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‘Prominent man’s son’ charged with shooting at people and fleeing police

Tauranga crime news

A 36-year-old man, the son of a prominent Tauranga figure, has been charged after allegedly shooting at people and leading police on a pursuit across the city on Thursday.

He appeared in the Tauranga District Court, where he was granted interim name suppression, remanded in custody, and faces 10 driving and firearms-related charges.

The most serious counts include two of shooting at individuals and two of wounding another with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, each carrying up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

Police say the incident began in Bethlehem, ending near Tauranga Police Station after officers spiked the suspect’s vehicle and subdued him using sponge rounds and a Taser. The accused will reappear in court on October 24.

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8 COMMENTS

  1. Tauranga appears to be plagued by problems.
    Gaining attention all for the wrong reasons.
    Tauranga City Council was replaced by Crown-appointed commissioners in 2020 due to prolonged dysfunction and governance issues.
    This decision was made under the authority of the Local Government Act 2002, which allows the Minister of Local Government to intervene when a council is deemed unable to perform its duties effectively.
    The elected council was dismissed in December 2020 following internal conflict, leadership instability, and failure to deliver key infrastructure and housing plans.
    Four commissioners were installed to govern Tauranga, led by Anne Tolley, a former Cabinet minister.
    Although local elections were held across New Zealand in 2022 and 2025, Tauranga did not return to democratic elections. The commissioners remain in place, with elections now expected in 2027.
    Tauranga is the only major city in New Zealand to be governed by commissioners for such an extended period.
    The commissioners have overseen contentious moves, including the sale of elder housing sites and urban intensification plans.
    Democratic concerns: Critics argue the prolonged commissioner rule undermines local democracy, while supporters say it has stabilized governance and enabled long-term planning.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl31GmIgRKI
    See Waynes other videos

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