Ōrere Point death in police custody

The story so far

A 45-year-old man died after being taken into custody at Ōrere Point Beach in rural Auckland on Sunday 2 March 2025.^{2, 3, 7 Mar 2025} The incident followed a car chase from Papakura, and the vehicle was linked to a Takapuna bar robbery.^{2, 4 Mar 2025} Police said the man threatened officers with a metal pole, after early reports had described a samurai sword, and he allegedly bit an officer's hand.^{2, 3, 7 Mar 2025} Officers used a Taser, pepper spray and a police dog. The man became unresponsive and could not be revived.^{2, 3, 7 Mar 2025} A post-mortem has been completed, but the cause of death has not yet been determined.^{4, 7 Mar 2025}

Latest

Family and friends have launched a petition calling for mandatory police body cameras, and they allege the man was subjected to extensive assault. His relatives are fundraising to take his body to Brisbane for burial.^{8, 10 Mar 2025}

What's next

An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death.^{4 Mar 2025} The family is waiting for official documents, including the cause of death, before the body can be moved.^{10 Mar 2025}

Key moments

1. 2 Mar 2025Man dies in custody at Ōrere Point after car chase from Papakura.
2. 3 Mar 2025Police clarify the man threatened officers with a metal pole, not a sword.
3. 4 Mar 2025Police link the vehicle to a Takapuna bar robbery; autopsy to be conducted.
4. 7 Mar 2025Police release the man's age; post-mortem done, cause not yet determined.
5. 8 Mar 2025Family and friends launch petition for mandatory police body cameras.
6. 10 Mar 2025Family fundraises to return the body to Brisbane for burial.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.