Source: Radio New Zealand
The gang funeral of Mossey Hines dad, William “Bird” Hines, in 2023. (File photo) RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham
A gang funeral procession is expected to make the six-hour journey from Auckland to Foxton this week, after the death of the son of a former Head Hunters gang leader.
Mossy Hines, the son of late William “Bird” Hines, died on Monday, aged 49, according to posts from whānau on social media.
His body was taken to Haven Falls Funeral Home in Henderson, Auckland, and would make the journey to Foxton on Friday, to be buried at the Motuiti Pā Marae beside his father, who died in November 2023.
A funeral service was expected at 11am.
Inspector Steve Richards said police were aware a large group of mourners, including gang members, would be arriving in Foxton over the coming days.
There would be more officers in the area than usual, to ensure the safety of everyone in the small community.
“We do not expect any major disruption to road users or the public, however State Highway 1 in the area of the Urupā may experience delays for a short period of time, and we ask motorists for patience during this time.”
He said police would be monitoring the roads to ensure safe driving, and to remind those travelling that any breaches of the law would be either dealt with at the time or followed up later.
Horowhenua mayor Bernie Wanden said police had a template for these kinds of events, and he wasn’t expecting any major disruption.
“This is not new for us,” he said. “Police have had to deal with a similar event only about a year or so ago, so I’m sure they’re planning well for it. The last event went without any hiccups, and I’m hoping that this does the same.”
As the marae was north of the town, he didn’t expect the funeral procession would disrupt daily activities for most residents.
He hadn’t spoken to police, but he expected they would keep him informed of logistics across the weekend.
The funeral for Mossy Hines’ father briefly blocked State Highway 1, but police said there were no significant issues reported – although police said one person was arrested for a driving-related matter immediately after the tangi.
Mossy Hines was jailed in 2009 for “a prolonged attack” with a Stanley knife on someone he thought was a nark.
According to a judicial decision available online, in March 2021, police executed a search warrant at Mossy Hines’ home in Pakuranga, Auckland “and found a total of $63,610 in cash, including $20,000 hidden in his underpants”.
They also found a gun, ammunition, and small amounts of controlled drugs, and he was arrested and charged with various offences.
In June 2022, they arrested Mossy Hines again, this time at the SkyCity casino in Auckland, after a search warrant at his home in Howick uncovered ammunition and what appeared to be a cannabis plant.
In September 2022, police searched a Gucci bum bag he was carrying while walking in Highland Park and found 43 grams of methamphetamine, some cannabis plant, and $15,296 in cash.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
