26 Nov 2023

Police keep a close eye on Head Hunters funeral in Foxton

12:07 pm on 26 November 2023
Cropped image of headhunters patches

The funeral of Head Hunters leader William Hines is set to take place tomorrow (file photo). Photo: RNZ / John Edens

Police are keeping a close eye on Foxton, as Head Hunters gang members gather for the funeral of a senior member tomorrow.

In a statement, police said there had been no significant events overnight, aside from a stolen car being seized.

After reports of suspicious behaviour, police conducted a traffic stop on Otaki Gorge Rd at 9.50pm last night and stopped a stolen car with stolen plates.

The car was seized, along with a weapon found inside the car.

Officers had made reassurance visits to businesses in Foxton and surrounding areas, with visits to continue over the coming days.

Residents of Foxton and nearby towns could expect a continued significant police presence today and tomorrow.

A procession of Head Hunters members arrived in Foxton yesterday, ahead of the funeral of William "Bird" Hines, a prominent leader of the gang.

More than 100 police had monitored the procession, backed by the Eagle helicopter.

Yesterday, Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson said so far the gang procession's behaviour "has been reasonably good".

Funeral proceedings were expected to take place on Monday.

Police continued to ask anymore who witnessed unlawful or unsafe behaviour to get in touch via 105, online or on the phone.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs