The body of Head Hunters gang leader William "Bird" Hines is transported along SH1. Photo: RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham
Hundreds of gang members who were in Foxton today for a funeral are now leaving to head home.
State Highway 1 was briefly blocked during the tangi for Head Hunters gang leader William "Bird" Hines which began at 11am this morning.
But police said there had been no significant issues reported during the large gathering of mourners at Motuiti Marae today.
In a statement, Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson said police continued to monitor the gang members' movements through the North Island roading network as they left Foxton.
"We are co-ordinating the road policing operation across multiple police districts to ensure safe behaviour and, when and where necessary, to take appropriate enforcement action," he said.
Police thanked the public for their patience while traffic management measures were in place, he said.
Johnson said one person was arrested for a driving-related matter immediately after the tangi.
Horowhenua mayor Bernie Wanden said the funeral was one of the biggest the small town had seen.
"The challenge was more around getting them in and out of the marae onto State Highway 1 this afternoon, but everything seems to have gone relatively smoothly and without too much incident, and those people are now returning to their homes," Wanden said.
While there had been some minor traffic issues, there had been no major problems, he said.
"I'm sure the work that police have done in being proactive has helped, but also the way that the community have reacted obviously well too, they've gone about their business in a normal manner, but also the way the tangi itself has gone fairly smoothly and without incident."
Traffic management near the Motuiti Marae on State Highway 1 was now being lifted, but police would remain in the area for the next day or so, he said.
Bikers arrive for the funeral of a gang member at Foxton on 27 November 2023. Photo: RNZ
Earlier, police kept the crowd contained. Both patched gang members and members of the public were evident at the scene.
RNZ's reporter in Foxton said the main highway was briefly blocked as Hines' coffin was transported along the road.
He described the procession as orderly, but significant in size.
Meanwhile, smoke from a bike burnout could be seen billowing through the crowds and many appeared to be filming the procession as it went past.
Photo: RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham
The police said officers dealt with a number of driving-related offences overnight but there were no significant problems.
Police had a strong presence at the tangi. Photo: RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham
