Today Police announce a nationwide operation to disrupt and prevent firearms-related violence by criminal gangs and
organised crime groups.
The operation, named Operation Tauwhiro, is a long term, nationally coordinated operation focused on harm prevention and
enforcement.
“Violent offending, particularly involving firearms, poses significant risk and causes fear and long term harm in our
communities," says Commissioner Andrew Coster.
“Groups that commit violence involving firearms can expect to be the focus of significant Police enforcement attention.
This kind of offending is completely unacceptable and is a high priority for investigators.
“A key focus of the operation will be investigating and disrupting the illegal supply of firearms to gangs and organised
crime groups, which is enabling firearms violence.
This includes the illegal manufacture, modification, and supply of firearms to gangs and organised crime groups.
“The operation will hold these people to account while also identifying where we can prevent further harm and
victimisation."
“Each Police District will run their own tailored initiative and will work closely with iwi and our partner agencies to
identify underlying risk factors and implement appropriate interventions. This may include working with iwi, community
NGOs, probation and parole officers, and other community groups to offer services and support that can help address the
underlying causes of violence and build greater community resilience,” says Commissioner Coster.
Operation Tauwhiro is the first operation aligned to the new Organised Crime Strategy.
The strategy provides a framework for delivering the Police-specific elements of the Transnational Organised Crime
Strategy, the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities work programme, and broader prevention and enforcement
activities.
A key element of the strategy is to address organised crime, its social drivers and the harm it causes.
Police welcomes information from anyone who has concerns about organised crime, illicit drugs or illegal firearms in
their community.
They are encouraged to report online at 105.police.govt.nz, call Police on 105, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.