Court documents reveal criminal history of man shot by police

Thursday 20 August 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Thu 20 Aug, 1:18pm

In this story Rebel Sport

Hapai Otene was fatally shot by police while approaching Sylvia Park in Auckland carrying a stolen air rifle. Court records show Otene had 30 convictions and had used methamphetamine since age 15. Before his death, a judge had warned him that there was no future in his lifestyle.

How they headlined it

12:29pm1:18pm

1. NZ HeraldThu 20 Aug, 12:29pm

   ‘There is no future in this’: Judge’s warning to Hapai Otene months before he was shot dead by police (opens in new tab)

2. 1News via RNZThu 20 Aug, 1:18pm

   Judge warned Sylvia Park gunman months before shooting (opens in new tab)