A prominent Mongrel Mob leader in Napier felt trapped in his position in the gang in the months leading up to his death, a Coroner has found.
Warning: This story discusses suicide. Helplines are provided in this article.
Coroner Mark Wilton ruled former Mongrel Mob Barbarians' Napier president, Neil Angus Benson - also known as Angus Ratima and 'Heil Dogg' — died by suicide on December 8, 2024.
Benson was 35 when he died. His tangi in Napier drew hundreds of mourners and extra police.
In his report, Coroner Wilton said Benson had mental health difficulties, and had three stints in care between March 2008 and November 2024 for addiction issues, including methamphetamine and cannabis use.
Benson saw clinical psychologists on September 18 and 19, 2024, and appeared to be under "psychological strain of his leadership position in the Mongrel Mob gang".
He described feeling under "significant pressure" due to the gang hierarchy, his constant decision-making responsibilities, and expectations of loyalty from others.
"He also described an internal dilemma: wanting to exit the gang lifestyle, but recognising he was too deeply involved for a straightforward exit," Coroner Wilton said.
He told psychologists he was not suicidal at the time.

In the days after, he was referred to Napier Mental Health and Addiction services to increase his anti-depressants and speak about possibly attending a drug rehabilitation programme, though he later cancelled an appointment in October because he was feeling unwell.
In the two weeks' before his death he was smoking methamphetamine, and his partner said she found him trying to end his life, and stopped him.
"At that time, Mr Benson felt overwhelmed and thought people were talking about him and judging him. Mr Benson's moods were up and down, and nighttime was the worst for him."
On the day he died, his partner said Benson was feeling overwhelmed, but she had seen him far worse than he was on that day.
"Together, they made a list of goals for Mr Benson for the week and a plan for their day to help a friend with her horse paddock and then have a swim," Coroner Wilton wrote.
After spraying and cleaning up the paddock for some time, Benson left to go home and get his phone, later phoning his partner to say he would stay and do some painting.
Benson's partner said she had no safety concerns for him when he left the horse paddock, Coroner Wilton said.
"Mr Benson was happy and cheeky when they were in the paddock together and she thought he was OK and just needed time by himself."
She discovered he was dead about 8pm.
Coroner's reminder: Help available
Coroner Wilton said he wanted to remind people help was available to them if they were thinking of self-harm, and remind family members and friends that help is available to them too.
"The tragic circumstances of Mr Benson's death provide an opportunity for me to remind the public of New Zealand that help is available to anyone who is struggling and thinking of harming themselves."
He said it was important to give these reminders, rather than to criticise anyone.
He urged all people who were aware of someone expressing suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide to call emergency services as soon as possible.
He also provided a list of websites where people could find help, including information from Health New Zealand and the Mental Health Foundation.
Coroner Wilton said if someone had attempted suicide, and their immediate safety was in jeopardy, they should do the following:
- Call your local mental health crisis assessment team or go with them to the emergency department at your nearest hospital.
- If they are an immediate physical danger to themselves or others, call 111.
- Remain with them and help them to stay safe until support arrives.
- Remove any obvious means of self-harm they may use.
- Try to stay calm and let them know you care.
- Keep them talking, listen and ask questions without judging.
- Make sure you are safe.
Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357.
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202.
Samaritans: 0800 726 666.
Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz.
What's Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds.
Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English.
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254.
Healthline: 0800 611 116.
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155.
OUTLine: 0800 688 5463.
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
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