Attributable to Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson:
A procession of vehicles travelling from Tāmaki Makaurau to Foxton for funeral proceedings for William Hines has now arrived.
Police have today had a strong and visible presence across the North Island, ahead of the proceedings at Motuiti Marae in Foxton.
This morning, Police established checkpoints on Marua Road in Ellerslie, as the procession was preparing to depart.
Several infringement notices were issued at these checkpoints, and one person failed an alcohol breath screening test.
Around 50-60 bikes and a number of support vehicles left Ellerslie, and these numbers increased and decreased at various points throughout the day.
We have continued to monitor and police the movements of the procession today, and our focus has been to mitigate any disruptions on the roading network as much as we possibly can.
Police have impounded one motorbike and seized a stolen car, and a number of infringements have been issued. A number of follow-up inquiries will also be undertaken and we will take the appropriate action.
The Police helicopter, Eagle, has been deployed to assist with monitoring the roading network and will remain in Central District as required, to provide support to our officers on the ground.
Around 100 staff are assigned to the operation across various Police districts and for different phases.
The safety of the public is our absolute priority, and Police’s focus now turns to the community in and around Foxton over the next couple of days.
We can reassure the public that Police will have a presence in the area, and will be ready to respond when required.
Police will act on any unlawful activity where we can safely do so, but we would like to hear from anyone who may witness any offending taking place. These matters can be reported via 105, either over the phone or online. When you are making your report, please advise if you have any videos or photos of the offending.
Anyone who finds themselves in a position where they do not feel safe is asked to contact Police immediately on 111.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
