Police monitored the movements of gang members through the roading network across the North Island as they departed Foxton following the funeral for senior Head Hunter gang member, William Hines (pictured, centre) on Monday.
Assistant Commissioner, Mike Johnson said Police coordinated the road policing operation across multiple Police districts to ensure safe behaviour and, when and where necessary, to take appropriate enforcement action.
“No significant issues have been reported during the large gathering of mourners at Motuiti Marae. Police wish to thank the public for their patience while traffic management measures were in place,” the Asst Commissioner said.
One person was arrested for a driving-related matter immediately after the tangi. Another was seriously injured after a single vehicle crash on SH1 near Rangipo around 4.30pm. State Highway 1 was closed and diversions put in place as a result of the crash.
“We have been clear throughout that any unlawful or unsafe behaviour on the road network will not be tolerated,” said Asst Commissioner Johnson.
More than 100 gang members made the 500km trip on motorcycles from the Head Hunters’ East Auckland headquarters to Foxton for the funeral at Motuiti marae.
Mr Hines, who had type 2 diabetes, had been serving an 18-year prison sentence for drug offences, but was released late last year on compassionate grounds.
He died last week after his heart stopped while receiving dialysis.
