Friends and family members have paid tribute to a woman who died in Ngāruawāhia after a violent brawl in broad daylight, while police have been given special powers to prevent any gang retaliations.

A homicide investigation is ongoing after 42-year-old Turipapa Tukere died in the small Waikato town, 20km north-west of Hamilton, on Friday.

Emergency services were called to a fight between multiple people on Waipa Esplanade, near the intersection of Newton St, about 1.30pm.

A critically injured Tukere was taken to the ambulance station on Jordan St but died before she could be airlifted to the hospital.

One family member posted on Tukere’s Facebook page, saying “Rest in love my aunty I can’t believe your gone, gone to soon my aunty [sic]”.

“Still tryna comprehend no one deserve that especially not you but I hope you didn’t suffer pup pup,” another said.

Another person commented, “no one deserves that, special not YOU...until we meet on the other side, to have a runner down and katakata... look over us, and give uncle, Nun a hug for me please”.

Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders, of the Waikato CIB, said the circumstances leading to Tukere’s death were understood to involve “two distinct groups of gang members” and urged anyone with information to come forward.

“We’re just working hard to get some justice for Turipapa and her whānau,” Saunders said.

Emergency services were called to a fight between multiple people on Waipa Esplanade, near the intersection of Newton St. Photo / Google Maps

Saunders told NZME police had received intelligence there was a potential for gang conflict as a result of Tukere’s death.

He said there could be retaliation between the Tribal Huk and Mongrel Mob, the main gangs in the town.

Accordingly, a gang conflict warrant has been issued under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act 2023. The act allows police to apply for special search warrant powers during times of gang conflict.

“Police will exercise powers under the Search and Surveillance Act through gang conflict warrants as necessary to prevent any retaliatory behaviour or further harm.”

Saunders said police are “committed to identifying who is responsible for Turipapa’s death”.

“There are people who know who is responsible and who are withholding information from the police, but now is the time to do the right thing and speak to us.”

The increased police presence will remain in the Ngāruawāhia area.

“We know this is unsettling for our community and those involved, and officers will be carrying out reassurance patrols in the area,” he said.

Anyone with information that could assist the inquiries is urged to contact the police online or call 105, quoting the reference number 241227/6958.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

- NZ Herald