Charge dropped against musician after successful mediation

A mediation meeting between members of Tauranga Police and musician Tiki Taane has resulted in a mutual understanding and the charge against Mr Taane being dropped.

Mr Taane was arrested on a charge of Disorderly Behaviour Likely to Incite Violence following an incident at a Tauranga nightclub in April this year.

Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair, from Western Bay of Plenty Police, says Police proposed the meeting with Tiki Taane to see if the matter could be resolved by way of mediation, similar to the restorative justice process.

The Police and Tiki Taane believed that this approach could lead to a better outcome for both parties.

During the mediation meeting, the parties involved were able to openly express their views on how the events had unfolded and what they were thinking at the time. As a result of the meeting, the Police involved and Mr Taane now have a better understanding of how this event impacted on each other.

The parties have agreed that Mr Taane’s arrest resulted from a misunderstanding. Police respect the right of Mr Taane to express himself as an entertainer. At the time the Police believed the lyrics sung by Mr Taane could inflame the situation after security removed a patron from the nightclub. After the mediation meeting the Police are now clear that this was not his intention.

Mr Taane reiterated his belief that the Police do a fantastic job and that they often have to work in very difficult situations.