A Whangārei man has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after a violent assault at a neighbourhood superette left a shopper with serious injuries, reported The New Zealand Herald.
According to The New Zealand Herald, Reg Hauwai, 37, appeared in the Whangārei District Court on charges of injuring with intent to injure, wilful damage, and possession of an offensive weapon.
The incident unfolded on March 12, 2025, at the Ōtangarei Superette on William Jones Drive. Hauwai, who did not know the victim, became involved in a dispute inside the store.
The court heard that Hauwai launched a vicious attack, kicking the man in the stomach before repeatedly punching him in the head. He then kneed the victim in the head, head-butted him, and threw him against a wall. The man was tossed to the ground, straddled, and placed in a headlock before members of the public intervened to stop the assault, The New Zealand Herald reported.
A victim impact statement revealed the man suffered extensive injuries to his face, neck, chest, and ribs, as well as significant blood loss. Since the attack, he has struggled to secure employment.
The court also heard that Hauwai’s offending began in February, when he was stopped by police and found carrying a large knife without a lawful excuse.
Defence lawyer Jarred Scott argued Hauwai was motivated to change, noting he had planned to start Phil Paikea’s Safe Man, Safe Family programme the day he was arrested. He said Hauwai’s partner had given him an ultimatum to choose between methamphetamine and his family.
“This is a man who is ready for the court to take a chance on him,” Scott told the court, as quoted by The New Zealand Herald.
Police prosecutor Grant Kenny described the assault as prolonged and destructive, causing $4500 worth of damage to the store. “This is just another occurrence for him,” Kenny said. “The only outcome we could have here is another sentence of prison,” The New Zealand Herald quoted.
Judge David Laurenson, KC, acknowledged Hauwai had only three prior convictions for violence dating back to 2006, but said his history of non-compliance was concerning. While noting Hauwai’s efforts to seek rehabilitation, the judge imposed a 12-month prison sentence.