
The crash
Ngawhika said last week police spotted a vehicle of interest about 11.30am on Thursday on Haupapa St and signalled for the driver to stop.
The car sped off and police pursued it. It collided with another vehicle on Vaughan Rd in Ōwhata.
The teen, who was driving the fleeing vehicle, died at the scene while his passenger received minor injuries and was taken to Rotorua Hospital.
Two people in the other vehicle were taken to Rotorua Hospital with moderate injuries.
The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
Police are seeking witnesses to the crash, and dash cam footage from the area at the time.
Tributes flow
Hundreds of tributes have been posted on social media about the teen who died.
Many described him as being cheeky but loving and respectful. One person said he was a "bright light when we saw your beautiful handsome face with the most cheekiest smile".
The Rotorua Daily Post approached his family for comment.
This story was originally published by the NZ Herald.