Whangārei man Reg Hauwai has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for violently assaulting a stranger at the Ōtangarei Superette, leaving the victim with serious injuries.
The March 2025 attack saw Hauwai repeatedly punch, kick, knee and head-butt the man, causing extensive injuries and $4,500 worth of damage before bystanders intervened.
The 37-year-old earlier faced charges of injuring with intent to injure, wilful damage, and possession of an offensive weapon after being caught with a knife in February.
Despite his lawyer’s argument that Hauwai was motivated to rehabilitate following his partner’s ultimatum, the court accepted police submissions that his record of offending and non-compliance warranted prison time.
Image credit: Kindel Media
Not long enough..! Should have been five years at least for GBH.
Brute beast
NZ’s achilles heel
yet again maori guilty = STB – no excuses, no exceptions