Operation Mainland Release 4 Deceased Named

New Zealand Police National News Release

27 July 2008
Operation Mainland release 4

27 July 2008

The name of a man fatally shot in an alleged early morning drive-by shooting in the small Waikato settlement of Waharoa today has been released.

He was Desmond Francis Paddy ARAHANGA, 28, of Matamata.

Mr Arahanga was also known as Ollie or Olson Desmond Gage.

A homicide enquiry known as Operation Mainland was launched today following Mr ARAHANGA'S death.

Waikato Crime Services Manager, Detective Inspector Peter Devoy, said about 20 Police staff are involved in the enquiry assisted by Auckland based ESR forensic experts.

Earlier in the day the investigation team was also assisted by members of both the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Armed Offenders Squads.

While no arrests relating to the killing of Mr ARAHANGA have yet been made Mr Devoy said this was the main focus for the enquiry team.

"To that end there are still a number of people we are yet to interview and our enquiries will be ongoing through tonight and on to tomorrow," he said.

"We have received good cooperation from the local Waharoa community and we ask that this continues to allow our team to bring this matter to a close."

ENDS

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