Gang Member Sentenced to 23 Months in Prison for Firing Shotgun at Children's Shed

On the evening of February 14 this year, Tiaki James Wahanga O Te Rangi Riki, 29, and members of the Mongrel Mob were found drinking in a shed at his Morrinsville property. While the group was inebriated, the 29-year-old pulled a loaded sawn-off shotgun from beneath a mattress on which three young children—aged 2, 4, and 8—were sleeping. He fired the weapon through the wall of the shed, leaving a large hole visible from the outside.

The children were sleeping on the floor of the shed, and the gunshot was fired from inside the building, raising immediate concerns about their safety. Neighbors were alerted by the noise and quickly called the police. The Armed Offenders Squad responded swiftly, arriving at the scene to arrest Wahanga O Te Rangi Riki.

During a search of the property, police discovered a significant amount of illegal substances and weapons, including nine live rounds of shotgun ammunition, 33 empty shotgun shells, cannabis bongs, 54 grams of cannabis, a packet of self-sealing bags for distribution, two rifle bolts, and a rifle scope. These findings underscore the severity of the situation and highlight the broader criminal activities associated with the individual.

At the sentencing hearing, Wahanga O Te Rangi Riki claimed that he had fired the shot into the air and had no intention of harming anyone. However, Judge Kim Saunders was unequivocal in her condemnation of the incident. She emphasized that the risk posed to the children was not only high but also absolutely inexcusable. The judge took into account that Wahanga O Te Rangi Riki was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the incident, had a documented history of substance abuse, and was a known gang member with a criminal record that included a 2017 conviction for aggravated robbery.

In light of these factors, the judge sentenced Wahanga O Te Rangi Riki to 23 months in prison. The ruling sends a clear message that such reckless and dangerous behavior will not be tolerated, especially when it endangers the lives of children.

This incident has sparked renewed discussions about the role of gangs in the community and the need for stronger measures to prevent violence and protect vulnerable members of society. The court's decision reflects a firm stance against criminal behavior that puts others at risk, particularly in situations involving minors.