Operation Mainland release 3

Waikato Police investigating the homicide of a Matamata man in Waharoa early this morning said their investigation was in the very early stages.

Waikato Crime Services Manager, Detective Inspector Peter Devoy, confirmed a 28-year-old man had died from injuries consistent with multiple gunshot wounds.

"Our homicide investigation is well under way and was initiated following staff being called to a disturbance at a McGowan St, Waharoa, address about 1am.

"Despite the best efforts of both Police and ambulance staff that attended the victim died of his wounds at the scene," said Mr Devoy.

Mr Devoy said there were still a large number of people still to be interviewed by Police and reiterated requests for co-operation from the Waharoa community to allow them to investigate the death.

"Like many small communities the people of Waharoa know each other and what each other are up to, we want to tap into that local knowledge and ask that we are the first port of call for anyone that may have information on today's events.

"Our focus today has been working on two scenes in Waharoa and setting up investigative teams, our work will continue through tonight and into tomorrow," he said.

Mr Devoy said it was early days in the investigation and enquiries would continue.

"We're asking for people to remain calm, not to draw any conclusions over what they hear and ensure Police are made aware of any information that comes to hand."

Operation Mainland release 4

27 July 2008

The name of a man fatally shot in an alleged early morning drive-by shooting in the small Waikato settlement of Waharoa today has been released.

He was Desmond Francis Paddy ARAHANGA, 28, of Matamata.

Mr Arahanga was also known as Ollie or Olson Desmond Gage.

A homicide enquiry known as Operation Mainland was launched today following Mr ARAHANGA'S death.

Waikato Crime Services Manager, Detective Inspector Peter Devoy, said about 20 Police staff are involved in the enquiry assisted by Auckland based ESR forensic experts.

Earlier in the day the investigation team was also assisted by members of both the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Armed Offenders Squads.

While no arrests relating to the killing of Mr ARAHANGA have yet been made Mr Devoy said this was the main focus for the enquiry team.

"To that end there are still a number of people we are yet to interview and our enquiries will be ongoing through tonight and on to tomorrow," he said.

"We have received good cooperation from the local Waharoa community and we ask that this continues to allow our team to bring this matter to a close."