Police investigating the death of a man in Kaitaia on New Year's Eve have turned their attention to Mongrel Mob members.
Detective Inspector Kevin Burke said the gang members were attending a wedding in Bonnetts Road, where Lee Rata was assaulted. He died of his injuries on New Year's Day.
Officers executed search warrants in the Northland township of Moerewa this morning.
Mr Burke said they made arrests on unrelated matters, including drug dealing, assault and dishonesty.
One man has been charged with murder and was remanded in custody after appearing in court yesterday. He has name suppression.