Police are keeping a close watch on the funeral for the boss of the Mongrel Mob's Notorious chapter in the Hawke's Bay town of Waipawa.
Superintendent Jeanette Park, Eastern District Commander, said Hawke's Bay Police will be maintaining a visible presence across the district for Sonny Smith's tangi.
"Additional staff are being deployed to monitor road safety and provide community reassurance," she said in a statement.
The police's Eagle helicopter has been called in to monitor roads in the area over the coming days.
"With people also heading home after the long weekend, we're expecting to see a significant amount of traffic on Central Hawke's Bay roads in the next few days," Superintendent Park said.
Motorists are urged to plan ahead as there may be delays.
Waipawa locals told the Hawke's Bay Today there had been no trouble in the town so far, with one saying the mobster's funeral had been good for local businesses like the fish and chip shops, petrol stations and the gym.
"I think it's been good so far, and it's been good for the town as well," he said.
"I was in the gym on Saturday morning and about eight of them walked in off the street to do a session - some of them are real gym bunnies, and they trained pretty hard."
Superintendent Park said anyone who witnesses unlawful behaviour or driving-related offending should report it to Police via 111 if it's happening now or 105 if it's after the fact and quote file number 240514/0870.
"There is also an online portal where videos and photos can be uploaded," she said.
"Video or photos will be used by police to undertake further enquiries and take appropriate enforcement action."
Newshub
