crime-and-justice

By Samantha Carter, Chief Editor

A sophisticated homicide investigation, dubbed Operation Block, has revealed the chilling details behind the death of Tuipulotu Vi, an Auckland courier driver who was not involved in the drug trade. Police allege that Vi was murdered by a US-based hitman, Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi, who was brought into New Zealand by an international organized crime syndicate.

The incident is the culmination of a violent campaign linked to Operation Mexted, a joint investigation by the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) and Customs. Authorities allege the syndicate was responsible for importing and distributing methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as trafficking firearms. The tension escalated in January 2024, when Customs intercepted 18kg of cocaine and six prohibited semi-automatic pistols, triggering a series of shootings across South Auckland targeting individuals associated with the syndicate’s drug-importing activities. Police believe the syndicate eventually focused its aggression on the son of Tuipulotu Vi.

According to court documents, Tangi arrived in Auckland from San Francisco on August 7, 2024. In the days leading up to the killing, he allegedly conducted reconnaissance at least 35 times at the homes of Vi and his son. On the morning of the murder, Tangi reportedly intercepted Vi as he left for work, firing six shots from a semi-automatic pistol. Vi died at the scene from four gunshot wounds.

Following the shooting, the syndicate allegedly attempted to cover their tracks. Court documents detail that members purchased pre-paid SIM cards and swapped clothing with Tangi before he fled to Sydney on August 21 and subsequently returned to the United States. Five defendants have been charged with participating in an organized criminal group, with two of those individuals jointly charged alongside Tangi for the murder of Vi. The other defendants have pleaded not guilty and currently hold name suppression.

The significance of this case extends beyond New Zealand borders. Tangi is currently on trial in California for charges including attempted murder, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, and possession of a firearm related to an August 2024 incident. A spokesperson for the local District Attorney’s office stated that while they are aware of the pending matter in New Zealand and the existence of an extradition warrant, the extradition process is expected to move forward only after the conclusion of Tangi’s California case.

As the legal proceedings continue, the case highlights the reach of transnational criminal cells. With Tangi currently in custody in the United States, the extradition process remains a central factor. If convicted in California, Tangi faces a potential life sentence, which could further complicate or delay his arrival in New Zealand to face charges for the murder of Tuipulotu Vi. Meanwhile, police continue to work with relevant international authorities to address the broader implications of the syndicate’s operations.

A coroner has found that a man shot dead by police in 2021 posed a “very real” and high-risk threat, despite an earlier ruling by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) that the shooting was unjustified.

Tangaru-Noere Turia, a 34-year-old father of three, was killed by an Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) member on February 25, 2021, after an incident on Avis Ave in Papatoetoe, Auckland. Coroner Erin Woolley’s findings now provide a detailed examination of the events, Turia’s mental health history, and the systemic gaps in his care.

The Fatal Encounter

The incident began around 5:45 pm when Turia, who was brandishing a sawn-off shotgun, fired a shot from his bedroom window into the living room of a neighboring house. The shot shattered glass and punctured a television, prompting a 111 call.

By 6 pm, police were in position with the Eagle helicopter overhead. Officers observed Turia acting erratically, shouting, swearing, and loading his firearm. When the police negotiation team failed to reach him by phone, a loudspeaker was used to call for him to come out unarmed—an action Coroner Woolley found could have better considered Turia’s mental health, as the speaker further aggravated him.

Shortly after, Turia exited his home holding the weapon and walked toward the speaker. An AOS member, identified as Officer A, ordered Turia to put the weapon down. Approximately one second later, Officer A fired three shots, striking Turia in the abdomen and thighs. Turia died two hours later at Middlemore Hospital.

Contradicting Findings on Police Use of Force

The IPCA previously investigated the shooting and, while finding the initial response appropriate, ruled the shooting was unjustified due to the short interval between the warning and the shots fired. However, no charges were laid because police could not rule out that the officer acted in defense of himself or others.

Coroner Woolley’s findings offer a different perspective, stating that Turia posed a “real and immediate risk of serious harm or death.” The coroner noted several critical factors:

• Weaponry: Turia possessed a sawn-off shotgun, which the coroner described as an “extremely powerful weapon.”
• Behavior: Turia had been unpredictable and irrational for several hours and had already fired one shot for no reason earlier that afternoon.
• Tactical Limitations: The coroner found that “less than lethal options were not available or practical,” noting that Officer A did not have a 40mm sponge round and a police dog could not be deployed against an armed offender.

While the coroner acknowledged the whānau’s view that one second was a short period for a response—particularly given Turia’s alcohol and drug-affected state—she concluded it was the “minimum amount of time that was appropriate” given the high risk to safety.

Systemic Failures in Mental Health Care

The inquest also highlighted significant failures in the management of Turia’s mental health. Turia, a “501” deportee from Australia who arrived in New Zealand in 2017, struggled with isolation and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. He had a long history of methamphetamine use and repeated episodes of psychosis characterized by paranoia and hearing voices.

Following a period of custody in 2020 for aggravated robbery and burglary, Turia was released on electronically monitored bail in December. Despite his history, he was discharged from community mental health services back to his GP after only two triage appointments.

Coroner Woolley described this decision-making as “perplexing,” noting a lack of coordination between services and no monitoring of Turia’s medication or mental state. This lack of oversight meant the relapse in psychotic symptoms leading up to the shooting went undetected.

“Noere was ‘more than the circumstances of this case. He was a loving, caring, humble person, and a unique soul who touched the lives of many’.”
— Moana Taverio, mother of Tangaru-Noere Turia

Significance and Potential Implications

This case underscores the volatile intersection of deportation, untreated severe mental illness, and high-stakes police intervention. The findings suggest that the fatal outcome may have been preventable had there been an overarching responsibility for Turia’s care and more consistent mental health monitoring.

As a result of these findings, the following developments may occur:

• Policy Changes: There may be a shift in how mental health follow-ups are handled for individuals released from custody, following the coroner’s recommendation that people in similar circumstances receive at least three months of follow-up care.
• Service Coordination: Health services could seek to implement better coordination to prevent patients from feeling “bounced” between different providers.
• Police Tactics: The findings regarding the unavailability of less-than-lethal options could lead to a review of the equipment available to AOS members in fast-moving situations.