Gang funeral is monitored by police in Lower Hutt, Porirua

RNZ had also heard of gang members banging and barking on cars.

Minister Mark Mitchell said he was not surprised by the behavior because “the Mongrel Mob are idiots.”

“This is how they behave, they are antisocial and they think they’re above the law and they think they’re in charge and that’s why we’ve been very tough on the gangs.”

But he was convinced that the police had everything under control.

“It involves the death of a vice president of the Mongrel Mob. The police have a lot of resources to respond to this and from what I understand they have good control over it.

Police had the resources they needed to manage the tangi, Mitchell said.

“The gangs need to understand that that’s what they are no longer running through the streets.”

He said police under the coalition government had changed their approach to such events.

“There’s been a big change in the way they do that, there’s no longer any standing around and filming and maybe some follow-up action. Basically they’re arresting people, confiscating vehicles, actually implementing the laws as we would expect from them.”

And when the gang patch ban law goes into effect in a few weeks, Mitchell said he expects it to be enforced at such events as well.

Visible police presence

The funeral will take place in Lower Hutt on Tuesday morning, with a procession to Whenua Tapu Cemetery in Porirua.

Inspector Shaun Lingard, Hutt Valley prevention manager, said police maintained a visible presence in the Lower Hutt area overnight and would continue to monitor the procession today.

“Unlawful activity will not be tolerated and any unlawful behavior will be investigated and followed up with enforcement action.”

Lingard said there was likely to be traffic disruption in Lower Hutt, particularly around Moera, in the late morning and in Porirua and State Highway 58 in the early afternoon.

“Motorists should expect some temporary disruption and plan accordingly.

“If you are concerned about your safety, or witness illegal behavior, please call 911 immediately.”

– RNZ