US man accused in Auckland courier killing faces extradition from California
A United States national accused of travelling to New Zealand to carry out a murder before fleeing the country is now the subject of an extradition process from California.
Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi, 26, from California, has been charged in connection with the August 2024 killing of Auckland courier driver Tuipulotu Vi.
Police allege Tangi travelled to New Zealand to carry out the shooting before returning to the United States days later.
Details of the alleged connection between Tangi and the killing had been suppressed for months. On Friday, Judge Yelena Yelavich lifted the suppression orders, allowing further information about the case to be reported.
Vi, 59, was shot on Marvon Downs Avenue in Pakuranga Heights while working as a courier driver. Police believe he may not have been the intended target.
Investigators allege the killing was linked to individuals connected to criminal networks operating outside New Zealand.
Authorities say Tangi left New Zealand shortly after the shooting.
Just days later, on August 27, police in Oakley, California, responded to reports of another shooting. Officers found a man who had been shot multiple times after returning home and exiting his vehicle.
Witnesses reported seeing a suspect fleeing in a dark Ford F-150. After a short pursuit involving spike strips, police arrested Tangi.
The victim in the California shooting survived.
Tangi now faces charges in California including attempted murder, shooting at an occupied vehicle and firearm possession. He has pleaded not guilty and is expected to go to trial next month.
New Zealand police say he is also the subject of an extradition request relating to the Auckland killing.
Counties Manukau CIB Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers confirmed authorities are working with United States officials.
“We are working with the relevant authorities in relation to this,” he said.
Police say Tangi is the third person charged in connection with Vi’s death as part of Operation Block.
Two other people are already before the courts in New Zealand.
Court documents allege Tangi acted with others involved in the plot.
The Hayward area of California, where Tangi lived, is home to a large Tongan community with strong connections to families in Auckland and Tonga.
Members of Auckland’s Tongan community described the killing as deeply distressing.
One community member, speaking anonymously, said the case had shocked many.
“Tuipulotu was a hard-working man in the community,” the source said.
“It’s heartbreaking for the family and the wider community.”
In California, a spokesperson for the local District Attorney confirmed authorities are aware of the New Zealand extradition warrant.
They said the extradition process would likely proceed after the California criminal case is completed.
Tangi’s lawyer declined to comment.
The US Embassy in Wellington and the FBI also declined to comment on the investigation.
For the family of Tuipulotu Vi, the case continues to span two countries and multiple investigations as they seek answers over the death of the Auckland courier driver.
Melino Maka
