Decision delayed on charging owner of killer dogs

Police have delayed a decision on whether to charge the owner of two dogs that savaged and killed Virginia Ohlson.
(...)

Mr Te Rupe said the family would have another hui, which they've called a "marae court sitting", to discuss what happened the day of Ms Ohlson's death.

"We want to get to the bottom of the story, set things straight," Mr Te Rupe said."We're getting slanted versions coming left, right and centre. "The meeting is also part of the healing and grieving process for the family."

Elders representing Mr Ruruhe and Ms Ohlson and hapu representatives will attend the hui, which Mr Te Rupe said would be an informal meeting. Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper has also been invited.

The groups at the hui would also discuss how the Whakatane District Council dealt with the situation, Mr Te Rupe said.

Mr Te Rupe said the meeting was not an attempt to replace the police inquiry into Ms Ohlson's death.

"We won't be hindering what the police are doing. Shane is being co-operative."

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I really like how the Maoris come together and have huis (meetings) and do at as a community. It is something that the Pakeha (whities) I'm sure envy :)

I say that because (this is for the benefit of outside of NZ readers) every Maori has their tribe. Each tribe is their community. I worked in a Maori settlement (gosh that sounds ancient!) and although drugs had a lot to do with their 'well being' (I mean that the Black Power attended and paid for funerals), I still felt that there was a sense of community and that they could overcome whatever they put their minds to... because they have each other.