Please attribute to Detective Inspector Lew Warner:
Police investigating the death of Steven Taiatini in Ōpōtiki are seeking information on a vehicle.
Mr Taiatini died following an incident on Saint John Street in Ōpōtiki on 9 June.
The burnt-out vehicle, pictured, was located on Sunday morning on Waiotahe Valley Road.
Police believe the vehicle was set alight overnight on Saturday.
Investigative staff are conducting extensive enquiries into Mr Taiatini’s death, including whether there is any connection with this vehicle.
We are committed to establishing what has occurred and locating those responsible for his death.
We acknowledge that the incident is concerning to the wider community and Police will maintain a strong presence in the town during and after the tangi.
Additional staff from both inside and outside of the Bay of Plenty District have been brought in to provide extra support, and are monitoring the large number of gang members who have come into town following Mr Taiatini’s death.
The community can be assured that any unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated.
Anyone with concerns for their safety is urged to call 111 immediately.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has knowledge of the burnt-out vehicle, or who has seen anything suspicious in the area.
If you have any information that may assist Police in our investigation, please contact Police on 105 or via https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update Report.
Please reference file number: 230610/2652.
Alternatively, you can report information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
