Following a rugby match in Hawke’s Bay, a visiting team’s van became the target of a shotgun attack as they departed the grounds, according to an eyewitness account.
The incident occurred in Hastings on Saturday afternoon and is suspected to be gang-related, with tensions escalating from an earlier incident during the game.
The witness, who provided a photo showing the van with nearly 50 holes in its back window, told legacy media that the Division 3 match between Tamatea Arikinui and Young Māori Party (YMP) was cut short due to safety concerns raised by the referee.
Despite efforts to keep the game free from trouble an altercation erupted in the 65th minute, prompting the referee to abandon the match. This led to a confrontation between supporters, culminating in the shooting incident as the YMP team departed from Bill Mathewson Park.
The witness said the attackers, allegedly associated with the Mongrel Mob, pursued the YMP team, attempting to ram their van off the road while firing multiple rounds at the vehicle.
In response, Hawke’s Bay Rugby CEO Jay Campbell said the matter is now under police investigation. Police have confirmed that the incident is being treated seriously and have urged witnesses to come forward.
Tamatea Rugby & Sports Club chairman Stewart Whyte distanced the club from the violence, saying the individuals involved were not affiliated with Tamatea and were not part of their supporter base. He expressed condolences to YMP and assured cooperation with the police investigation.
