OFF THE WIRE
BY: Kristin Edge
northernadvocate.co.nz
BARRIER: A fence is erected around a Whangarei business formerly used by the Rebels Motorcycle gang.
A concrete slab fence being erected round a Whangarei business is not gang fortification but a move by the building owner to boost security.
The Porowini Ave building in central Whangarei - previously the headquarters for the Rebels Motorcycle gang - now has a solid fence surrounding the yard in front of the large commercial building.
Owner Noel Dyer confirmed the Rebels gang were no longer based in the building.
"My son is building a wall around it to make it more secure for people who may want to move in," Mr Dyer said.
The wall had some residents in the Morningside area worried it could have been linked to the gang and they contacted police and the Whangarei District Council.
It seems the whereabouts of the Rebel gang is a mystery.
Whangarei police don't know where they have moved to and Mr Dyer said he had no idea where they had gone after leaving his property.
Area commander Inspector Paul Dimery believed the Rebels no longer had a city headquarters.
"We don't know for sure and clearly any information about where they are would be appreciated," he said.
Police were aware two of the Rebels gang members were helping construct the wall around the Porowini business.
"We've had police staff down there and have spoken with the owner who assures us that the Rebels have moved out."
Whangarei District Council officials said the wall complied with regulations for buildings zoned as heavy industrial.
Group manger environment Paul Dell said because it was in an industrial environment there were fewer restrictions on fencing.
The Rebels set up in the Porowini Ave building in April and had their first motorcycle run and official opening on Easter weekend.
They were subjected to heavy police scrutiny and moved out of the building a few months later.
Do you know where the Rebels are? email us on reporters@northernadvocate.co.nz or contact Whangarei police on 09 430 4500.
