MPs chafe at police ‘pandering’

Police cordoning off part of a major road for a gang member’s funeral procession yesterday was another example of gangs becoming more emboldened, National Party police spokesman Simeon Brown says.

Head Hunters gang member Taranaki “Ardie” Fuimaono, 43, died shortly after being taken into police custody almost a week ago.

Temporary cordons were put in place on Great North Rd between Williamson Ave and Coleridge St, as well as Crummer Rd and Coleridge St, to manage traffic congestion in the area, police said.

“Police want to reassure the community that these cordons are a precaution to ensure the safety of all motorists travelling around the area,” a police statement said.

But Brown told Newstalk ZB road closures sent a message that what mattered was “the gangs being able to do what they want regardless of what the law says”.

“Everyone has a right to a funeral and to honour their dead but the reality is when streets start being closed and that starts affecting other people’s rights to go about their daily business that’s something of very serious concern. People need to follow the law.

“I have very serious concerns about the increase in gang numbers and the fact they’re becoming more emboldened . . . [we’re seeing] gangs pushing the boundaries.”

Act justice spokeswoman Nicole McKee also took aim at the closure.

“Why are police shutting down streets, stopping Kiwis going about their everyday lives instead of moving an intimidating gang procession along?

“It’s time we stop pandering to these intimidating gang members, arrest them when they break the law and tell them to get out of the way of law-abiding Kiwis going about their business.”