New Zealand Police say they were not aware of any reported threat involving a firearm near Rātana, following claims made on TikTok last night by social media personality Martel Wikeepa, who is also known online as “Shubz.”
In a video posted to TikTok, Wikeepa claimed his life had been threatened by an individual allegedly carrying a gun near the Rātana area. The video was shared widely on social media, prompting concern among viewers.
However, Police have confirmed they received no report of such an incident, and say they were not alerted to any firearms-related threat in the area at the time the claims were made:
“At this time, Police has not received a report relating to this. If you or anybody else is in immediate danger, please call 111.
Information can also be provided to Police via our 105 service either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz. To provide anonymous information, contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 1.
One whanau member has told Waatea “this is just a lie for clicks, how dare he just rock up to oue celebration telling lies like this that harm the wairua of such a wonderful occassion”
Another whanau member, when shown the video said; “get out of town, we dont want this sort of crazy here”
Several Iwi leaders told Waatea that this is why people such as Wikeepa should be ignored with one saying “his whanau should come and get him for a korero … ”
Everyone Waatea spoke with indicated they were not aware of any such incident, and no disruption or emergency response was recorded.
Authorities are reminding the public that social media is not a substitute for emergency reporting, and that unverified claims can cause unnecessary fear – particularly in communities where safety and tikanga are paramount.
At this stage, there is no independent verification of the claims made in the TikTok video. Police say they encourage anyone who genuinely feels threatened to contact Police immediately via 111, or make a report through official channels.
