Waitara ‘character’ mourned
Former teammates and friends have paid tribute to a Taranaki man shot dead by police.
Alan Neville Rowe, known as Snow, died at the scene on Mamaku Rd, off State Highway 3, near Waitara on Tuesday afternoon after he was shot by officers when he pointed a cut-down rifle at them.
Rowe has been remembered as a talented sportsman playing rugby league at both club level for the Waitara Bears and at representative level for the Taranaki Sharks.
The 54-year-old has also been described as a ‘‘bit of a character’’ by those who knew him well.
Former Kiwi rugby league player and spokesman for the Waitara Bears, Tony Kemp, grew up with Rowe and his brother Greig playing rugby and league.
‘‘He was a staunch Waitara Bear,’’ Kemp, who was head coach at the Warriors in 2004-05, said.
As younger men, they hung out in the same social circle and Kemp considered them to be good friends.
While Rowe was known to keep to himself, he came from a good family who were well known and regarded in the town.
‘‘They’re a proud family, the Rowe family.’’
Kemp, who played 87 games for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL, recalled being shocked at the news of Rowe’s death.
‘‘It’s not good when someone has their life taken away from them.’’
While he had not been in contact with Rowe in recent years, Kemp said he was known for his hunter-gatherer skills and was also a good surfer.
‘‘He was rugged and tough and what you saw was what you got,’’ Kemp said.
‘‘Everyone’s mourning him for their own reasons.’’
Alan Jackson, Mid-Central zone rugby league football and development manager, played alongside Rowe in both club and representative league teams.
‘‘He was a good teammate and a good friend,’’ Jackson said.
Rowe was pretty quick around the paddock and played in the centres or on the wing.
‘‘He was a bit of a fireball on the field and he played hard.
‘‘He was a good footballer and he was good to have on your side.’’
Jackson said news of Rowe’s death had shocked the rugby league community.
‘‘A lot of the old boys have been communicating online and reminiscing about the good times, reliving the good experiences we had both on and off the field.’’
Stacey O’Carroll, who played rugby league alongside Rowe, described him as an all-round sportsman who also played softball, touch and surfed.
O’Carroll said Rowe was a tough competitor who played to win and news of his death was gut wrenching.
‘‘I just bawled my eyes out for a couple of hours. It’s just a tragedy.’’
Rawiri Door bar, Otaraua hapu¯ leader, said he knew Snow and his family well.
Door bar described the shooting as an absolute tragedy for the community.
‘‘Snowman was born and bred in Waitara and is well respected in our community,’’ Door bar said. ‘‘Our condolences go out to his wha¯ nau and to all his Waitara brothers and sisters.’’
A Critical Incident Investigation into the shooting is under way and the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.