A family member of a young man killed in a motorcycle crash on Monday says there is no need to be afraid at the funeral, which is to be shadowed by police.
Merc Papa-Hugh Lei-Tama Maumasi-Rihari was riding a motorbike with about 70 members of the Tribesmen gang when he crashed on State Highway 1 in north Canterbury.
The 21-year-old was killed instantly after his motorbike went into an oncoming car.
Police announced on Saturday they will be monitoring the funeral on Auckland's North Shore.
Stefan McIntyre, Waitemata East area manager says the funeral has caused disruption to the local community. Officers will be on the ground and the funeral will be filmed to avoid any offending.
But a family member says there's no need to be afraid and apologised for any delays caused.
"There will be a lot of loud bikes, cars and vests, but you do not, I repeat DO NOT, have to be afraid or scared," they posted on Facebook Tuesday.
"Everyone is only here for one reason and that's to love, support and send my brother off.
"We will be riding him all through Beach Haven slowly one last time, all the way to Snapper Rock.
"His convoy is going to be a big one, so we are sorry in advance if we stop people from getting to certain places, we just trying to give him the last glimpse of the valley before the journey of no return begins.
"Please be safe on the roads whanau," he added.
