Napier Siege

Anyone know anyone or got family up there?

My brother is in the cordoned off zone. I didn't find out until his mate turned up here to watch the news with us! His mate found out earlier in the day so did my DH (who neglected to tell me )

He said he could leave to go to work last night but he wouldn't be able to go back home. He's a bread contractor up there so wonder if the bread got through LOL

Last time I spoke to him was about 6.30pm & he said ohh gotta go somethings happening...talk about leaving us hanging!

What have I missed??????? Are you handling things ok Kel?? (I'm sure you are just checking!)

We have a close friend up there, both her and her partner are journo's. It's incredibly scary stuff.

Yeah I know...I bet he's sitting down watching TV!

Nah I'm fine about it, he's not stupid, he's been in scary situations before, he was working up the mountain in 1996 when the mountain errupted & his life was in direct threat so this is probably just all exciting for him.

His house is within 200m off the place but not close enough to be evacuated I think. I'm talking to my SIL via email & she works in Auckland so she'll let me know what's going on.

Funny thing was until about 4 weeks ago he was living in his van on the Napier forshore & we were worried about him doing that!

Now that sounds like he's a street urchin but his van is pretty kitted out, not like a Camper van but kinda like that. He was being cheap cause he works during the night it was quite safe sleeping during the day.

Yeah Bizzy....I'm sure a whole lot of tear gas will drive him out

Bizzy wrote: oh duh! simon dallow "police are refusing to disclose their tactics"... i wonder why you plonker!!!!!

lol

I use to think that when they were reporting on the war in Iraq, they were telling us where the troops were going and where they were expecting the iraqis to be, like they wouldn't be watching the news

Kel hope you brother isn't trapped inside his house too much longer.

I suppose it's hard for the police because if they go heavy handed now it will look like retaliation for killing a cop rather than just policing.

The problem is the idiot has suggested that he has wired explosives up, and he is using a very high powered rifle - police have to act in a way to ensure the least likely loss of life. It would be terrible to lose another life because they were impatient.

It is horrible that people are scared & trapped - or unable to get home - but I think all of them would find that preferable to more blood on the street.

& considering how the police have to justify themselves if they shoot him, how they will be subjected to investigations & suspensions, media harassment, anger and blame until the investigation is resolved - well, I dont blame them for being careful and patient! The biggest priority is to contain him to ensure he doesnt go on a rampage - and I think that has been the focus - to ensure all the escape holes are closed before they go in. Gossip says the nutter has expressed a reconciled finality to his girlfriend, which makes him capable of just about anything.

If there was another way without a massive risk to lives I am sure they would do it - afterall it is one of theirs lying cold on the ground. They are understaffed, under resourced, and under stress - but I have faith they will do the best they can.

Sorry for long novel rant - just the whole situation is a bit too close to home with friends and family members in the police (not there thank god).

Wishing everybody with friends and family involved a safe resolution.

Nicely said babe and kmassonz I think the Police are doing a good job down there they do not want any more people killed, I too hope it will be resolved peacefully

Because he has released more ammo than the police get to practice with in a year - and he has high powered rifle plus other weapons (he has shot different types of bullets out) - he has rigged explosives (how much they don't know - hey it could be enough to level the block!) & they cant tell exactly where he is, and there is no way to go in there without risking someone's life. He is trained in weapons - he can make a shot, or many shots, and they may get him, but will likely lose more lives in the process. They are using the equipment they have to ascertain his position etc, but it is one heck of a risk to go in there.

I live in the region and it is pretty scary. Apparently there are over 100 police + army etc. They must have good reasons for not shooting tear gas or something in there.
I really feel for the slain policemans family. Its aweful for them not to be able to recover the body.

The police seem to be taking care of those who cant get back to their homes like putting them up in motels etc. I trust the police know what they are doing.

Also, I agree with kmasonnz. They get a hard time from the media etc when they make a tough call on something. It would be hard to ask on of the guys from the forces to take a guys life.

Hopefully it ends peacefully soon

Peanut wrote: kmasonnz - what very well worded and non aggressive comments/replies you have made. I fully agree with everything you have said. Its a horrible situation for all involved.

I second that.