By Virginia Fallon of 
Mongrel Mob members at the funeral procession for Steven Rota Taiatini. Photo: ABIGAIL DOUGHERTY/STUFF
Ōpōtiki mayor David Moore is thoroughly sick of reporters but still keen to provide some context about what's been happening in his town.
"It's become a political football," he says of the death and subsequent tangihanga of Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini.
"I'm never going to glorify gangs but everyone has to remember they're people and if you're in need of help they're going to help you.
"Recently one lady who had a flat tyre was helped by a gang member with a broken arm; then there was a little old lady who unfortunately had a nasty fall in town. The first person to help was a patched member."
Taiatini died just over a week ago after he was run down by a ute on the streets of Ōpōtiki; the incident happening during a stoush with rival Black Power members, Stuff understands. The ute was later found burnt out and nobody has yet been arrested.
Following his death, reports of rival Black Power homes being torched and shots fired at properties saw 100 police reinforcements called in to keep the peace, as hundreds of club members turned up to pay their respects.
Several schools closed for the tangi on Wednesday while two people were arrested for possession of a firearm and cannabis, and a number of infringement notices issued during the procession.
Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini. Photo: Supplied / Stuff
Speaking on Saturday, Moore says it's been a tough week for Ōpōtiki, made worse by sensationalised reports and political grandstanding.
During the week, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said it was unacceptable the town had been brought to a standstill by the increased gang presence while National Party leader Chris Luxon criticised Labour's "inaction", saying children should be safe going to school.
Moore, meanwhile, says the comments were rich coming from leaders of political parties that stripped NZ of its rural police officers.
"When they make comments in Wellington and don't bother to turn up or fund police? That's not helpful. I certainly don't appreciate comments by either of the Chrises (Hipkins and Luxon)," says the former police officer.
The decision to close schools was made by their principals but Moore says that was more out of practicality than fear. And now, while there's still an ongoing homicide investigation, Ōpōtiki is otherwise back to normal.
"The town was always open, we just continued. I've got an 80-year-old mother who drives around town like nothing has happened; if you walk into any shop they might say it's been a bit noisy, but that's about all."
While none of those business owners wanted to be named on Saturday, they echoed both Moore's comments and criticisms.
Harry Tam, a lifetime honorary member of the Mongrel Mob says NZers have a right to mourn how they want. Photo: Glenn Taylor / Stuff
One woman said reports of events following the homicide didn't reflect what locals were seeing.
"It's been no problem at all. I used to teach at the college and have seen his three kids come through and they're a good family. The police have been good and didn't stir it up; the media didn't get it quite right and the politicians got it very wrong."
Ōpōtiki was like many small NZ towns where gang members were just part of the community, she said. Yes, there were occasional flare-ups but mostly things are quiet.
"Nobody's fearing for their lives, not at all. Actually, maybe the guys that were involved with the original crime are, but everyone else is fine."
Another shop owner agreed, saying that he hadn't heard of anyone being frightened by the increased gang presence.
"As for our local members, they're just locals. Everyone knows each other, and it's not a worry - people have a right to grieve however they want."
And, while one Four Square staff member said nobody there would comment as "anything we say will be blown out of proportion" she did offer one quote: "what I will say is that nobody here has been fearing for their lives. Ridiculous."
Mongrel Mob life member Harry Tam says gang violence and tangis are used by both media and politicians to create a moral panic where a "one-off incident becomes a deadly scenario threatening everyone.
"All the public need to know if they must, is there was a funeral that took place and lots of people went to it. Instead, the cameras turn up and there's an expectation members will showcase accordingly."
He says if politicians are serious about addressing gang violence, they need to first accept where gangs came from.
"The Royal Commission lifted the lid off that - people were put into state care and were taught violence by carers who were violent to them. How are politicians making up for that?"
Ultimately, NZers have a right to mourn their loved ones in the way their culture sees fit.
"Chinese have different ceremonies; when my mum died we all went to the cemetery and lit incense and burnt a lot of joss paper. Nobody said that was a fire risk."
A police spokesperson said there were no significant events to report from overnight.
"Police continue to maintain a visible presence in the area, and will respond to any incidents should they arise."
* This story originally appeared on Stuff.
