Tiwana Taiatini, also known as Steven Taiatini, was the president of the Mongrel Mob Barbarians chapter in Ōpōtiki, New Zealand.
He was killed on June 9, 2023, after he was hit by a car during a gang clash.
In this article, we will reveal what happened to Taiatini and how the police are investigating his death.
Who was Tiwana Taiatini?
Tiwana Taiatini, a 42-year-old man, held the position of leader within the Mongrel Mob Barbarians, a gang that operates in the Bay of Plenty region.
In addition to his role within the gang, Taiatini was a loving father to six children and a proud grandfather of two.
Throughout his life, Taiatini had a complex past intertwined with criminal activities and violence.
He faced legal consequences for multiple offenses, including assault, robbery, drug dealing, and illegal possession of firearms.
It is notable that he encountered adversity firsthand, having endured two separate incidents of being shot in both 2012 and 2018.
Taiatini’s unwavering loyalty to his gang and his rebellious nature were renowned among those who knew him.
He wore his dedication proudly, as evidenced by the prominent “Barbarian” tattoo adorning his face. His attire often consisted of vibrant red garments, symbolizing his affiliation with the Mongrel Mob.
What was Tiwana Taiatini death cause?
On June 9, 2023, around 10 p.m., Taiatini was involved in a confrontation with members of a rival gang, the Black Power, on King Street in Ōpōtiki.
The clash escalated into a brawl that involved weapons such as machetes and baseball bats.
During the fight, Taiatini was struck by a silver Holden Colorado 4×4 that was driven by one of the Black Power members.
He suffered serious injuries and died at the scene.
The driver of the car fled the scene and later set fire to the vehicle on Waitohu Valley Road, about 20 kilometres away from Ōpōtiki.
The car was found burnt out by the police the next day.
What is the status of Tiwana Taiatini murder case?
The police launched a homicide investigation into Taiatini’s death and named the car as a key piece of evidence.
They also appealed for witnesses and information from the public.
The police said that Taiatini’s injuries were consistent with having been hit by a vehicle and that they believed the car was likely to have been involved in his death.
The police also said that they knew there were several people who saw what happened and knew what happened on the night Taiatini died and urged them to come forward.
As of June 15, 2023, no arrests have been made in connection with Taiatini’s death and the investigation is ongoing.
FAQs
What is the Mongrel Mob?
The Mongrel Mob is one of the largest and most notorious gangs in New Zealand.
It was formed in the 1960s by mainly Māori and Pacific Islander youths who were rejected by other gangs.
The Mongrel Mob is known for its violent clashes with other gangs, especially the Black Power.
What is the Black Power?
Black Power is another major gang in New Zealand. It was formed in the 1970s by mainly Māori youths who were inspired by the Black Panther movement in the United States.
The Black Power is known for its rivalry with the Mongrel Mob and its involvement in drug trafficking and organised crime.
According to Statistics New Zealand, there were 23 homicides that were classified as gang-related in 2020, accounting for 16 percent of all homicides in that year.
This was an increase from 15 gang-related homicides in 2019 and 10 gang-related homicides in 2018.
