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Armed and ready: Canterbury cops react to gang friction

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Fri, 15 Jan 2021, 11:45AM
Fairmont Wiringi is in hospital with critical injuries. His father is a well-known gang leader in Christchurch. Photo / Facebook
Fairmont Wiringi is in hospital with critical injuries. His father is a well-known gang leader in Christchurch. Photo / Facebook

Armed and ready: Canterbury cops react to gang friction

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Fri, 15 Jan 2021, 11:45AM

Police across Canterbury will be armed for the foreseeable future as tension between gangs simmers across the district following the shooting of a high profile Mongrel Mob member.

On January 4 Fairmont Wiringi was shot and seriously injured during a clash in Kaiapoi, north of Christchurch.

He is the son of senior Mongrel Mob member Joseph Wiringi. His brother Fairlane is also a patched member of the notorious gang.

It is understood members of at least two local gang chapters - the Mongols and Rebels - were involved in the incident that resulted in the shooting.

Another man - Jarrad Singer - was also shot.

Singer and Mokonuiarangi Chong have been charged jointly in relation to the violent fracas.

Tove Paranihi also faced the same charge - unlawfully possessing a firearm - but the case against her has since been withdrawn.

After the shooting a temporary general arming order was made - meaning all police on duty were carrying firearms.

A second order was made last night.

"General arming has been put in place in Canterbury District today following increased gang tensions which police are actively investigating this morning," said a police spokesperson.

"The order will be continually reviewed in line with our policy.

"The community should be reassured that police are taking action to mitigate any concerns."

Police could not say what specifically prompted the order.

The Kaiapoi shooting was the second major gang-related violent incident in early January.

On New Year's Day Kane Wayman was dropped off at Christchurch Hospital with critical injuries.

The Head Hunters associate died soon after.

He had been attending a party at a Mongols gang house on New Year's Eve.

Police raided that address hours after Wayman died.

Four people have been charged with his murder - three men and a woman - and are in custody awaiting their next court appearance.

All four have been granted name suppression as the investigation into Wayman's death continues.

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