A Head Hunters member has been seriously injured in a crash on State Highway 1 whilst returning from a large tangi involving hundreds of gang members in Foxton.
The crash happened near Tūrangi in the Taupō District just before 5pm. Police confirmed to 1News that the person involved in the single-vehicle incident was a gang member.
"One person is in a serious condition. State Highway 1 is currently closed, diversions are in place. The serious crash unit has been notified," a police spokesperson said.
The New Zealand Herald reports the injured Head Hunters member had fallen off their motorcycle while on their way back to Auckland
Hundreds of gang members from around the country gathered in Foxton for the tangi of William "Bird" Hines, a prominent leader of the Head Hunters gang.
The location of the SH1 crash is around half way between Auckland and Foxton — a 500km journey.
Earlier today, a police spokesperson said "no significant issues" were reported during the funeral, but that one person was arrested for a driving-related matter.
"We have been clear throughout that any unlawful or unsafe behaviour on the road network will not be tolerated."
SH1 remains closed south of Tūrangi, between the SH1/SH46 intersection and the SH1/SH41 intersection, according to Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.
"Northbound traffic can divert left onto SH46, right onto SH47, right onto SH41, and then rejoin SH1 northbound. The reverse route applies to southbound traffic," NZTA said on X.
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