Incredible display of force as hundreds of bikers attend the funeral of the club leader believed to have been mowed down by rival gangs – as tensions flare
- Mongrel Mob motorcyclist killed in New Zealand
- Hundreds of cyclists have converged in a small town
Tensions rise as hundreds of bikers descend on a New Zealand town following the death of a club leader believed to have been murdered by rival gang members.
The town of Ōpōtiki, in the Bay of Plenty region, was overrun last week with patched members of the Mongrel Mob Barbarians for the funeral of local club president Steven Taiatini.
Taiatini is believed to have been mowed down by a ute on the city’s St John Street on the night of June 9, reportedly amid a dispute with rival group Black Power.
The residences of some Black Power members have been set on fire in the following days, and there have also been reports of shots being fired at property.
About 100 police reinforcements were dispatched to the town, population 10,000, before the Mongrel Mob members poured in.
Tensions rise in a New Zealand town after the death of a motorcyclist amid a gang brawl
Motorcycles tore through Ōpōtiki’s main street ahead of Steven Taiatini’s funeral
Footage shows crowds of motorcyclists, dressed in the group’s signature red, zip through the city on their bikes and American muscle cars as a scattering of blue-unformed police posters watch and film the procession.
Dozens of club members could be seen performing the haka as Taiatini’s coffin was carried from club headquarters to his funeral service.
Taiatini was a former meth user who had cleaned up and instituted a “no meth” rule for members.
He was married to partner Pauline Tai last year and explained in an interview how he tried to change the club culture from within.
“We are shifting to become more responsible for ourselves and our families.”
“We’re not just gang members, we’re trying to provide better men, better fathers and grandfathers, and be better leaders for our families.”
“The young barbarians need positive role models and need to learn pro-social behaviors that feel good about being part of the community.”
Steven Taiatini (pictured) was the local president of the Mongrel Mob Barbarians and is believed to have been mowed down by a car
Mongrel Mob cyclists in their signature red colors march through the small community
Some locals reportedly left town as patched bikes started pouring in
Police have yet to track down those responsible for his death and the investigation focuses on a burnt-out car found nearby.
Detective Inspector Lew Warner said the silver Holden Colorado 4×4 was found on Waitohu Valley Rd and Taiatini’s injuries were consistent with being hit by a car.
“The investigation team believes that this vehicle was likely involved in the death of Mr. Taiatini,” said Det Insp Warner.
“Police continue to ask for information, no matter how insignificant people may find it,” he added.
“We know there were people who saw what happened and we urge them to come forward.”
A burnt-out car is an important focus of the investigation, according to the police