The day began with Head Hunters arriving en masse on their motorbikes at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Lynn, near the central city. [11] It was later screened at the Nightmares Film Festival on October 20, 2018. According to filmmakers Downey and Stewart, the reason for the change was mainly due to lukewarm reactions under the initial name, with the film's distributor, Vertical Entertainment, suggesting a change in the film's title. 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Downey and Stewart were originally against the name change, but later embraced it as they felt the current title shifted the focus from the antagonist to the main character. Richardson was originally scheduled to be sentenced in March along with his co-accused, Broadley, 44, and Strickland, 51, but his sentencing had to be postponed due to illness. Although I shouldnt imagine it was at the top of Savages book proposal, I am grateful to him for shining a light on this kind of life. His victory is short-lived as one of his jars containing the elixir he left near his window is knocked over and spills over the creature's decapitated head, bringing it back to life. [1] With this scene in mind, the filmmakers then developed a forty-page script, which contained very little dialogue,[6] describing it as a medieval horror film. She explains how the book has upended her thinking. After a lengthy chase, the Father seemingly kills the creature by severing its head from his daughter's corpse and stabbing it repeatedly in the head. A truce has been called between rival gangs the Killer Beez and Tribesmen after a three-week blitz of shootings and suspicious fires. Gangster's Paradise: Inside Head Hunters' luxury overseas trip [1][8][7] The filmmakers had wanted to utilize the location for some time, feeling that its remoteness and scenery "would lend itself very well to a horror movie". Justice Doogue however recognised that Richardson was not charged as a party in the methamphetamine dealing. [8], The Head Hunter first premiered at the Sitges Film Festival on October 6, 2018 as a part of the festival's "Panorama Fantstic" section. Several police officers were outside the gang's HQ on Marua . And are they, like me, left wondering whether New Zealand Auckland especially is genuinely unsafe? For example, he prefaces Arthur Taylors adulthood with the fact that as a child he attended Epuni Boys Home, a place recently investigated for child abuse, both sexual and physical, in the 60s. understands Fuimaono died after suffering a medical event. The gathering began in a quiet and orderly fashion. The film's main antagonist, referred at the end credits as "The Head", was designed Troy Smith, who had previously worked with Downey in both his Thankskilling series and Critters: Bounty Hunter. Head Hunter president Wayne Doyle also alleged to have received $380,000 in welfare payments he was not entitled to, say MSD investigators. Police are interviewing a former Mt Eden Prison officer after raiding Head Hunters properties today. Gang funeral: Politicians infuriated as hundreds of mobsters descend on The wealth they allegedly amassed through methamphetamine distribution was astronomical: a pageantry of gold Harley Davidsons, a Rolls-Royce Wraith valued at just under $500,000, and homes in the eastern Auckland suburbs. While doing so, he suddenly cries out in shock and pain before going silent. View corporate publications, forms, guides and standards, general reports and research as well as crime statistics. 29 Nov 2020. It demonstrates why we have to do everything we can to put this genie back in the bottle.". Victorian couple fined after taking COVID-19 to Sunshine Coast. On my first day, I saw a guy take a defiant shit on the corridor floor in protest at being transferred. During one such hunt, he returns on foot after Jakke is killed. Doyle strongly denied the allegations, according to his defence lawyer Maria Pecotic who successfully opposed an application by the Herald to view the police evidence. Last month, the Marua Rd pad was attacked in a late-night drive-by shooting. Head Hunters MC (Motorcycle Club) - One Percenter Bikers Police have made no arrests after a day of massive gang funeral processions across Auckland in New Zealand to farewell a Head Hunter who died in custody. The film would garner several awards and nominations at the various film festivals it was screened at, and received positive reviews from critics upon its release, with many praising the film's atmosphere, cinematography, and Rygh's performance. Its remarkable that this is the first significant book on the industry. On the basis of the so-far uncontested evidence, Justice Venning was satisfied there was reasonable grounds to believe the properties linked to Doyle were acquired by fraud, criminal dishonesty, money laundering and other significant criminal activity. Savage relays the facts with impartiality and integrity. Firearm seized during a search warrant, /* prefer image alt text over title as title field used for caption and can be quite long (REF-483) */ ?> The public was urged to report concerning behaviour to Police through 105. Who are the Head Hunters? - New Zealand News - NZ Herald Savage gives enormous credit to the forces pushing back against the drug networks. [2], The Head Hunter received positive reviews from critics upon its release, with many praising the film's atmosphere, cinematography, and Rygh's performance. We aim to have the trust and confidence of all - to achieve this we operate in accordance with our values. The structure of Gangland, the careful unravelling of gang interconnectivity, is one of the books great strengths. Auckland gang shootings: Truce called between Killer Beez - NZ Herald Advice for victims, view FAQs, learn about our services and get safety advice. The huge motorbike procession of Head Hunters and other gang members accompanying the casket arrived at the Mngere Lawn Cemetery in south Auckland shortly after 1.30pm. He stepped down from the role of President in July 2010. Some scenes you might find in a Hollywood film, only its happening here in New Zealand; one of the most lucrative illicit drug markets in the world as Savage reminds us. Deceased, 2014. As Savage notes, that a chapter of Australias most dangerous motorcycle gang would establish itself in New Zealand was inevitable. One eyewitness told police he saw the fatal stabbing, then at court said he saw nothing. "The gangs were seen as controlling the methamphetamine market and getting stronger," said Chris Cahill, president of the Police Association. Auto news:2022 Maserati SUV lineup due by the end of the year - drive.com.au, Your web browser is no longer supported. "He was a very, very powerful and feared figure in the underworld." Scan the QR code to download now. Hunter Biden finally appears at court in Lunden Roberts case Three firearms were also located and seized as part of the operation, including a prohibited semi-automatic rifle and a sawn-off shotgun, as well a significant quantity of ammunition and improvised explosive devices. You wont be able to look at a takeaway bag the same way, or a yum cha restaurant, or a shipping container, or a cargo ship. A short time passes and he appears to return to the cabin, carrying what appears to be a severed head which is then pinned onto the wall. Contingents of major Auckland outlaw motorcycle gangs continued to arrive at the church ahead of the funeral. The film centers on the title character, who works as a bounty hunter for a local . Another South Island gang, the Road Knights, formed in Tmaru in 1979. On the back of those investigations, the police have restrained about $10 million worth of property linked to Wayne Doyle, who has not been convicted of any crimes since his release from prison 20 years ago. A salt of the earth." The show of strength to mark the 20th anniversary of the East chapter comes as the Head Hunters have been challenged by new contenders in the gang world and police pressure on Doyle. To others, he was a powerful and feared underworld figure who beat a murder charge, then took charge of the notorious motorcycle gang. In October 2013, a survey revealed that the top 30 law firms in NZ and Australia see headhunting as their preferred recruitment strategy. Head Hunters' code of silence scuppers Auckland security guard - Stuff These cases are determined by the civil level of proof, the "balance of probabilities", rather than the much higher criminal evidential threshold of "beyond reasonable doubt". The series of incidents are believed to have commenced around April 5th 2021 and involved a number of serious matters involving arsons and drive-by shootings at properties associated with those gangs. Operation Coin was the latest in a string of investigations into the Head Hunters across New Zealand over the last three years. One of the men arrested in this week's police raids on the Head Hunters gang and associates can now be named. "Similarly, large sums of funds have been paid to Head Hunters members by the That Was Then This is Now Trust," Justice Venning wrote. [7] Shooting occasionally proved challenging, as the costumes, and props had to be shot in a certain way in order to "look right on camera", and crew members, including Downey, performing multiple roles during production. [27] Kenneth Lowe of Paste Magazine wrote: "If The Head Hunter had come in with a bigger budget and a different director, there would have been all sorts of attempts at injecting silly lore into this pure and primal tale. Gangland is a whos who directory of importers and dealers, as well as a handbook of methods for deception, corruption, money laundering, and an invaluable primer of police intelligence and their tracking methods. Why would a private company want a prisoner to get even a whiff of education or reform when theres profit to be made from letting him reoffend instead. Police management and district structure, and Information about some of the many teams and units that make up Police. Its hard for me to imagine that New Zealand, a country regarded as so peaceful its sometimes forgotten and dropped off of maps, could have this underworld of gangs, meth and criminal intelligence. Police have seized drugs, cash and vehicles in a major operation this morning which targeted a Head Hunters methamphetamine supply network. [8], Rygh, who had previously starred in the Norwegian short film Ulfberht,[10] was described by Downey as being easy to work with, and never once complained on set. Then she got suspicious of Zhang Hui cheating on her with Lulu Zhang and turned on him by assisting the police with his arrest. The Herald understands police are closely monitoring the Head Hunter event as part of Operation Cobalt, which includes a dedicated taskforce of staff in Auckland, to "suppress, disrupt and enforce" unlawful gang activity. "Police are committed to ensuring that people can not accrue wealth and assets as a result of criminal behaviour, at the expense of the safety of our community," said Detective Superintendent Iain Chapman at the time of the raids on Doyle. Steven Charles Strickland, left, Richardson, and Carrick John Broadley, in court in March 2021. Revving engines filled the air and curious residents emerged from homes to watch as dozens of Head Hunters set off on a cross-city motorcycle run to mark the 20th anniversary of the gang's most . A High Court judge has ruled there is evidence trusts and companies associated with the Head Hunters' president that have been involved in money laundering. Over that time, investigators from the Ministry of Social Development allege Doyle claimed $380,000 in social welfare payments he was not entitled to. As nightfall arrives, the Father begins a game of wits against the creature, with it digging up the daughters grave and attaching its head to her corpse. Another read: "To me you were always a man of great strength and impeccable character. "We are continuing to monitor group bike rides and offending on the roads will be investigated and followed up with enforcement action.". For the first time in generations, your family is free of gang involvement and gang dependency, said Justice Doogue. [16], Official soundtrack for The Head Hunter was composed by Nick Soole, and was later released on CD and Digital download on April 8, 2019. [14] It would also be screened at the Fantasporto Film Festival later that month on the 24th. In November 2020, Auckland was the site of another large gang funeral procession, resulting in 200 infringement notices. The Charities Registration Board did not believe the trust was fulfilling its charitable purpose of rehabilitating prisoners, but agreed to reconsider the decision after an appeal to the High Court in April. Bikes confiscated, police infringements issued as Head Hunters mark Smith stayed at the helm of the West Chapter even after Doyle was released from prison in 1995. David James Dunn - President. A further six associates of the Head Hunters gang were charged with accessory after the fact in relation to allegedly assisting an offender involved in the Sofitel shooting to escape Police. I wonder how many of those choosing to read Gangland will, like me, realise the privilege of their naivety and close the book better educated on another kind of pandemic. Lock them up alongside well-connected criminals? After the gang members left for their journey to Puhoi, police checkpoints remained in place, with one stopping motorists to check driver licences. Over that time, the Head Hunters grew into one of the most notorious and wealthy criminal organisations in the country - particularly when the methamphetamine trade took hold in the late 1990s. David Smith was the Head Hunters President from 1985 after Wayne Doyle went to prison, and a member of the motorcycle club for a total of approximately 30 years. Five properties across Auckland, including the gang's headquarters, linked to Doyle have been restrained by orders granted by the High Court in September after the police made an application under the Criminal Proceeds Recovery Act. While that company remains here, I worry that theres little hope for any of those caught up in the meth river even those who do want help. Richardson was arrested as part of Operation Block, a lengthy police investigation that sparked the arrests of several patched members and associates of the Head Hunters in late 2016. Where in 2006, Mr Voong (aka Mr Casino) had a gambling turnover of $10,860,000 in just six months, which as Savage wryly points out isnt bad for a registered plasterer. Read also: Head Hunters raided: 180 cops storm 30 'gang' properties. Discovering what transpired, The Father prepares to hunt down the revived creature as it searches for a new body. "And I thought what a load of nonsense, they're obviously going to be riding up and wearing their patches," said Stokes. Joining us on the PanelarePenny Ashtonand Tim Watkin. The judge said there also seemed to be a discrepancy of $2.4m between the trust's declared income and funds deposited into the bank account. The Head Hunters are a motorcycle gang that formed in 1967, moved to West Auckland in 1978. [18] The soundtrack was a later played as a part of an official selection of Soole's works during the 2019 San Diego Comic Con's "Sounds of Horror" Panel on July 19, 2019. In his review, Motamayor praised the film's production values, practical effects, and atmosphere. This was a complex investigation involving a large number of offenders and I want to acknowledge the dedication of our staff who have been committed to identifying and apprehending everyone allegedly involved in these series of incidents. Another firearm seized during a search warrant, Ten 7 Aotearoa help solve serious crimes. It was officially established as a motorcycle club in 1985 and an incorporated society in 1996. People featured here are sought by Police for arrest. Although not alleged to be personally responsible for the criminal activity of other Head Hunters, the thrust of the police case is that Doyle received significant financial benefits because of his status as the alleged leader of the gang. [3] He is the brother of senior Head Hunters member, William Hines. "Further there is evidence from two recentdrug investigationsconducted by the police that payments were made to the Head Hunters East Chapter, to senior patched members of that chapter, and in the case of one to Mr Doyle directly and/or the other interests associated with him," Justice Venning said. Former Head Hunters figure tells court he left the gang after latest On the basis of the so-far uncontested evidence, Justice Venning was satisfied there were reasonable grounds to believe the properties linked to Doyle were acquired by fraud, criminal dishonesty, money laundering and other significant criminal activity. My foray into drugs peaked with getting stoned once at Alton Towers. Mass burnouts farewell fallen bikie in New Zealand Principal photography later began in Bragana, Portugal, while additional scenes were shot in Norway, and Mammoth Lakes, California. The President reserves the right to ammend or change the rules of the club charter without any prior or advanced warning, in consultation with Senior members. Five properties across Auckland, including the gang's headquarters, linked to Doyle have been restrained by orders granted by the High Court in September after the police made an application under the Criminal Proceeds Recovery Act. Your chance to help solve serious crimes. Concerned about the possibility of 30 patched members on motorcycles riding through a small town and terrorising the locals, Mr Stokes called Smith. "He was a lot more level-headed and reasonable when I was dealing with him," said Stokes. Audio. Gangland: New Zealands Underworld of Organised Crime, by Jared Savage (Harper Collins, $36.99) is available from Unity Books Auckland and Wellington. The Father's severed head is then revealed to be the one that was pinned to the wall, and the creature, its head now attached to the Father's body, leaves taking one of the jars of elixir along with it, gloating as it walks away saying, Body Mine!, "Weve seen dragons, and weve seen monster battles before, but what we havent seen is how a character responds to that stuff. Zhang Hui and his crims proffer all the frisson of a New Zealand Asian Narcos. By the time you reach the Comancheros you almost cant take anymore. This has been a deliberate nationwide strategy to tackle the gang, which has aggressively expanded in numbers and geographic locations in recent years. With love and respect. I know, for example, that if I go to the SkyCity Casinos VIP lounge I might mingle with the networks of Asian organised crime. About $19.9m was deposited into the bank accounts of the six entities associated with Doyle between 2002 and 2016 - half in cash - according to analysis by the Serious Fraud Office. Call triple one when you need an emergency response from Police, Fire or Ambulance. Five properties across Auckland, including the gang's Marua Rd headquarters, have been frozen since September 2017 when the High Court granted restraining orders after a police investigation, Operation Coin, into his financial affairs. [10] William "Bird" Hines - Senior Member, Head Hunters East [13] [14] Wayne Doyle - President, Head Hunters East (1995 - present). Find out the various ways you can contact NZ Police. [7], Under the new title, the film was screened at the Inslito Festival de Cine de Terror y Fantasa on February 7, 2019. It should be confusing. Typically, we get brief intros to gang members, emphasising their role as part of a dangerous collective. Head Hunters Motorcycle Club - Wikipedia Nearly $20 million flowed into bank accounts linked to Head Hunters boss Wayne Doyle over the past 15 years, according to the police. The trial has been postponed twice, but a judge-alone hearing has been scheduled for October next year. He was the gangs most senior figure based in Christchurch. Frustrated emails from Kawerau constable to Police Commissioner Mike Bush led to downfall of Mo Video of gang's botched $1m drug deal that brought down Comancheros leader - NZ Herald, Auckland Airport meth bust: Air New Zealand baggage handlers charged - NZ Herald. Stream unlimited music, thousands of radio stations and podcasts all Head Hunters MC - Country to Going He confirmed the gang's plans - but said the motley crew of career criminals would travel on a bus and not wear their patches. He humanises the victims as well as those behind the crimes. FLAMEDUP HHMC 2018 - Head Hunters MC New Zealand - YouTube MP says the caravan serves as constant reminder of what people have to put up with. Even if you imprison every importer (and not all of them are subject to our jurisdiction), what can you do to reform greed? The new 501 section of the Australian Migration Act allows for the deportation of those who fail a character test, and Senior Comanchero Pasilika Naufahu was the first to get the boot, followed by 14 others. Over the course of the investigation, Police have made a total of 19 arrests, with the latest arrest occurring last week, and all 19 alleged offenders are appearing before the courts. Half of the money was banked in cash and $9.2 million was deposited into the account of the motorcycle gang's charitable trust, which suggested the entities linked to Doyle were money laundering, said the Chief High Court judge. Other senior Head Hunters have been jailed in recent years for serious methamphetamine charges, but Doyle - who was jailed for murder in the 1980s - has not been convicted of a serious crime for nearly 20 years. It stars Norwegian actor Christopher Rygh as the title character, Cora Kaufman, and Aisha Ricketts. Tell us what weve done well and what we need to improve on. But theres so much clarity in the reporting that the only reason youd read this book twice is to get your head around the extremity of what you just read. "[1], Writer/director Jordan Downey on the inspiration for the film's story, The Head Hunter was produced and directed by Jordan Downey, who also co-wrote the film's script. Seven people who are members or associates with the Mongols gang have been charged with a range of serious offences including participation in an organised criminal group, dangerous act with a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, arson and possession of firearms and explosives, and drug dealing offences. But there was a dark side to Smith, as he made a name for himself on the way to the top of the criminal hierarchy. But in recent years, Smith was a shadow of his former self after suffering a stroke. In August that year, police began intercepting the communications of certain Head Hunters members, including those of Richardson, a senior patched member in a leadership role, Steven Charles Strickland, a patched member, and Carrick John Broadley, a gang associate. "When the witnesses came in, they looked around and saw the two JPs, they saw the defence and they looked at the back and saw the Head Hunters," the Herald reported Mr Bliss saying in December 1983. The Eagle police helicopter also circled above but the gang members weren't stopped as they headed east on Marua Rd bound for, according to sources, Puhoi, north of Auckland. Whats perhaps even more interesting than the criminals are the covert operations. Twenty minutes later, as mourners continued to gather outside, a significant contingent of Killer Beez members in their fresh white patches rolled past, their engines setting off several car alarms. MP says the caravan serves as constant reminder of what people have to put up with. View user-friendly graphics that provide an overview of key Police data. Head Hunters gang members had congregated earlier in the day, arriving en masse at the Catholic Church in Grey Lynn shortly before 10am. Email george.block@stuff.co.nz or SMS / Signal +64273041775. Books and films on gangs are too often sensationalist. Gun violence has no place in our society and we hope the conclusion of this operation reassures the public that dangerous and serious criminal acts by gangs will not be tolerated by Police. [5] After the completeion of several short films, as well as the second film in the Thankskilling series, Downey and his frequent collaborator Kevin Stewart began developing their next project. While the series of incidents were targeted between members linked to both gangs, the actions of those involved posed a serious risk to the safety of the wider public. "To help manage traffic congestion in the area, Police have put temporary cordons on Great North Road between Williamson Ave and Coleridge Street.". After the funeral, a huge motorcycle procession again followed the hearse out to Avondale then back across town to the Head Hunters East pad. How to get help for family violence (domestic violence) and learn about Protection Orders and Police Safety Orders. Richardson received a share of the proceeds from some of his associates sales. in one app. She attached several conditions to his sentence including having to complete a drug and alcohol treatment programme, as well as undergo treatment for violent behaviour. But you cant stop. Police have impounded several bikes, seized vehicle plates and issued around 100 infringement notices in a road policing operation to monitor a gang convoy taking place in Auckland. They are found all around the North Island, but are mainly based in East Auckland, with its headquarters being located in Ellerslie.They also have chapters in West Auckland, Wellsford, Northland and Wellington. "We are aware of previous incidents involving gang processions where dangerous driving behaviour has been exhibited by some of the riders, which has at times put those involved and the wider community at risk.". Attribute to Detective Inspector Kevin McNaughton, NZ Police: A Police operation focusing on an ongoing series of incidents involving individuals from the Mongols and Head Hunters gangs has recently concluded, with a total of 19 people facing charges before the courts.