Key Takeaways
- A body was found in the search for Te Anihana Pomana, a missing person, in the Pukekohe area on Saturday
- The police released a media statement announcing the discovery of the body, which is believed to be Te Anihana, but formal identification is yet to take place
- The family of Te Anihana has been notified and is being provided with support
- The police are investigating the circumstances of the death and a post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out
- The whānau of Te Anihana has criticized the police for releasing the information to the media before they could inform all of their close relatives
Introduction to the Incident
The search for Te Anihana Pomana, a missing person, took a tragic turn on Saturday when a body was found in the Pukekohe area. The police released a media statement on Monday announcing the discovery of the body, which is believed to be Te Anihana, although formal identification is yet to take place. The news of the discovery was met with criticism from Te Anihana’s whānau, who felt that the police had released the information to the media before they could inform all of their close relatives.
The Police Media Release
The police media release stated that the body was found in dense bush in the Pukekohe area at around 7:43 pm on Saturday. The release also mentioned that an investigation into the circumstances of the death was underway and a post-mortem examination was expected to be carried out in due course. The police also stated that Te Anihana’s family had been notified of the development and were being provided with support. However, the whānau of Te Anihana felt that the police had not followed the proper protocol in releasing the information to the media, and that they should have waited until the family had a chance to inform all of their close relatives.
Whānau Criticism
The whānau of Te Anihana took to social media to express their criticism of the police’s handling of the situation. In a post, they stated that the media releases were done without official confirmation with formal identification, and that the whānau had not had the chance to inform many close to Te Anihana. The post also included an apology to anyone who had to find out about the discovery of the body through the media, rather than being informed by the family. This criticism highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for the family’s wishes during difficult times.
Investigation and Next Steps
The police are currently investigating the circumstances of the death, and a post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out in due course. The police have also stated that they are providing support to Te Anihana’s family during this difficult time. The investigation will aim to determine the cause of death and the events leading up to it. The police have been approached for further comment, but it is unclear at this time what additional information they will release.
Cultural Sensitivity and Respect
The criticism from Te Anihana’s whānau highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for the family’s wishes during difficult times. In many cultures, including Māori culture, it is customary for the family to be informed of any developments before the information is released to the media. This allows the family to inform their close relatives and to begin the grieving process in a private and respectful manner. The police should take steps to ensure that they are respecting the cultural protocols and wishes of the family, and that they are communicating with them in a sensitive and respectful manner.
Conclusion
The discovery of the body believed to be Te Anihana Pomana is a tragic development in the search for the missing person. While the police have released some information about the discovery, the whānau of Te Anihana has criticized the police for releasing the information to the media before they could inform all of their close relatives. The police should take steps to ensure that they are respecting the cultural protocols and wishes of the family, and that they are communicating with them in a sensitive and respectful manner. The investigation into the circumstances of the death is ongoing, and the police will release more information as it becomes available.
