Police can apply for special search warrant powers as part of a homicide investigation following the death of a woman in Ngāruawāhia last week.
The Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act 2023 allows police to apply for special search warrant powers during times of gang conflict.
Waikato Police sought the warrant following the death of Turipapa Tukere, 42, after a violent brawl.
Acting Detective Inspector Andy Saunders said police were alerted to a number of people fighting on Waipa Esplanade near the intersection of Newton St at around 1.30pm on December 27.
“Sometime later, a critically injured woman was taken to the ambulance station on Jordan St but was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”
A homicide investigation was launched later that afternoon.
Saunders said local staff would be supported by officers from Auckland following Tukere’s tangi.
“Any antisocial or unlawful behaviour and/or driving-related offending will not be tolerated and those involved can expect to be met with enforcement action.
“Police will exercise powers under the Search and Surveillance Act through gang conflict warrants as necessary to prevent any retaliatory behaviour or further harm.”
Police were still wanting to hear from anyone with information which may lead to an arrest, Saunders said.
“We know there are people who know who is responsible and we are asking them to come forward.”
