[7], Principal photography began in Bragana, Portugal,[7][8][1] while additional scenes were shot in Norway, and Mammoth Lakes, California. [7] The scene was devised as a way to enhance the threat of "The Head", by forcing the title character to fight it at less than full strength, as he is unable to use the weapons that he is accustomed to fighting with. They are found all around the North Island, but are mainly based in East Auckland, with its headquarters being located in Ellerslie.They also have chapters in West Auckland, Wellsford, Northland and Wellington. The new 501 section of the Australian Migration Act allows for the deportation of those who fail a character test, and Senior Comanchero Pasilika Naufahu was the first to get the boot, followed by 14 others. The public was urged to report concerning behaviour to Police through 105. Theres no point in locking up the end user; what they need is help with their addiction. More funding for rehab facilities rather than resorting to incarceration would be a start, but the idea of spending hundreds of millions of taxpayers dollars on better-resourced rehabilitation centres and counselling is unlikely to be a vote-winner for politicians.. He maintains tension by running the burgeoning rivers of meth in New Zealand alongside the increasing capabilities of criminals, advancing technology and surveillance used by the investigative forces, and the evolution of various gangs. I had decided by that point not to find out what the crimes were. [1][8][7] The filmmakers had wanted to utilize the location for some time, feeling that its remoteness and scenery "would lend itself very well to a horror movie". Lyndon Vaughan Richardson during an appearance in the High Court in Christchurch in March 2021. Email george.block@stuff.co.nz or SMS / Signal +64273041775. [7] For the titular character, the filmmakers wanted the role to look and feel authentic, refusing to cast an American actor in the role as they felt that it would not be appropriate for the time period and feared that it would end up 'looking fake'. A Head Hunters gang leader who was the architect of a drug ring has been jailed for at least eight years and four months. Doing so wasnt easy. (Amended May 24, 2021,1.34pm). It was officially established as a motorcycle club in 1985 and an incorporated society in 1996. As one police source cynically noted, a number of people have disappeared after crossing the gang under the stewardship of Smith. It may feature just one or two fight scenes, no cackling wizards or captive princesses, but it manages to evoke that spirit while also telling a straightforward horror story. While the police have successfully targeted gangs in covert investigations into drugs and organised crime over many years, in recent weeks police have used more overt tactics to keep an eye on gang behaviour. Three firearms were also located and seized as part of the operation, including a prohibited semi-automatic rifle and a sawn-off shotgun, as well a significant quantity of ammunition and improvised explosive devices. MP says the caravan serves as constant reminder of what people have to put up with. On the back of those investigations, the police have restrained about $10 million worth of property linked to Wayne Doyle, who has not been convicted of any crimes since his release from prison 20 years ago. Revving engines filled the air and curious residents emerged from homes to watch as dozens of Head Hunters set off on a cross-city motorcycle run to mark the 20th anniversary of the gang's most . In this instance, enough to cook up an estimated $116 million worth. With love and respect. 105 is the number for Police non-emergencies. I read the love triangle that got Hui caught through the lens of a Richard Curtis romcom, only theres meth, dirty money, a tragic ending for Hui, and a victory for clean-living society. Reburying his daughter the next morning, the Father returns home. The Head Hunters are a motorcycle gang that formed in 1967, moved to West Auckland in 1978. You wont be able to look at a takeaway bag the same way, or a yum cha restaurant, or a shipping container, or a cargo ship. "Further there is evidence from two recentdrug investigationsconducted by the police that payments were made to the Head Hunters East Chapter, to senior patched members of that chapter, and in the case of one to Mr Doyle directly and/or the other interests associated with him," Justice Venning said. After "combing through all kinds of medieval literature", the filmmakers later came up with the film's current title. [15] It received a limited theatrical release on April 5, 2019. Zhang Hui and his crims proffer all the frisson of a New Zealand Asian Narcos. Savage relays the facts with impartiality and integrity. Other senior Head Hunters have been jailed in recent years for serious methamphetamine charges, but Doyle - who was jailed for murder in the 1980s - has not been convicted of a serious crime for nearly 20 years. But in recent years, Smith was a shadow of his former self after suffering a stroke. Mike's Minute: Why aren't people flocking to New Zealand? Hui owned a popular Chinese restaurant in Auckland and imported Chinese chicken bread crumbs and cooking utensils from Guangzhou. But there was a dark side to Smith, as he made a name for himself on the way to the top of the criminal hierarchy. These alleged payments allowed him to accrue the restrained properties, now valued at more than $10m, despite having declared no income for many years, according to the police. The forensic analysis formed part of the police case, which satisfied Justice Geoffrey Venning there were grounds to grant orders freezing $6m worth of assets linked to the gang president. Over that time, investigators from the Ministry of Social Development allege Doyle claimed $380,000 in social welfare payments he was not entitled to. [29], Inslito Festival de Cine de Terror y Fantasa. And are they, like me, left wondering whether New Zealand Auckland especially is genuinely unsafe? After a hard battle he finally decapitates the monster and travels home to pay respects to his daughter. A further six associates of the Head Hunters gang were charged with accessory after the fact in relation to allegedly assisting an offender involved in the Sofitel shooting to escape Police. "[23] Janel Spiegel from HorrorNews.net praised the film's atmosphere, cinematography, as well as the film's suspense, originality, and Rygh's performance. He was the gangs most senior figure based in Christchurch. "To help manage traffic congestion in the area, Police have put temporary cordons on Great North Road between Williamson Ave and Coleridge Street.". . [2] In 2009, Nomads founder and President Dennis Hines died. On Monday Richardsons lawyer, Kerry Cook, spoke about the changes Richardson had made to distance himself from the gang and allow for the important intergenerational change to occur so no members of his family were associated with the Head Hunters any longer. Operation Coin was the latest in a string of investigations into the Head Hunters across New Zealand over the last three years. I was told he was letting other Mongrels know there was fresh meat on the units. President Biden's 53-year-old son has been battling to cut child support payments for the 4-year-old daughter he has with Lunden Roberts -- a former stripper who had he a month-long affair with. On the basis of the so-far uncontested evidence, Justice Venning was satisfied there were reasonable grounds to believe the properties linked to Doyle were acquired by fraud, criminal dishonesty, money laundering and other significant criminal activity. "We are continuing to monitor group bike rides and offending on the roads will be investigated and followed up with enforcement action.". This properties were restrained under the Criminal Proceeds Recovery Act which essentially forces someone to prove how an asset was paid for. Strickland was sentenced to six months community detention, followed by 12 months supervision. The addresses of the restrained homes, as well as the names of Doyle's children and grandchildren who live there, are suppressed. [11] They set up base across from the Head Hunters, apparently as a symbolic middle finger. Cordons were earlier put in place on Crummer Road and Coleridge Street. Several patched members of the King Cobras central Auckland chapter also arrived to pay their respects. Many of these hunts leave The Father wounded and maimed, forcing him to use the elixir to heal himself. Nearly $20 million flowed into bank accounts linked. As nightfall arrives, the Father begins a game of wits against the creature, with it digging up the daughters grave and attaching its head to her corpse. Millie Elder-Holmes' partner Connor Morris was a member of the gang, his father was a senior member of the gang, Chris "One-Eye" Morris. Created by a skeleton crew on a meager budget with limited supplies, it is overflowing with imagination and atmosphere. Northland police have arrested six people after tit-for-tat shootings linked to tensions between the Head Hunters and Black Power. He confirmed the gang's plans - but said the motley crew of career criminals would travel on a bus and not wear their patches. Its hard for me to imagine that New Zealand, a country regarded as so peaceful its sometimes forgotten and dropped off of maps, could have this underworld of gangs, meth and criminal intelligence. The Charities Registration Board did not believe the trust was fulfilling its charitable purpose of rehabilitating prisoners, but agreed to reconsider the decision after an appeal to the High Court in April. Subscribe to receive news, alerts, Ten One Magazine stories, advice of stolen boats, and safety advice by email or RSS feed. "[1], Writer/director Jordan Downey on the inspiration for the film's story, The Head Hunter was produced and directed by Jordan Downey, who also co-wrote the film's script. MP says the caravan serves as constant reminder of what people have to put up with. Just like he said." Downey and Stewart were originally against the name change, but later embraced it as they felt the current title shifted the focus from the antagonist to the main character. A squad of Head Hunter gang members have enjoyed a round-the-world holiday flying business . [2], The Head Hunter received positive reviews from critics upon its release, with many praising the film's atmosphere, cinematography, and Rygh's performance. An investigation team involving a number staff from across Tamaki Makaurau, Northland and the National Organised Crime Group, has been working tirelessly over the last two months to identify all individuals involved in these series of incidents and hold them to account. Roads were closed to . Head Hunter president Wayne Doyle also alleged to have received $380,000 in welfare payments he was not entitled to, say MSD investigators. During one such hunt, he returns on foot after Jakke is killed. A senior Head Hunters gang member used a friend who worked at VTNZ to get names and addresses of nine people, and it's still not clear whether they are aware of the privacy breach. Guns, drugs, cars, cash - even stolen Star Wars figures - have been seized in Northland, Auckland, Tauranga, Rotorua, Wairarapa, Wellington, Nelson and as far south as Christchurch. [25], Jonathan Barkan from Dread Central rated the film four out of five stars, writing, "The Head is a testament to independent filmmaking. [11] It was later screened at the Nightmares Film Festival on October 20, 2018. The huge motorbike procession of Head Hunters and other gang members accompanying the casket arrived at the Mngere Lawn Cemetery in south Auckland shortly after 1.30pm. [22], Sandy Schaefer from Screen Rant wrote, "While he clearly had limited resources to draw from here, Downey is nevertheless able to deliver a mean and lean tale of revenge with a surprisingly rich sense of atmosphere. He stepped down as president in July this year, replaced by David Dunn, who has convictions for methamphetamine and rape. The Herald understands police are closely monitoring the Head Hunter event as part of Operation Cobalt, which includes a dedicated taskforce of staff in Auckland, to "suppress, disrupt and enforce" unlawful gang activity. We aim to have the trust and confidence of all - to achieve this we operate in accordance with our values. [6] Initially, the film's story was not immediately forthcoming, as Downey later recalled, "We didn't have the idea first, we just had this drive to make a movie [] So we just sat down, to see if we could come up with something that we could shoot for a low budget. It stars Norwegian actor Christopher Rygh as the title character, Cora Kaufman, and Aisha Ricketts. Firearm seized during a search warrant, /* prefer image alt text over title as title field used for caption and can be quite long (REF-483) */ ?> Further charges are possible. based on the film franchise of the same name, "Tracking Down Grief With The Head Hunter: Filmmaker Jordan Downey on a monster movie with a fractured heart - Screens - The Austin Chronicle", "The Head Hunter (2019) - Financial Information", "Amazing Critters: Bounty Hunter Fan Film GeekTyrant", "Fan Film Critters: Bounty Hunter Puts the Bite Back Into the Crites - Dread Central", "Murderous turkey coming to LMU in alumni's film sequel", "Interview: Filmmakers Behind Medieval-Horror 'The Head Hunter' and 'ThanksKilling', "Interview: Director Jordan Downey (The Head Hunter)", "See the Medieval Horror Trailer for "The Head Hunter", "The Head - Sitges Film Festival - Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantstic de Catalunya", "Nightmares Film Festival '18 Full Lineup Revealed! [11] Terrance McFarland - Most senior West Member, Head Hunters West. While the film was screened at Sitges, and Nightmares Film Festival under the title The Head, but the title was later changed to The Head Hunter due to lukewarm reactions. Downey later recalled, there was no formal audition for the role, with the filmmakers casting Rygh after having a conversation with the actor in regards to the role. After a lengthy chase, the Father seemingly kills the creature by severing its head from his daughter's corpse and stabbing it repeatedly in the head. [7] Shooting occasionally proved challenging, as the costumes, and props had to be shot in a certain way in order to "look right on camera", and crew members, including Downey, performing multiple roles during production. Initially a tight-knit group of around 30, the Head Hunters have now grown to have an estimated 500 patched members and prospects across the country. He stepped down from the role of President in July 2010. Although not alleged to be personally responsible for the criminal activity of other Head Hunters, the thrust of the police case is that Doyle received significant financial benefits because of his status as the alleged leader of the gang. These properties were restrained under the Criminal Proceeds Recovery Act which essentially forces someone to prove how an asset was paid for. The baseness I encountered in prison is unsurprising given that these men are locked in a cement block for 24 hours a day. Whittaker said officers would be monitoring the event to ensure the safety of all road users and would take appropriate action if any unsafe ad dangerous behaviour occurs. She explains how the book has upended her thinking. The Head Hunter (originally titled The Head) is a 2018 American fantasy horror film directed by Jordan Downey, who also co-wrote, produced, and edited the film. I read it with my own experience with gangs in mind but I was left perplexed, perhaps because Savages matter-of-fact tone, and the careful detail of his reporting, revealed my naivety. Drug deals were organised over the phone before dealers met with customers. We bought it all. To others, he was a powerful and feared underworld figure who beat a murder charge, then took charge of the notorious motorcycle gang. She sentenced Richardson to 10 months home detention, saying that imprisonment was not appropriate in his case. A number of senior members have been convicted of serious methamphetamine dealing over the past two decades, and have a reputation for intimidation and violence in the criminal underworld. Get the answers to some of our most common queries. Police are interviewing a former Mt Eden Prison officer after raiding Head Hunters properties today. Doyle, 62, is widely considered to be the godfather of the feared gang, which has aggressively expanded across the country in recent years. The judge said there also seemed to be a discrepancy of $2.4m between the trust's declared income and funds deposited into the bank account. "The gangs were seen as controlling the methamphetamine market and getting stronger," said Chris Cahill, president of the Police Association. This was a complex investigation involving a large number of offenders and I want to acknowledge the dedication of our staff who have been committed to identifying and apprehending everyone allegedly involved in these series of incidents. Fortunately no one was injured in any of these incidents, however these were extremely serious and there was a significant risk to members of the public as a result of the actions of these individuals. The motorcycle run is part of celebrations this weekend, understood to involve hundreds of Head Hunters, marking the chapter's 20th anniversary. The gang recently won an appeal in an ongoing legal battle after the trust was deregistered as a charity. Richardson received a share of the proceeds from some of his associates sales. A truce has been called between rival gangs the Killer Beez and Tribesmen after a three-week blitz of shootings and suspicious fires. Photo / Instagram. As part of the police case, an investigation by the Ministry of Social Development alleges Doyle received $380,000 in social welfare payments over 23 years he was not entitled to. As part of the police case, an investigation by the Ministry of Social Development alleges Doyle received $380,000 in social welfare payments over 23 years he was not entitled to. Around 40 patched members and their motorcycles head east on Marua Rd. To improve your experience, Police have made no arrests after a day of massive gang funeral processions across Auckland in New Zealand to farewell a. Why would a private company want a prisoner to get even a whiff of education or reform when theres profit to be made from letting him reoffend instead. At 10.20am, a significant number of patched Hells Angels, allied to the Head Hunters, arrived at the funeral home on their mostly Harley Davidson bikes. In 2011, Judith Collins welcomed a private company into New Zealand to operate some of our prisons a company that would later be fined 60-70 million for charging the UK government for monitoring prisoners who were in fact dead. In creating the look and feel of decomposition in the severed heads featured in the film, the production crew reappropriated many old Halloween masks by staining them and placing layers of melted plastic over them in order to create the effect of rotting flesh. Most of these men couldnt read. The gang has made millions out of its crime networks and police say the gang's activities have a "ripple on effect" into the community. According to filmmakers Downey and Stewart, the reason for the change was mainly due to lukewarm reactions under the initial name, with the film's distributor, Vertical Entertainment, suggesting a change in the film's title. Visit Unity Books Wellington or Unity Books Auckland online stores today. The series of incidents are believed to have commenced around April 5th 2021 and involved a number of serious matters involving arsons and drive-by shootings at properties associated with those gangs. How to report bad driving, legislation, speed limits, road safety cameras and other safety advice. Norwegian actor Christopher Rygh was cast as the leading role, in his feature-film debut, after filmmakers discovered him while searching a casting website. Scan the QR code to download now. The most high-profile incident occurred on April 15th where shots were fired inside the Sofitel Hotel foyer in Auckland CBD. UEFA intervenes over Ronaldo's costly Coke stunt. Complaints included vehicles being driven on the wrong side of the road, intersections being blocked, passengers sitting outside vehicle windows, dangerous overtaking, motorcyclists not wearing helmets and sustained loss of traction in proximity to pedestrians. Our drive for New Zealand to be the safest country in the world. Othersenior Head Huntershave been jailed in recent years for serious methamphetamine charges, but Doyle - who was jailed for murder in the 1980s - has not been convicted of a serious crime for nearly 20 years. They were joined by hundreds of mourners from other patched gangs including the Rebels, King Cobras, Hells Angels, Killer Beez, Mongrel Mob and Two Eight Brotherhood, among others. About $19.9m was deposited into the bank accounts of the six entities associated with Doyle between 2002 and 2016 - half in cash - according to analysis by the Serious Fraud Office. "Similarly, large sums of funds have been paid to Head Hunters members by the That Was Then This is Now Trust," Justice Venning wrote. I wonder how many of those choosing to read Gangland will, like me, realise the privilege of their naivety and close the book better educated on another kind of pandemic. A giant of the criminal world, Dave Smith died this week after suffering the effects of a stroke for several years. A construction manager on a nearby site, whose crews have stopped to watch the extraordinary scenes of hundreds of gang members coming together, said "the road hasn't been this quiet since COVID". [1], Construction of the film's props and various monsters in the film commenced before the script was completed, with the filmmakers experimenting with the designs and techniques that would be implemented on a low budget. David James Dunn - President. Earlier, police in an unmarked car could be seen taking photos of gang members gathered outside the pad. The wealth they allegedly amassed through methamphetamine distribution was astronomical: a pageantry of gold Harley Davidsons, a Rolls-Royce Wraith valued at just under $500,000, and homes in the eastern Auckland suburbs. [18] The soundtrack was a later played as a part of an official selection of Soole's works during the 2019 San Diego Comic Con's "Sounds of Horror" Panel on July 19, 2019. Attribute to Detective Inspector Kevin McNaughton, NZ Police: A Police operation focusing on an ongoing series of incidents involving individuals from the Mongols and Head Hunters gangs has recently concluded, with a total of 19 people facing charges before the courts. Several senior members received lengthy prison sentences for methamphetamine offences, including William "Bird" Hines, who is also battling ill health, and David O'Carroll. Having worked in a remand prison, I thought I knew what to expect from journalist Jared Savages true crime expos. [19][20], The Head Hunter was released via Video on Demand,[16] cable, and digital media on April 5, 2019. Video / NZ Herald. Nearly $20m banked by entities linked to Head Hunters president. "[26] Joblo' Jake Dee gave the film a score of nine out of ten, praising the film's atmosphere, visuals, mounting tension, and third act, hailing it as a fine example of low-budget filmmaking. [16][7] It was later released on DVD by ADNA Films and Lionsgate on May 7, 2019. As of 3pm local time there had been no arrests and both gatherings were free of any disorder. Deceased, 2014. I watched with the kind of expression one might have while trying to remember the value of pi. Audio. Victorian couple fined after taking COVID-19 to Sunshine Coast. Gun violence has no place in our society and we hope the conclusion of this operation reassures the public that dangerous and serious criminal acts by gangs will not be tolerated by Police. Guns, drugs, cars, cash - even stolen Star Wars figures - have been seized in Northland, Auckland, Tauranga, Rotorua, Wairarapa, Wellington, Nelson and as far south as Christchurch. Smith stayed at the helm of the West Chapter even after Doyle was released from prison in 1995. 3:27pm Jun 18, 2021. Recreational vaping to be banned under big health shake-up, Fatal flaw in escape from infamous island prison, Met Gala 2023: All the outfits from the red carpet, Celebrity chef and MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo dies. Richardson, who already has a substantial criminal record, told the court he left the Head Hunters three years ago, and although the door to the gang remained open to him, he has firmly shut that door. [1][7] From the outset, both Downey and Stewart knew that the film would be low budget, and feature a very small cast, which was all factored into the film's script. Half of the money was banked in cash and $9.2 million was deposited into the account of the motorcycle gang's charitable trust, which suggested the entities linked to Doyle were money laundering, said the Chief High Court judge. As well as facing down threats from rival gangs, the leadership of the Head Hunters has been targeted by police in recent years. The Father earns his living as a bounty hunter by hunting down the beasts that terrorize a nearby kingdom. The initial concept for the film later came about during a writer's retreat, in which the filmmakers had assembled and hosted at Stewart's family home in Soutelo Mourisco, a small village in Northern Portugal. On one occasion, the detective recalled catching wind that the Head Hunters planned to have a New Year's Eve party in Northland. The following information contains the rules and guidelines of the Head Hunters MC New Zealand GTA Online. A violent brawl has erupted between rival gang members while mourners gathered to farewell a child in New Zealand.. Members of warring gangs Black Power and the Head Hunters were caught on camera . "The gangs were seen as controlling the methamphetamine market and getting stronger," said Chris Cahill, president of the Police Association. If you have hearing or talking difficulties register for the 111 TXT service. Chapman also said police were looking for any information from the public or "professional bodies who are engaged in the financial affairs of the Head Hunters gang". Several police officers were outside the gang's HQ on Marua . The investigation also uncovered a number of people who were allegedly assisting the offenders involved who were actively attempting to avoid Police. People featured here are sought by Police for arrest. "We are aware of previous incidents involving gang processions where dangerous driving behaviour has been exhibited by some of the riders, which has at times put those involved and the wider community at risk.". [8], The Head Hunter first premiered at the Sitges Film Festival on October 6, 2018 as a part of the festival's "Panorama Fantstic" section. Doyle strongly denied the allegations, according to his defence lawyer Maria Pecotic who successfully opposed an application by theHeraldto view the police evidence. ", Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you. "Police are committed to ensuring that people can not accrue wealth and assets as a result of criminal behaviour, at the expense of the safety of our community," said Detective Superintendent Iain Chapman at the time of the raids on Doyle. Audio. Concerned about the possibility of 30 patched members on motorcycles riding through a small town and terrorising the locals, Mr Stokes called Smith.
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