R v Erikson - [2025] NZHC 2666

IN THE HIGH COURT OF NEW ZEALAND CHRISTCHURCH REGISTRY

I TE KŌTI MATUA O AOTEAROA ŌTAUTAHI ROHE

CRI-2023-009-7536

[2025] NZHC 2666

THE KING

v

MICHAEL JOSEPH AARON ERIKSON

Hearing: 12 September 2025

Appearances:

C R Stuart for Crown

M W Ryan for Defendant (via VMR)

Sentencing Notes:

12 September 2025

SENTENCING NOTES OF EATON J

[1] Michael Erikson, you appear for sentence this morning having pleaded guilty to two representative charges of supplying methamphetamine,1 two charges of possession of methamphetamine for supply,2 one charge of kidnapping,3 and one charge of participating in an organised criminal group.4

Background

[2] You were arrested as part of a police operation into a multi-million-dollar methamphetamine and cocaine supply network, supplying drugs to Christchurch, that was being operated by the Tribesmen Motorcycle Gang (Tribesmen MC) between

1      Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, ss 6(1)(c), (2)(a) and 66; maximum penalty life imprisonment.
2      Sections 6(1)(f), (2)(a) and 66; maximum penalty life imprisonment.
3      Crimes Act 1961, ss 66 and 209(b); maximum penalty 14 years’ imprisonment.
4      Section 98A; maximum penalty 10 years’ imprisonment.

R v ERIKSON [2025] NZHC 2666 [12 September 2025]

September 2021 and October 2023. The Police operation was code named Operation Italian Sky.

[3] The Police obtained surveillance device warrants that allowed them to intercept private communications and to covertly record locations of interest. The Police also executed multiple search warrants that revealed large quantities of cash and the seizure of multiple electronic devices.

[4] Ricky Poa is the National Vice President of the Tribesmen and he and nine co-defendants have now pleaded guilty to charges arising out of this operation and have been sentenced. Within that group is your younger brother, Jaxxon, and your mother, Sherryn Erikson.

[5] Mr Poa was the principal offender. He was the leader and, it is acknowledged, he was the main financial beneficiary of the drug dealing activity. He was primarily responsible for sourcing significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from organised criminal groups in Auckland and elsewhere. Consistent with that role, he did not have the controlled drugs or cash in his physical possession. Instead, he arranged for trusted patched members and gang associates, including yourself, to manage the transportation of the drugs and the storage of the cash and drugs.

[6] You were, and as at today I understand still are, a patched member of the Tribesmen MC. The summary of facts tells me that you were Mr Poa’s most loyal and reliable associate. It records that you had, and I cannot quite tell whether you still have, his nickname, “Sarge”, tattooed on your face. You worked very closely with your brother, who was a prospect. He worked under your direction and influence. The summary of facts describes you both as soldiers or workers for Mr Poa.

[7] You have pleaded guilty to a representative charge of supplying methamphetamine for your involvement in what has been referred to as supply line one. That offending took place over the period from January 2022 through to 17…

Grounds of appeal

[14] The appellant contends that the primary judge erred in finding that the respondent had discharged the onus of establishing the matters required under the relevant provision.

[15] It was submitted that his Honour failed to give adequate weight to the evidence of the second witness, and that the findings of fact were not reasonably open on the material before the Court.

[16] The respondent, for its part, submits that no error is disclosed, and that the conclusions reached were well within the range of outcomes available to the primary judge.

Consideration

[17] It is convenient to deal first with the question of construction, as the resolution of that issue informs the remaining grounds advanced by the appellant.

[18] For the reasons that follow, we are of the view that the appeal should be allowed in part and the matter remitted for further determination.

Continue reading R v Erikson

Details

AGLC: R v Erikson [2025] NZHC 2666
Case: [2025] NZHC 2666
Decision Date: 12 September 2025

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Michael Joseph Aaron Erikson was sentenced by Eaton J for his involvement in a multi-million-dollar methamphetamine and cocaine supply network operated by the Tribesmen Motorcycle Gang in Christchurch. Erikson pleaded guilty to two representative charges of supplying methamphetamine, two charges of possession of methamphetamine for supply, one charge of kidnapping, and one charge of participating in an organised criminal group. The court considered the gravity of Erikson's offending, his personal culpability, and the guidelines for Class A drug dealing when determining the sentence. The starting point for Erikson's sentence was 16 years and nine months' imprisonment, with a total deduction of 50 per cent for guilty pleas, personal background factors, and rehabilitation prospects. The final sentence was eight years and four months' imprisonment for the drug charges, 15 months' imprisonment for the kidnapping charge, and two years' imprisonment for participating in an organised criminal group, to be served concurrently. Erikson will be eligible for early release on parole after serving one-third of the sentence.

Orders