Body removed from Opunake hotel

The body of Anthony Ratahi, who was fatally shot by Police following a hostage situation at a hotel in Opunake on Friday night, has now been removed from the scene.

A blessing was held by a local Kaumatua late yesterday afternoon as Mr Ratahi was removed from the hotel. A karakia was then performed before Mr Ratahi's body was transported to Wellington for a post mortem to be carried out.

The examination of the scene is continuing and is expected to take one to two more days.

A firearm has been recovered from the scene. Specific details of the weapon are not being disclosed at this stage, but the weapon is consistent with witness accounts.