Police, including a helicopter, are monitoring a gang-connected funeral of a prominent Mongrel Mob member in Tauranga today, with one arrest already made. 

NZME understands the funeral is for Wayne George Kelly, known as Ned Kelly. 

There is a strong police presence in the suburb of Matapihi and there are also police in Judea near Huria Marae. 

In Matapihi, a huge convoy of police vehicles has left and officers were walking back to their vehicles from a cordon. More than 12 police vehicles were parked near the entrance to the peninsula suburb, with others parked further down. A police helicopter circled the area before flying off towards the city. 

A procession is due to travel across Tauranga late-morning with checkpoints in place to monitor any unlawful activity, Bay of Plenty Police district commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said in an update about 11.30am. 

“We want to provide space for family and friends to grieve the loss of a loved one, however, we want to make it clear that no unlawful activity will be tolerated and enforcement action will be taken where unlawful activity is identified.” 

Police arrested a driver and seized their vehicle after they were allegedly seen driving dangerously on Owens Place around 9am, Anderson said. 

The 30-year-old man is due to appear in the Tauranga District Court on charges of dangerous driving. 

Extra staff and resources have been called in for the funeral, including the Police Eagle helicopter with police saying no unlawful activity will be accepted including breaches of the new gang patch law. 

“Yesterday, police were monitoring the movements of gang members and associates across Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty with the majority of attendees displaying good judgment and not engaging in unlawful activity,” Anderson said. 

Mongrel Mob members attending a previous tangi in Hawke's Bay. Photo / Connull Lang 

“However, police did arrest three Mongrel Mob members, two aged 32 and one aged 31, who didn’t get the message and were charged for wearing various items of clothing displaying Mongrel Mob insignia,” Anderson said. 

“They are due to appear in the Tauranga District Court on December 2. 

A 32-year-old patched East Side member was arrested on unrelated charges of shoplifting. 

Anderson said police have been running checkpoints across the district and were watching as a convoy carrying the deceased drove through Tauranga. 

“Three motorbikes were seized after allegedly being used to disrupt traffic and block roads across Tauranga. 

“We ask that attendees paying their respects today make good choices. There is no place for unlawful activity and we will take enforcement action against anyone breaking the law. 

“If you see any unlawful activity please contact police and provide as much detail as you can. If you have immediate concerns for your safety, please call 111. If you are reporting matters after the fact, please contact 105 either online or over the phone, referencing file number 241126/9365.” 

‘Make smart decisions’ 

Acting Western Bay of Plenty area commander Detective Inspector Craig Rawlinson said in a statement that following the death of a prominent Mongrel Mob member, gang members and associates were expected to travel into the Western Bay of Plenty area to pay their respects. 

“While it is important to provide a space for family and friends to pay their respects, we want to remind those planning to attend the funeral to make smart decisions and not publicly display gang insignia,” Rawlinson said. 

The Gangs Act 2024 bans the display of gang patches in public places. 

Additional staff from Bay of Plenty and other districts will be in the Tauranga area to support Western Bay of Plenty Police. 

“We will maintain an increased presence, monitoring movements of gang members and associates, and will be ready to respond if required,” Rawlinson said. 

- SunLive