Police Prepare for 500km Gang Funeral Procession for Mossy Hines

AUCKLAND (Azat TV) – New Zealand police are preparing for a significant logistical and public safety operation as a 500-kilometer funeral procession for Mossy Hines, the son of former Head Hunters gang leader William “Bird” Hines, is scheduled to travel from Auckland to Foxton this Friday. The event is expected to draw a large number of gang members, prompting authorities to promise strict enforcement against any unsafe or unlawful behavior on the roads and in public spaces.

Mossy Hines reportedly died on Monday, January 26, 2026, according to social media posts made by his family. His body is currently at Haven Falls Funeral Home in Henderson, Auckland. The procession will mirror the route taken during his father’s funeral in 2023, culminating in an 11 am service in Foxton, north of Wellington, before his burial alongside his father at the Motuiti Marae urupā in Hīmatangi.

Police Prioritize Public Safety Amidst Expected Convoy

Waitematā West area commander Simon Walker confirmed to The Herald that police are fully aware of the planned travel between Auckland and Foxton and the anticipated involvement of gang members. Commander Walker emphasized that the primary focus of law enforcement will be to ensure the safety of the general public and other road users throughout the extensive journey.

“Police will be monitoring activity on the roads to ensure safe driving behaviour, and will be reminding those travelling of acceptable behaviour in public spaces,” Commander Walker stated. He added a clear warning: “Any observed unsafe or unlawful behaviour will result in enforcement action.” This proactive stance underscores the police’s determination to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure order during the high-profile event.

A History of High-Profile Gang Funerals

The upcoming procession for Mossy Hines carries notable parallels to the funeral of his father, William “Bird” Hines, a revered figure within the Head Hunters gang, which also involved a lengthy journey and significant gang presence. Such events often draw public attention and raise concerns about road safety due to the large convoys and sometimes unruliness associated with gang gatherings.

Mossy Hines himself has had previous encounters with the law. In a police photo released in 2006, he was reportedly found with 43 grams of methamphetamine, some cannabis plant, and $15,296 in cash in a Gucci bum bag. This incident was part of a larger police operation where a total of $89,276 was seized from various searches and subsequently forfeited to the Crown under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009. Hines had claimed the $15,296 in his bum bag was from selling a car, an explanation that was not fully accepted by authorities at the time.

Community Impact and Ongoing Monitoring

The journey from Auckland to Foxton traverses a significant portion of New Zealand’s North Island, impacting numerous communities along the way. Local residents and motorists are advised to anticipate potential traffic delays and to exercise caution if they encounter the procession. Police presence is expected to be visible along the route, not only to monitor the convoy but also to reassure the public.

The emphasis on public safety and the explicit warning of enforcement highlights the delicate balance authorities must strike between allowing individuals to mourn and upholding public order. The event serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges associated with organized gang activity and its public manifestations.

The police’s preemptive announcement of monitoring and enforcement for Mossy Hines’ funeral procession signals a clear intent to manage public safety proactively, reflecting lessons learned from past gang-related events and aiming to prevent potential disruption before it escalates.