NZ Police Search for 2 Missing Kids After Fugitive Shot

An urgent search is underway in the Bay of Plenty for two young children, aged 8 and 10, following a dramatic confrontation that left a wanted fugitive critically injured. The NZ Police have deployed significant resources, including specialist search and rescue teams and the Eagle helicopter, as fears grow for the safety of the missing siblings. The incident, which unfolded in a remote rural area near Te Kaha, has triggered a massive law enforcement response and a heartfelt plea for public assistance.

The Confrontation and Shooting

The situation began to escalate early Monday morning when officers attempted to execute an arrest warrant for 38-year-old Mark Ropata, who had been on the run for several weeks. Ropata was wanted on multiple charges, including aggravated robbery and firearms offenses. According to a police spokesperson, officers tracked Ropata to a secluded property off State Highway 35.

Upon arrival, officers were confronted by Ropata, who was allegedly armed. A spokesperson stated that the situation deteriorated rapidly, resulting in an officer discharging their firearm. Ropata sustained a single gunshot wound and was immediately given first aid by officers at the scene. He was subsequently airlifted to Tauranga Hospital, where he remains in a critical but stable condition under police guard.

It was only after the scene was secured that officers discovered two children, believed to be Ropata’s, were unaccounted for. They were last seen at the property shortly before the police operation commenced. An investigation into the officer-involved shooting is now running parallel to the search for the children, as is standard procedure.

Urgent Search for Missing Children

The focus swiftly shifted to the whereabouts of 8-year-old Ember Ropata and 10-year-old Tama Ropata. The NZ Police have classified their disappearance as a high-priority case, expressing grave concerns for their well-being due to the rugged terrain and dropping overnight temperatures.

Detective Inspector Tane Williams, leading the investigation, stated, “Our absolute priority right now is locating Ember and Tama safely. We have every available resource dedicated to this search.” The operation involves:

• Police Search and Rescue (SAR) teams
• Specialist dog units trained in tracking
• The Eagle helicopter conducting aerial sweeps
• Land-based patrols searching rural roads, sheds, and vacant properties

The search area is vast and challenging, encompassing dense bush, farmland, and a rugged coastline. Police are working under the assumption the children may have fled the property in fear during the confrontation and could be lost, hiding, or have been picked up by an unknown associate of their father.

NZ Police Appeal for Public Information

In a press conference held this afternoon, Detective Inspector Williams made a direct appeal to the public. “The NZ Police need the community’s help. We are asking residents in the wider Te Kaha, Waihau Bay, and Ōpōtiki areas to be our eyes and ears,” he urged. “Please, check your properties, your outbuildings, your sheds, and any vehicles. The children are likely scared and will be trying to stay hidden.”

Police are particularly interested in any sightings of a dark blue 2004 Holden Commodore, registration LPH452, which was seen near the property around the time of the incident. It is unclear if this vehicle is connected to the children’s disappearance, but it remains a strong line of inquiry.

Ember is described as having long brown hair and was last seen wearing a pink hoodie and jeans. Tama has short, dark hair and was wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and track pants. Police have released recent photographs of the children to aid in the search.

Community on High Alert

The news has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit East Cape community. Local residents have been organizing volunteer search parties, coordinating with police to ensure their efforts are effective and do not interfere with the official operation. Social media has been flooded with messages of support and shares of the children’s photos.

Local iwi and community leaders are providing support to both the search efforts and the wider community, which is reeling from the violent incident and the distressing disappearance of the children. “This is a beautiful but unforgiving landscape,” one local resident told reporters. “We are all praying they are found safe and sound, and quickly.” The community is on high alert, with many leaving out water and blankets on their porches in the hope the children might find them.

This incident highlights the dangers faced by frontline officers and the profound impact such events have on families and communities. For more news on similar events, you can visit our crime section.

What To Do If You Have Information

The NZ Police stress that the public should not approach the children or any suspicious individuals directly, but should instead report any information immediately. Time is of the essence, and any detail, no matter how small, could be the key to bringing Ember and Tama home safely.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the children or who may have seen the blue Holden Commodore is urged to call 111 immediately and quote file number 250908/1722. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

For those affected by this distressing news, support is available. You can contact Victim Support for free, confidential help and information. The police investigation continues, and further updates are expected as the search progresses into the evening.