Hundreds of gang members have farewelled Mongrel Mob member Kevin Ratana who was shot and killed in Whanganui last week.
About a half a dozen Harley Davidson motorcycles heralded Kevin Ratana's arrival at the urupā at Pungarehu marae. Photo: RNZ/Robin Martin
The 27-year-old's tangi was held at Parikino Marae on Whanganui River Road this morning before the father-of-two was laid to rest nearby.
About a half a dozen Harley Davidson motorcycles heralded Mr Ratana's, also known as Castro, arrival at the urupā at Pungarehu, a marae nestled on the banks of the Whanganui River.
Mongrel Mob members from chapters from around the country came - and even the Cook Islands - but also King Cobras and members of Australia's notorious Rebels MC.
Marsha, from the Mongrel Mob, had come across from the Bay of Plenty.
"It's got to be the biggest funeral I've ever seen and I'm 40. I've witnessed a lot of unification with other chapters and other gangs," Marsha said.
"That in itself is a big thing for gangs in New Zealand."
The turnout was influenced by how Mr Ratana died, she said.
"I think it's the love, you know, the love for Castro or Kevin. The sadness of, the repercussions of, you know, what happens and just the whole sadness of it all.
"I can't say anything more than he was just so young."
Marsha had come over to speak to Petrine Wickham, who lives near the Pungarehu Marae.
Mrs Wickham's family has long ties to the Ratanas and was not worried about the big gang presence.
"It's been no different than normal just that we've seen some very nice cars and bikes going up the road," Mrs Wickham said.
"In all fairness, we do get treated with utmost respect from most of the young people roundabout."
Police had kept a low profile, she said.
"I've seen none. If there are any police around they must be in plain cars, but nobodies called in here so we haven't seen any police presence."
Mongrel Mob members from around the country, and even the Cook Islands, King Cobras and Rebels MC members were present at 27-year-old Kevin Ratana's tangi. Photo: RNZ/Robin Martin
While the police presence on Whanganui River Road was low key today, they were busy in the city.
Inspector Mark Harrison said warrants had been executed at a number of properties in relation to the shooting and an unspecified number of arrests had been made.
Now the tangi was over police were being extra vigilant with so many gang members in the area, he said.
"The nature of gang versus gang events is unfortunately something police have dealt with a number of times, and that's why we have increased our numbers in Whanganui to make sure that if anything did happen we've both got the ability to respond, but there's also sufficient numbers to ensure the safety of our people as well, which is just as important."
Mr Harrison wanted to assure the public there was little cause for concern.
Marsha said the overwhelming message of the tangi was one of peace.
"It's such a sad thing. It's brought everyone together with the ultimate love," Marsha said.
"It was strongly, strongly spoken of. Love for each other especially when you experience something like this. Just to love."
However, Marsha could not say whether the gang was prepared to forgive what had happened.
"I can't delve on that. I'm not a man. It's not for a woman to say. It's not for a woman to say."
Police said they would continue to have an increased presence in Whanganui over the next couple of days and the eagle helicopter would remain in the city tomorrow.