Man Sentenced for Chasing Teenager with Chainsaw Over Loud Music

A 56-year-old man from Whangārei, Brian Amaitaiti, has been sentenced for a bizarre and alarming incident that occurred on 18 November 2023, when he chased a teenager with a chainsaw after a dispute over loud music.

The incident took place in Raumanga, where Amaitaiti was at home when a teenager from a neighboring house played loud music late into the evening. The situation escalated into a verbal altercation, which quickly turned dangerous when Amaitaiti took up a chainsaw and chased the teenager across his property into a cul-de-sac.

Although no one was injured during the incident, Amaitaiti claimed self-defense. However, the jury found him not guilty of the more serious charges of threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon. Despite this, he was convicted of assault with a weapon.

Judge Taryn Bayley emphasized the volatile nature of the incident and the significant danger posed by the use of a chainsaw. She stated that, while the behavior may have been motivated by a dispute over noise, it still constituted a serious criminal offense.

Amaitaiti had no prior criminal record and expressed genuine remorse for his actions. As a result of the conviction, he was sentenced to nine months of supervision, 120 hours of community work, and was ordered not to associate with the neighbors for six months.

His lawyer argued that Amaitaitai had been separated from his family for over 18 months and should be allowed to return to the street. However, the court did not grant this request, citing the need for continued supervision and the importance of ensuring public safety.

This case has sparked a broader discussion about the use of force in domestic disputes and the appropriate legal responses to such incidents. While loud music disputes are not uncommon, the use of a chainsaw as a weapon raises serious concerns about the potential for escalation and the need for de-escalation strategies in such situations.