Mourners could have put others at risk: Cops
Driving footage viewed after crowd attends gang member’s funeral
Anyone who put others in danger during the farewell of Head Hunters gang member Taranaki “Ardie” Fuimaono yesterday will be held accountable, police say.
Clouds of smoke from motorcycle burnouts filled the streets outside Grey Lynn’s St Joseph’s Catholic Church early yesterday afternoon as mourners prepared to travel across the city, including to Avondale and eventually Ma¯ngere, where Fuimaono was laid to rest.
There were no arrests but police have footage and have received information from the public “about some of the driving behaviour exhibited”, Tamaki Makaurau Inspector Jacqui Whittaker said.
“Police will be following this information up to ensure anyone who was seen putting others in danger will be held accountable. Anyone with information or who has witnessed any concerning behaviour is encouraged to report it to police by phoning 105.”
Police temporarily cordoned off major arterial route Great North Rd between Williamson Ave and Coleridge St, with cordons also put in place on Crummer Rd and Coleridge St, as mourners began the journey south to Ma¯ngere Lawn Cemetery.
The cordons were a precaution to help manage traffic and keep people safe, Whittaker said. Road authorities had earlier warned motorists to avoid the area, or allow for extra travel time.
More than 300 mourners, among them many gang members, gathered for the 43-year-old father’s funeral. Fuimaono died shortly after being taken into police custody six days ago.
Patched gang members were among those standing quietly outside St Joseph’s as the service took place inside.
Despite the large gang presence, few police officers were on site, but the police Eagle helicopter hovered over the area for some time.
Some mourners wore white, while a large number of gang members were clad in black and wore their gang patches.
Members of at least six gangs seemingly called a truce to come together for the funeral.
As well as the Head Hunters, members of Hells Angels, Sons of Samoa, the Mongrel Mob and Black Power gangs — some of whom are traditional rivals — attended the farewell.
Mourners wearing King Cobra patches were also among those gathered. It’s understood Fuimaono was a former KC member.
After leaving St Joseph’s, friends and family travelled to other parts of the city to mark Fuimaono’s life, including Avondale, before he was laid to rest at Ma¯ngere Lawn Cemetery.
The wake followed at Pt Chevalier Pirates Rugby League Club.
Police cars and motorbikes were seen patrolling the area, but not stopping at the club.
A family service for Fuimaono was held at St Joseph’s on Thursday night, with a service sheet including photos of him as a boy, a young man and later as a father of young children.
His coffin included the Samoan flag painted on the side of it.
Fuimaono, of Westmere, was arrested last Saturday evening and later died in Auckland City Hospital.
Police said they were providing support for his family.
A critical investigation has begun to establish the circumstances surrounding Fuimaono’s death.
The matter has also been reported to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, WorkSafe NZ and the coroner.