PAC: NZ gang member faces hearing on extradition to Aust
05 Jan 2009 2:33 PM
WANGANUI, Jan 5 NZPA - A motorcycle gang member in New Zealand, wanted in Australia for his alleged role in an ambush on a rival gang, faces an extradition hearing in a district court next month.
Queensland police say Peter Douglas Rauhina, 37, who appeared in Wanganui District Court on Monday, was a member of the Rebels motorcycle gang and was involved in an ambush on the rival Bandidos gang in February 2007.
He was arrested last month in the North Island city of New Plymouth, where he was living, on charges of injuring with intent and disorderly behaviour following an alleged domestic incident.
Judge Michael Radford withdrew those charges on Monday.
Rauhina was one of six Rebels arrested in early 2007 following an 11-month Queensland police operation targeting motorcycle gangs.
The charges against him relate to an incident in which members of the Bandidos were allegedly run down and ambushed.
A number were knocked from their bikes and allegedly assaulted with baseball bats and lengths of timber.
Police believe the alleged attack was revenge for an earlier altercation between the rival gangs.
Rauhina was allowed to leave Australia to attend his mother's funeral in New Zealand on condition he return to answer charges of grievous bodily harm, going armed to cause fear, affray, assault occasioning bodily harm while in company and armed, as well as perjury.
Rauhina is in custody at Wanganui prison until the extradition hearing on February 17.
