Waitaki police say ''appropriate'' policing measures will be
in place when Black Power gang members attend a wedding in
Dunback on New Year's Day.
Senior Sergeant Jason McCoy, of Oamaru, said he did not know
how many gang members would attend, but those arriving were
''mainly'' family members and police had been ''talking
closely'' to them before Tuesday's event, near Palmerston.
Police were reluctant to divulge more detailed information
about the wedding, but Snr Sgt McCoy said it would be treated
as a private function.
''We are aware there is an activity in the Palmerston area,
and it will be policed appropriately,'' he said, although
that would not involve a police escort for gang members.
Dunback residents spoken to by the Otago Daily Times were
aware of the wedding. Dunback Bowling Club regulars said they
were ''not too concerned'' about the gang members' presence.
Resident Telford Kinaston said the township would be
accommodating.
''I think they will be all right. As long as they pay their
dues, that's all we're interested in,'' he said.
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