Four gang members have been arrested in Wairoa after a police operation targeting organised crime. The men, aged 20, 36, 45, and 54, were arrested on Wednesday for outstanding warrants or bail breaches, senior sergeant Maui Aben said. One man appeared in Gisborne District Court yesterday, and the other three are due to appear this week. Aben said police would continue to target gangs and “anyone else who involves themselves in organised crime”.
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New Wairoa police chief Maui Aben looking to quash town s gang reputation
6 Feb, 2021 08:31 PM
3 minutes to read
After nearly 35 years in the force, Wairoa s new police leader is hoping to change the town s undeserved reputation . Senior sergeant Maui Aben has been appointed the new area response manager for Wairoa, officer in charge of Wairoa police station and the sole-charge rural stations of Mahia, Kotemaori and Tuai.
Despite having spent the bulk of his career working as a prevention manager, tactical co-ordinator, custody manager and rural manager in Gisborne, Aben spent 12 years living and working in Napier.
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But, Aben admitted Wairoa has major challenges and an ongoing gang issue.