Know your rights is the message from Tania Kahaki after she complained to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and won.
Last year, her home was searched by police looking for methamphetamine, but it wasn't until after arriving home from work that she noticed the damage to her house and vehicle.
“I got home from work to find all the doors open, the driver's window to our vehicle smashed and yeah straight away I thought the house got burgled,” says Kahaki.
A police search warrant was left in the kitchen. Police told Kahaki that they were searching for a methamphetamine laboratory. During the search, the engine of her truck was damaged.
Kahaki says, “It's an emotional thing to go through, seeing all over the place. Yeah then we found mousse cream all in our dresser draws.”
Darrin O'Donnell was serving his last week with the New Zealand Police at that time and he has been charged. We understand that police have apologised in person to Kahaki and her family. She however, holds no grudge.
Kahaki says, “I do feel that because I have made this complaint that maybe I'll be targeted by police, get pulled over all the time, but that hasn't happen.”
She also urges that you should not be afraid to stand up for your rights.
Police have paid for damages done during the police search.