Firearms Discharge at Tuhoe Tangi
National News Release 8:01pm 3 February 2005
Police have acknowledged that the discharge of firearms in the presence of dignitaries as part of tangi have occurred in
the past at Tuhoe marae, the District Commander for Bay of Plenty, Superintendent Gary Smith said today.
Superintendent Smith said that he could confirm that a firearm was pointed into the air and discharged at the tangi of
Sir Te Ahikaiata John Turei. The Prime Minister, Governor General and members of the Diplomatic Protection Squad were
present.
"On a separate day as part of the same Tangi a firearm was again discharged into the air as part of the welcoming
process for the Commissioner of Police and other senior Police officers.
"DPS members who were present on the first occasion brought the event to the attention of local police and inquiries
were made to establish that this was the custom on this marae and to determine details of the practice.
"Discussions were held with the Marae Committee to confirm the practice and to advise them of their legal obligations if
they were to continue. This included ensuring that the person carrying out the practice was a licensed firearm holder
and that it would be done in such a way as not to alarm or intimidate people. Blank rounds were essential.
"Considering the context of this practice and the response from the Marae Committee Police decided not to take the
matter any further," said Superintendent Gary Smith.