Mongrel Mob members flood into New Zealand town of Ōpōtiki for funeral of Steven Taiatini

Tensions are rising as hundreds of bikies descended on a New Zealand town after the death of a club leader believed to have been killed by rival gang members. 

The town of Ōpōtiki, in the Bay of Plenty region, was awash with patched members of the Mongrel Mob Barbarians last week for the funeral of local club president Steven Taiatini.

Taiatini is believed to have been mowed down by a ute on St John Street in the town on the night of June 9, reportedly amid a dispute with rival group Black Power. 

The residences of some Black Power members have been torched in the days since and there have also been reports of shots being fired at properties.

About 100 police reinforcements were sent to the town, population 10,000, ahead of the Mongrel Mob members who flooded in.

Tensions are rising in a New Zealand town following the death of a bikie boss amid a gang dispute

Motorcycles tore through the main street of Ōpōtiki ahead of Steven Taiatini’s funeral 

Footage shows hoards of the bikies, wearing the group’s characteristic red, driving through town on their bikes and in American muscle cars as a scattering of blue-unformed police stand watch and film the procession.

Dozens of club members could be seen performing the haka as Taiatini’s coffin was carried from the club’s headquarters to his funeral service. 

Taiatini was a former meth user who had cleaned up and instituted a ‘no meth’ rule for members. 

He was last year married to partner Pauline Tai and explained in an interview how he was trying to change the club culture from the inside.

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‘We’re shifting to make us more accountable for ourselves and our families.’

‘We’re not just gang members, we’re trying to provide better men, better fathers and grandfathers and be better leaders for our families.’ 

‘The young barbarians they need positive role models and to learn pro-social behaviour and that being a part of the community feels good.’

Steven Taiatini (pictured) was the local Mongrel Mob Barbarians president and is believed to have been mowed down by a car

Mongrel Mob bikies in their trademark red colours march through the small community 

Some locals reportedly left town as patched bikies flooded in 

Police are yet to track down those responsible for his death and the investigation is  focusing on a burnt-out car found nearby.

Detective Inspector Lew Warner said the silver Holden Colorado 4×4 was found on Waitohu Valley Rd and Taiatini’s injuries were consistent with being hit by a car.

‘The investigation team believe this vehicle is likely to have been involved in the death of Mr Taiatini,’ Det Insp Warner said.

‘Police are continuing to appeal for information, no matter how insignificant people may think it might be,’ he added.

‘We know there were people who saw what occurred and we urge them to come forward.’ 

A burnt out ute is a major focus of the investigation, police said